MSOCSC SOCIAL SCIENCE (RIGHTS AND SOCIAL POLICY) Part-Time

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Maynooth University

Program Overview

The MSocSc in Social Science (Rights and Social Policy) at Maynooth University is a two‑year, full‑time postgraduate program that equips students with advanced knowledge of social rights, welfare systems, and policy analysis. It suits graduates who want to deepen their expertise in social justice, rights‑based approaches, and comparative social policy, preparing them for careers in public administration, NGOs, advocacy, and international organisations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students begin with core modules such as Social Policy Analysis and Rights and Social Policy, which introduce key frameworks for understanding welfare systems, rights‑based approaches, and comparative policy debates. Alongside this, modules in Research Methods in Social Science provide training in both qualitative and quantitative approaches, ensuring students can design and evaluate policy research effectively.

Year 2

The second year focuses on advanced thematic areas and independent research. Students engage with modules such as Comparative Social Policy and Policy Evaluation Methods, applying their skills to contemporary issues like poverty, health, education, and social exclusion. The program culminates in a substantial MSocSc Dissertation, where students conduct original research under supervision, often linked to career ambitions in governance, advocacy, or international organisations.

Focus Areas

Social rights, welfare systems, comparative social policy, poverty and exclusion, health and education policy, policy evaluation methods.

Learning Outcomes

Critical understanding of rights‑based approaches, advanced policy analysis skills, ability to design and evaluate social research, transferable skills for careers in public administration, NGOs, and advocacy organisations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This program is a NFQ Level 9 Major Award, fully recognised across Europe and internationally. It aligns with professional pathways in social policy research, public administration, NGOs, and international organisations.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Maynooth University is consistently ranked among Ireland’s leading universities, with strong graduate employability outcomes. The Department of Applied Social Studies is highly regarded for its expertise in social policy and social professions, ensuring graduates are well‑prepared for both academic progression and professional practice.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the part‑time MSocSc in Social Science (Rights and Social Policy) at Maynooth University gain practical, career‑ready skills by engaging directly with contemporary social policy debates and rights‑based frameworks. The program is designed to balance academic study with professional commitments, while still offering access to Maynooth’s strong research culture, digital tools, and practitioner‑led seminars. You’ll learn not only how to critically analyse policy but also how to apply research methods and rights‑based approaches to real‑world challenges.

Experiential Learning

Because the program emphasises applied learning, you’ll be immersed in activities that connect theory with practice. From group seminars to advanced research projects, you’ll develop hands‑on experience that prepares you for careers in public administration, NGOs, and advocacy. Here’s how experiential learning is embedded in the part‑time MSocSc Social Science (Rights and Social Policy):

Applied Coursework: Modules such as Social Policy Analysis and Rights and Social Policy require students to evaluate real policy frameworks, case studies, and rights‑based approaches, simulating professional analysis.
Group Seminars and Collaborative Projects: Students participate in seminars that debate issues like redistribution, recognition, and social justice, building teamwork and communication skills.
Digital Research Tools: Training in Research Methods in Social Science includes the use of statistical and bibliographic software, supporting evidence‑based policy evaluation.
Independent Dissertation: Over the two‑year part‑time pathway, students complete a substantial dissertation project, supervised by faculty experts, often aligned with professional interests in governance, advocacy, or social justice.
Library and Archives: Access to Maynooth University’s John Paul II Library provides extensive social science databases, EU policy documentation, and digital archives, ensuring students can work with primary sources.
Department of Applied Social Studies: The program is delivered within a department known for its engagement with social professions, offering opportunities to attend guest lectures and practitioner‑led seminars.
Policy Engagement: Coursework incorporates current Irish and European policy debates, encouraging students to connect theory with practice and apply learning to contemporary challenges.
Part‑Time Flexibility: The two‑year pathway allows students to integrate experiential learning with professional work, applying insights from modules directly to their careers.

This combination of applied coursework, collaborative seminars, digital tools, and practitioner engagement ensures that part‑time students graduate with both academic expertise and practical skills to progress into professional roles or further postgraduate study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSocSc in Social Science (Rights and Social Policy) at Maynooth University are equipped to take on impactful roles in public administration, NGOs, advocacy organisations, and international agencies. Typical career paths include social policy researcher, NGO project officer, public sector analyst, or rights‑based advocacy specialist. The program’s strong emphasis on applied research and rights‑focused frameworks ensures you’ll graduate with both academic expertise and practical skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Your qualification from Maynooth University positions you for success in both professional and academic settings:

Career Services Support: Maynooth’s Career Development Centre offers tailored career coaching, CV and interview workshops, employer networking events, and access to graduate opportunities across Ireland and Europe. Students also benefit from guidance on progression into professional postgraduate programs and research pathways.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Maynooth University consistently reports strong graduate employability, with over 90% of graduates employed or in further study within nine months. Postgraduates in applied social sciences achieve competitive salaries, reflecting demand for policy and rights expertise.
University–Industry Partnerships: The Department of Applied Social Studies maintains strong links with social professions, NGOs, and public agencies. Students benefit from practitioner‑led seminars and exposure to current Irish and European policy debates.
Long‑Term Accreditation Value: Awarded as a NFQ Level 9 Major Award, the qualification is fully recognised across Europe and internationally, ensuring long‑term career mobility and eligibility for professional training programs.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have progressed into roles in public administration, NGOs, advocacy organisations, and international bodies, while others have successfully advanced into doctoral research in social policy and sociology.

Further Academic Progression

After completing the MSocSc in Social Science (Rights and Social Policy), students may continue their studies through doctoral research at Maynooth University. The program provides the academic foundation for entry into a PhD in Social Policy, Sociology, or Applied Social Studies, enabling graduates to pursue academic careers or high‑level research roles in think tanks, NGOs, and international organisations.