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Maynooth University Department of Applied Social Studies

Qualification : HIGHER DIPLOMA

Award Type and NFQ level : HIGHER DIPLOMA (8)

CAO/MU Apply code : MHB61

CAO Points :

Closing Date : 30 June 2025

The Higher Diploma in Social Policy is a ‘transition’ or ‘conversion’ programme that is open to graduates of all disciplines who wish to acquire honours degree-level knowledge and credentials in social policy. They may wish to do so in order to progress to postgraduate study in social policy or so as to gain sufficient credits in social policy to qualify for entry to certain professional programmes, including postgraduate training in social work.

The HDipSP allows a student who already has an honours degree, but has not taken the subject of social policy previously, to acquire 60 ECTS credits in social policy, over one year full-time or two years part-time, by selecting from the existing undergraduate degree programme (years 1-3) in the Department of Applied Social Studies.

Additional Information

Entry requirements: 

Minimum honours 2.2 grade in a bachelors (NFQ Level 8) degree (any discipline).

Minimum English language requirements:
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Career options: 

Graduates will be well placed to apply for postgraduate education and training programmes in social work and the other social professions, provided they also have the requisite practical experience and aptitudes. They may also progress to postgraduate study and research in the applied social sciences. Like other social policy graduates they will have acquired knowledge and skills that are well suited to work in management and public administration, the NGO sector, journalism, the media and advocacy.

Online application only. To make an application please click here

To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, please ensure you have the following documents to make an application: 

  • Evidence of your primary degree 
  • Academic transcripts 
  • A copy of your passport 
  • A personal statement   

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants. 

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