Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Social Studies

Draft Content – new website

1. Programme name (it’s an opening or ‘About’ section of the programme which includes a brief description of the programme, why it’s unique,what are the target students for this programme,etc).

VIDEO

This level 9 academic postgraduate course, delivered online, aims to provide graduates from all disciplines with the opportunity to develop their understanding of the role that social policies play in developing functioning and just societies. A second year leading to a M.Sc. in Applied Social Studies is available to eligible candidates who have completed the Postgraduate Diploma.

Students will consider the role of social policy in addressing some of the ‘wicked problems’ that contemporary societies face. Wicked problems are complex interdependent problems such as crime and poverty, which are often resistant to the policy solutions put in place by governments. Students will be exposed to the arguments for developing policy interventions in areas such as social security, health and housing, and the challenges of implementing and changing policy in these areas at a national and global level.

Whether you are interested in social work, social policy, social care, or social change this course will provide you with new knowledge and perspectives. The programme attracts individuals from the public, private and community and voluntary sectors who want a sound grasp of the principles that underpin social policy and social service provision. This includes those:

  • delivering and managing social service provision e.g. housing, health, child and family and disability services
  • designing, developing or funding social policy
  • advocating for social policy change
  • who require an understanding of social problems and social policy responses to fulfil their organisation’s corporate social responsibility commitments
  • seeking career change or career development
  • interested in further study

The programme has particular appeal to graduates who wish to pursue a Masters programme in social work, social studies and social policy but who do not have an undergraduate qualification in these fields. This online Postgraduate Diploma can act as a conversion course for such graduates and enhance their application for specialised programme such as a Masters in Social Work. The programme will also appeal to applicants from outside Ireland, in particular North America, who wish to study in Ireland’s leading university with expertise in Irish, EU and global social policy.

This course provides students with a stimulating online learning experience by creating a structured yet flexible learning approach. The place of study is flexible as online delivery allows students to engage in learning activities at home or in the workplace and there is no requirement to attend at the Trinity campus in Dublin. Students get weeklyonline access to learning materials and must study these materials and complete activities set each week by the lecturer. At the end of the week, all students log in at the same time to an online tutorial where they have the opportunity to engage with their fellow students and lecturers.

Please click here for information on Being an Online Student.[JB1]

The Online Learning Experience

Online learning is a flexible and effective way to study. Successful online learners are organised, connected, engaged and motivated. Developing these habits early on will allow you to get the most out of your studies.

The flexibility afforded by online learning does not mean that you can or should let things drift.As you may be working or caring for family alongside your studies, it is crucial that you develop both a weekly and term schedule that takes into account both regular and periodic learning requirements of the course as well as the other commitments in your life.

To develop a weekly schedule you should take into account that materials are normally released on Friday evening and that the live tutorial takes place the following Thursday. Between these two days, alongside your other commitments in life, you need to find the time to complete all of that week’s learning tasks. Between Friday and Thursday your weekly schedule should cover all weekly learning requirements e.g. watching presentations and videos, finding and reading reference materials, posting to the blog or discussion forum.

Your semester schedule should take into account the periodic learning requirements e.g. the time to research, consider, write and edit assignments. Pay careful attention to the submission date for assessments as you will be penalised if you are late. For many students the time around assessment submission is associated with a high intensity of work so if you can, reducing other commitments at these times may be of benefit.

Without the physical stimulus of sitting in class a few times a week, online students need to be particularly aware of the sources of distraction when studying.Aligning your schedule with your motivation will help to reduce these distractions.Actively contributing to the online community on your course is also advisable as colleagues can help you to benchmark your progress, help you over any learning bumps and share their successful strategies for managing their time and learning.[JB2]

2. Programme Structure & Content (this section should include course details on the calendar and delivery / modules, work placements (if applicable), assessment, course handbooks, etc).

The Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Social Studies is a level 9 academic, postgraduate diploma offered as a one year online programme. With 60 ECTS credits the workload is high, however as students are not required to be on campus they have a lot of control over when they learn allowing them the flexibility to combine work and study. The programme consists of the following seven modules and runs over three 10 week terms from September until June.

  1. Principles of Social Policy (10 ECTS)
  2. Contemporary Social Policy Debates and Analysis (10 ECTS)
  3. Managing Change in Social Systems (10 ECTS)
  4. Criminology (10 ECTS)
  5. The Family and Society (10 ECTS)
  6. Introduction to Disability Studies (5 ECTS)
  7. Introduction to Social Work (5 ECTS)

There are no terminal examinations on the course. A range of continuous assessment methods are used including projects, blogs, reflective journals, essays and case studies.

3. Programme Staff(names and details of teaching staff).

Principles of Social Policy / Dr Ann Nolan
Contemporary Social Policy Debates and Analysis / Dr Ann Nolan
Managing Change in Social Systems / Dr Julie Byrne
Criminology / Prof Eoin O’Sullivan
The Family and Society / Dr Stephanie Holt
Introduction to Social Work / Ms Maeve Foreman
Introduction to Disability Studies / Dr Edurne Garcia Iriarte

4. Entry Requirements & How to Apply(any relevant information on required documentation, submitting applications, selection criteria, etc).

The programme is open to graduates from all disciplines. Successful applicants will normally hold a level 8 degree in any subject at a minimum of Lower Second Class Honours degree (2.2).

Applications are completed electronically and require the following documentation:

  • Application Form completed onlinehere
  • 2 Reference Letters - applicants are not required to get two hard copy references. You must list two referee contact details on the online application form. An automated email will be sent to both referees asking them to complete a template and send it back. (It is preferable that references are either academic or professional)
  • Official Transcripts - a transcript is a breakdown of the modules you completed and the grades you obtained. Please contact your University to request a transcript as soon as possible as some Universities can take up to 21 days to process transcripts. (This includes undergraduate transcripts and graduate transcripts if applicable)
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • 1 current photo (headshot). Please ensure it is a clear picture with a plain background.(It is preferable that it is in jpeg format)

Next Intake: September 2016
Closing Date: 31st May 2016

Applications are now open and places are offered to suitable applicants as and when they apply. This means the course can fill in advance of the closing date so interested applicants are strongly advised to apply early as when the course is full, applicants will be placed on a waiting list.

Apply now

5. Fees(fees for EU and non-EU students, information on application or other additional fees).

Click here for fee information, how to pay, and fee regulations [A3]

6. Careers & Alumni(this section shouldoutline some potential future /career opportunities, testimonials from former students, etc.)

The programme attracts individuals from the public, private and community and voluntary sectors who want a sound grasp of the principles that underpin social policy and social service provision. This includes those:

  • delivering and managing social service provision e.g. housing, health, child and family and disability services
  • designing, developing or funding social policy
  • advocating for social policy change
  • who require an understanding of social problems and social policy responses to fulfil their organisation’s corporate social responsibility commitments
  • seeking career change – e.g the programmes acts as a conversion course for those without a social science degree who want to be a social worker and must apply for a Masters in Social Work
  • seeking career development - e.g. promotion in social services delivery or management
  • interested in further study –graduates have progressed to the one year online M.Sc. in Applied Social Studies[JB4], the Masters in Applied Social Research, Masters in Social Work within Trinity and to other programmes in Ireland and the UK.

Testimonials from Course Evaluation

100% of those who participated in the course evaluation said that they had a high-quality experience on the course. Some quotes from the course evaluation:

‘I thought the standard of the course and the quality of the lectures were very high’

‘I have thoroughly enjoyed the course. I felt that the lectures and material were provided to the highest quality.’

‘Overall the course is fantastic.’

‘I was so pleased with the course, it was well structured’

‘It suited me perfectly with work commitments and I would happily recommend it to anyone, in fact I have done so already.’

‘I felt that it was flexible enough that when obstacles arose that prevented me from attending the online tutorials, I was still able to review and catch up at a later date. The provision of all of the materials and additional materials in the 'Extend' folder so that they were accessible really enhanced my learning, and let me get a good overview/revision of what we had covered up until that point.’

‘I found the course very challenging and stimulating and very worthwhile as I learned a lot both personally and from a work perspective’

‘It was a very good course and it has provided me with the skills for going on a Masters programme.’

‘This was an excellent introduction to Social Studies. The variety of modules was comprehensive and it was a very stimulating course.’

‘I really felt that the lecturers were interested in us and in our comments. The lecturers' enthusiasm for their field shone through in their tutorials.’

‘Great staff all round, from the lecturers, technical help and admin support staff.’

Testimonial Videos from Graduation[JB5]

M.Sc. in Applied Social Studies

This online programme is offered as a one year top-up programme to graduates who have already undertaken the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Social Studies and achieved an average of 60%. The M.Sc.provides graduates from the Postgraduate Diploma with the opportunity to research a specific aspect of social policy or the provision of social services which is essential to the development of a healthy functioning society. Students have a high degree of flexibility in choosing the research topic which may be of relevance to theirwork, volunteering or research interests. Successful graduate of the M.Sc. in Applied Social Studies are eligible to apply for PhD level study.

Building on their understanding of the complex and interdependent ‘wicked problems’ faced by contemporary societies, M.Sc. students will:

  • Devise, develop and complete a substantial, intellectually challenging research project related to the field of study
  • Sustain a coherent argument that draws on an engagement with and critical appraisal of existing knowledge relevant to the research project
  • Relate the specific research topic appropriately to wider issues, debates or concerns in the general fields of social studies and social policy.

Students will be allocated research supervisor on the basis of ashort research proposal which is submitted as part of the application process. The M.Sc. comprises a series of online lectures on Research Methodology (October – December) and online contact with the student’s assigned supervisor (October – June). During the year with the support of their supervisor and research methodology lecturer, students develop a research question and prepare and implement a research design to investigate a topic of interest. The research process culminates in the completion of a dissertation (approximately 20,000 words) submitted in June.

To earn the award of M.Sc. in Applied Social Studies, students much attain an average of 60% or higher in the Postgraduate Diploma (60 ECTS) and a pass mark in the Masters Dissertation (30 ECTS).

7. Contact Us(contact details)

Dr. Stephanie Holt, Course Director

+353-1-896 3908

Dr. Julie Byrne, Course Coordinator

+353-1-896 4648

Laura Cusack, Course Administrator

+353-1-896 3593

[JB1]CHECK WITH SYLVIA Link to Online Education site hopefully with video giving a brief insight into the learning environment.

[JB2] This is what we have at the moment but it would be good to replace it with video or other content from the Online Education Unit.

[A3]Insert link to AR site

[JB4]Insert link to paragraph below

[JB5]CHECK WITH SYLVIA We will need the testimonial videos from graduation day here