MA in Social Studies
Programme Outline
The MA in Social Studies is an 18 month, four semester (Level 9) taught programme which aims to develop skilled social science researchers and critically-minded social studies thinkers who will have a direct impact in the ongoing development of the Knowledge Society. The programme builds on the strengths developed over many years in the School of Humanities in the area of social care and social studies. It offers an interdisciplinary approach to the advanced understanding of human beings in contemporary society in relation their social, economic, political and cultural contexts. It brings together the interdisciplinary teaching strengths of lecturing staff in the social sciences at WIT; Sociology, Psychology, Social Policy, Criminal Justice Studies; Theology and Religious Studies as well as Systemic and Reflective Learning. This programme also relates strategically to the core research activity of the Centre for Social and Family Research in the Department of Applied Arts: Ethnicity and Migration, Masculinities, Child Centred Research, Theology and Religious Studies.
Programme Aims
The aim of the Masters in Social Studies to enhance students’ knowledge, skills and abilities to:
· engage meaningfully in contemporary debates in social studies
· critically reflect on themselves and others, at both personal and socio-political levels in order to contribute to society and community
· successfully manage social science research
Unique Aspects of the Programme
The philosophy and learning strategy of this programme are underpinned by three distinct aspects:
· Interdisciplinarity: an interdisciplinary focus on teaching, leaning and assessment
· Reflective learning: supporting and developing students as a self directed learners and social researchers through focusing on critical self reflection and reflective learning processes
· Research informed teaching and learning: teaching and learning that is informed by current and critically engaged research at the frontiers in each of the subject areas.
Career Opportunities
Graduates could expect that their programme related careers would be enhanced, whether they work in policy development, social work, social care or pastoral care. They will be skilled social researchers, capable of moving into leadership and management positions through acquiring competencies in advanced critical and reflective learning, seeing making connections between various aspects of society and proposing relevant and workable solutions.
Structure of the Programme
This 120 credit level 9 programme is offered over four semesters. Semesters 1 and 2 comprise of taught modules including specific research modules. Semesters 3 and 4 allow for greater student centred learning by focusing on the dissertation and wider choices in elective modules.
| Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
Semester 3 |
Semester 4 |
| Social Policy & Justice in a Globalised World (10 credit |
Gender, Work & Parenting Comparative Penology and the Secondary Effects of Imprisonment (10 credits) |
Thesis Proposal (10 credits) |
Dissertation (30 credits) |
| Critical & Reflective Learning (5 credits) |
Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative (10 credits) | Do a Literature Review (10 credits) | |
| Philosophy of Social Research (5 credits) |
Choice of Two 5 Credit electives from: | Advanced Research Seminars (5 credits) |
|
|
Comparative Criminal Justice Systems (10 credits) OR Constructing Identities: Transition, Difference & Belonging (10 credits) |
Sociology of Religion (5 credits) |
Dissertation Preparation, Proposal and Literature Review (5 credits) | |
| The Sociology of Intoxication (5 credits) | |||
| Contemporary Spirituality (5 credits) | |||
| Faith, Community & Society (5 credits) | |||
|
Learning Organisations (5 credits) |
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| Men and Masculinities (5 credits) | |||
| Professionalism and Social Change (5 credits) | |||
| Rehabilitation, Reintegration and Desistance (5 credits) | |||
| Social Citizenship 21st Century (5 credits) | |||
| The Child as a Victim (5 credits) |
Entry Requirements
Graduates require a minimum 2.2 undergraduate honours degrees in Social Science or Humanities related areas to apply directly to this Level 9 MA programme.
International Applicants
In addition to the above, direct international applicants whose first language is not English must hold TOEFL (600)/IELTS (6.5 – 7.5) English Language requirement standard or equivalent
How To Apply
All applications are through the online application facility at www.pac.ie
Academic Queries
Mr. Peter Simpson, Email: psimpson@wit.ie
MA in Social Studies flyer
(PDF, 190KB)