MSocSc by Thesis
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Master of Social Science (by thesis) in Applied Social Science (in the area of Social Policy or Social Work)
The School of Applied Social Science offers a MSocSc by major thesis in Applied Social Science (in the area of Social Policy or Social Work). This is a two year programme by independent research, leading to the production of a thesis.
Programme Structure
Candidates for the MSocSc Degree by major thesis must work in the University under the supervision of the School for at least six terms and attend such general courses as the Head of School may decide. The subject of the thesis must be approved by the Head of School. Students may also be required to attend a number of taught modules specifically for research students. At the successful completion of a minimum of one year, and following satisfactory review, students may apply for transfer to the PhD programme. The MSocSc Degree may be awarded at First or Second Class Honours or Pass.
Admission Requirements
The standard for entry is a level 8 BSocSc degree, or equivalent level 8 degree in Social Science, at First Class Honours or Second Class Honours, Grade I (GPA 3.08 or above). Students applying for the MSocSc by major thesis in the area of Social Policy must have studied Social Policy in depth in the primary degree. Students applying for the MSocSc by major thesis in the area of Social Work must also hold a professional qualification in social work (National Qualification in Social Work or equivalent).
Application Procedure
There are two parts to the application procedure:
1. Download and complete an application form. This document also contains a checklist and guidelines for your research proposal.
Click here for application form. Please complete this form in typescript.
Click here for Word 2003 version.
Click here for a PDF version of the Application Form
2. Two copies of a research proposal should be submitted by post to Catherine Baulch, School of Applied Social Science, UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4. The proposal should be not more than 2,500 words in length and should contain:
* A clear statement of the issue which it is proposed to research
* The objective of the research
* The research design
* Sources of data
* A bibliography
Supporting documents required are original transcripts of your academic qualifications (if a non UCD graduate), a photocopy of your social work professional qualification, if applicable, two original references (one of which must be an academic reference from your home university), a photocopy of your birth certificate or personal details page from your passport, and a full curriculum vitae.
English Language Requirements
If your primary language is not English, and your primary degree was not undertaken in the English language, you will be required to show evidence of English language ability. You will normally be required to have a minimum IELTS score of 7.0, or its equivalent on other similar English language tests recognised by UCD, with a score of 6.5 or above on all individual bands.
Closing Date
Masters by major thesis studies normally commence in September, but on occasion applicants may be permitted to enter in January. The closing date is 1st May for entry the following September and 1st October for entry the following January. Late applications may be accepted at the discretion of the Head of School should places remain.
For an informal discussion of a possible application, you may wish to contact the programme director, Dr Michelle Norris, email: michelle.norris@ucd.ie who would be happy to discuss this with you.
Further information can be obtained from the following websites:
* Regulations for research Masters degrees
* College of Human Sciences Graduate School, including information on taught modules
* Research and Development Professional Plan
* Policy on PhD Stage 1 Transfer Assessment