Higher Diploma in Arts - Social Policy in Cork Ireland | University College Cork

The Higher Diploma in Social Policy serves as a conversion program, providing essential knowledge in social policy for graduates without a social science background. This program offers flexible study options, available either as a full-time one-year course or part-time over two years (daytime study).

This curriculum situates social policy within the broader framework of social sciences. It is especially valuable for individuals aiming to pursue advanced professional programs like the Master of Social Work.

Core modules cover fundamental subjects such as welfare state development, poverty and social marginalization, social policy theory, and housing insecurity. Students also select three elective modules from diverse fields including social work practice, community engagement, youth services, mental health, educational policy, gender studies, urban planning, and psychological development.

A key component involves completing an independent 10,000-word research project on a chosen social policy theme (with academic guidance). This desk-based research requires thorough examination of relevant policies and academic literature surrounding the selected topic.