Social Science

• Conducting social research: from design to dissemination. The focus here is on qualitative and quantitative research methods and skills as well as the experience and politics/ethics of conducting social research.
• Social policy debates and processes. Contemporary social policy debates are engaged with in order to strengthen students’ analytical skills in critically evaluating policy-making processes and outcomes.
• Social justice. What does the creation of a more socially just and equitable society mean and entail? The programme addresses this question by examining ideas of social justice and how these are applied in professional practice, policy debates and research.
• Integrating research in organisational contexts. The application of research in organisations receives repeated attention in the modules offered in this programme.

Career

Professionals working in the above areas are increasingly being expected to ground their practice and decision–making in evidence from research and evaluation. The DSocSc programme provides participants with the opportunity to:

• Acquire competency as an autonomous researcher able to undertake and interrogate research and to communicate its outcomes.
• Gain a deeper understanding of theoretical frameworks underpinning the social sciences and social policy and examine how these can bring insights to their own practice and organisation.
• Develop skills in qualitative and qualitative and quantitative research design and methodologies in order to produce reliable primary data, and be able to analyse and critically evaluate primary and secondary data.
• Identify the roles of research and evaluation within organisations and apply existing research findings to issues emerging in the workplace and other relevant contexts.
• Demonstrate intellectual/professional leadership through the use of research as a method of developing organisations and service provision.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

• Philosophies of Social Science
• Research Methods and Skills 1: Qualitative
• Social Policy Debates and Processes
• Research Methods and Skills 2: Quantitative
• The Politics and Ethics of Social Research

Admission requirements

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

• Duolingo English Test: 120
• TOEFL® iBT: 90 (or 4.5 on the new TOEFL iBT 1-6 score, CEFR-aligned, equivalent to the 0-120 score)
• PTE Academic: 63
• OTE (Oxford Test of English): 140
• IELTS: 6.5

Other requirements

General requirements

• A Masters degree in social science, social work, community work, social policy, or a similar relevant subject area;
• At least five years relevant postgraduate, professional experience;
• Basic computer literacy skills and online access.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

• International (non-residents): 2,265 AUD / module (approximately 1,400 EUR / module)
• EU/EEA (EU/EEA nationals): 2,265 AUD / module (approximately 1,400 EUR / module)

The fee of €1,400 is per 15 credit module.

Living costs

Cork, Ireland: 1,392-2,265 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.