Overview

This Social Policy degree course offered by University College Cork gives you a foundation in the study of the welfare state and social services. It is a conversion course for those who don’t hold a social science degree, but wish to apply for the Master of Social Work course. The course also prepares you for entry to other postgraduate courses in the School of Applied Social Studies, UCC, e.g. social policy, planning, youth and community work, social services administration, and child care.

Why Choose This Course

This is the only Higher Diploma Social Policy course in Ireland that combines intensive seminar immersion with the opportunity for field visits to countries such as France, Italy, Germany, and Sweden.

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Programme Structure

Courses include:

Housing and Homelessness

Poverty and Social Exclusion

Politics and Social Policy

Social Policy and Social Theory

Lifespan Development

Check out the full curriculum

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-15 00:00:00 , International

More details

EU - Rolling Deadline

International: Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

63

Schedule a PTE test!

OTE

140

IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

60 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cork, Ireland

Disciplines

Social Policy View 17 other Masters in Social Policy in Ireland

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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

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

63

Schedule a PTE test!

OTE

140

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The Higher Diploma in Social Policy is open to graduates who do not already possess a BSocSc Honours Degree.

Applicants may be required to present for an interview where an overall assessment of their suitability will be made.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University College Cork and/or in Ireland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Make sure you meet all requirements

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Tuition Fees

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

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

18500 EUR / year

≈ 18500 EUR / year
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

6400 EUR / year

≈ 6400 EUR / year

Additional Details

EU Part-Time: 3,300

Living costs

Cork

Ireland

860 - 1400 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Check for any work restrictions

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Social Policy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Why Choose This Course

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Cork

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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