Rights and Social Policy Maynooth University

Overview

The Rights and Social Policy programme from Maynooth University aims to provide students with advanced critical, analytical and research skills in selected substantive areas of social policy, and in the shaping of policy, in contemporary Ireland and more widely. In particular the emphasis is on the interconnections between the themes of rights, recognition and redistribution. Currently, the programme includes taught modules on governance, equality, ageing and criminal justice.

The Rights and Social Policy programme from Maynooth University will provide graduates with: 

• advanced knowledge in critical social policy theory, studies and perspectives; 

• advanced skills in relation to social policy analysis; high levels of competence in social policy research methods;  

• a thorough grounded understanding in areas of rights, governance, equality, ageing and criminal justice issues. Graduates will develop and demonstrate proficiency by completing a supervised research dissertation in a chosen area of interest.

Career Options

Future career prospects include pursuits in policy analysis and social research organisations, employment in policy development in relevant branches of government, research and policy support roles in third sector organisations that seek to shape policy by engaging with policymaking processes.

Former graduates currently hold positions in government departments working in policy capacities, in policy advisory positions in the NGO sector, working for both large and small voluntary sector organisations; graduates work in the statutory sector in state agencies and independent advisory bodies.