Program Overview

Program Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Policy and Practice is a level 9 academic, postgraduate diploma offered as a one-year online programme. With 60 ECTS credits, the workload is high, however, as students are not required to be on campus they have a lot of control over when they learn, allowing them the flexibility to combine work and study.

Course Details

• Awards: NFQ Level 9/60 ECTS credits
• Number of Places: 60 Places
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Course Director: Catherine Elliott O'Dare
• Closing Date: 31st July 2025

Admission Requirements

The programme is open to graduates from all disciplines who are interested in converting to the field of social policy and practice. Successful applicants will hold an NFQ Level-8 degree in any subject at a minimum of lower second-class Honours degree (2.2).

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Structure

The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Policy and Practice is a one-year online programme. The programme consists of the following seven modules and runs over three 10-week terms from September-June:

• Principles of Social Policy
• Contemporary Social Policy Debates and Analysis
• Leading Service Human Organisations
• Disability and Human Rights: Global perspectives
• The Family and Society
• Responding to Homelessness: International Perspectives

Career Opportunities

Our graduates have found employment as social workers in Ireland and internationally, in sectors including TUSLA, Child and Family Agency, Probation Service, Health-Related Social Work, Mental Health Services, Disability Services and Community Development. Others have chosen careers in research, advocacy, service management, and education and training.

Course Fees

For a full list of postgraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section of the university's website.

Is This Course For Me?

The programme will appeal to those responsible for developing, delivering and administering social policies and social services as well as those involved in advocating for policy and service change. It will be of particular interest to graduates with an undergraduate qualification outside of the social science and social studies field wishing to pursue a Masters programme in that field.