MSc in Health and Social Inclusion
The MSc in Health and Social Inclusion (Level 9 NFQ, 90 ECTS) is a two-year, part-time, programme.
The MSc degree in Health and Social Inclusion responds to two of the most urgent issues facing us today: health inequities and social exclusion. Many people experience health and social marginalisation as a result of factors such as poverty, ethnicity, sex and gender identification/practice, age, addiction, non-normative behaviour, illness and disability. In contemporary societies, marginalisation and social exclusion have severe and enduring effects on the health and social wellbeing of many individuals and communities; people who are marginalised experience poorer health outcomes and are more likely to encounter social deprivation than non-marginalised populations.
Considering these important health and societal issues, the DCU School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health (SNPCH), is offering a unique, interdisciplinary programme to develop experts to tackle health disparities and social exclusion through practice, leadership, and research.
Students will graduate from this programme capable of
- identifying and analysing the major underlying causes of health inequities and social exclusion
- designing, implementing and evaluating interventions to improve community health engagement and social wellbeing
- demonstrating advanced skills in health and social inclusion leadership, research and practice development.
This programme is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
The DCU MSc in Health and Social inclusion programme is delivered part-time over two years across four semesters. The course is offered in a blended format to facilitate work life balance. Typically, students attend classes on DCU Glasnevin Campus on two days per month combined with online learning. This unique, interdisciplinary programme aims to develop expertise in tacking health disparities and social exclusion through leadership, practice development and research. The programme is suitable for individuals including but not limited to those working with marginalised people in health and social care settings, community, voluntary and non-governmental organisations.
Topic areas include:
- Frameworks and strategies for tackling health inequities and social exclusion
- Leadership, management and innovation in health and social care practice
- Health promotion for marginalised populations
- Research methods and programme evaluation
Many of our students are based in healthcare or social support services and wish to develop professionally within their chosen practice area. Others may want to pursue academic, research or policy development careers. This programme offers students a choice of undertaking a research dissertation or a practice development project, allowing students to tailor the programme for their chosen career path. This two-year, part-time programme is delivered in a flexible, blended-learning format using a mix of face-to-face, online learning activities and learning in the practice context (if appropriate). Our small cohorts make it possible for local and international mentoring from faculty and practice supervisors who have a wide range of expertise in the promotion of health and social inclusion.
The MSc in Health and Social Inclusion is delivered using a blended learning format.
Synchronous
Typically, students attend classes on DCU Glasnevin Campus on two days per month.
The synchronous online content will be delivered on Zoom and (typically) scheduled for specific
Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6-8pm) throughout the semester. The detailed semester and module schedule will be made available in September.
Asynchronous Delivery
Each module will have a set of online and directed learning material (webinars, online tasks, tutorials) that students can complete independently.
Independent Study
As is typical of postgraduate study, students will engage in independent study of relevant issues and
ideas raised during the module. Participants will be expected to engage in reading and critical review
of literature relevant to each module.
The programme’s graduates will enjoy employment in a range of sectors including health and social care settings, health promotion, health-related statutory services, non-governmental organisations, academic sectors, and/or pursue further doctorate-level studies.
Requirements
Applicants will typically hold a (NFQ) Level 8 Honours Degree with a H2.1 or equivalent in a relevant discipline, for example: nursing, medicine, psychology, social work, public/community health; health and society; addiction studies, nutrition and dietetics or cognate discipline.
In line with DCU’s (2019) Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, candidates who do not have the appropriate level of academic attainment for direct entry may apply for access via the Recognition of Prior Learning process (RPL).
Prior learning may be formal accredited learning or experiential/uncertified learning which includes the knowledge, skills and personal qualities acquired through life, work experience and study which are not formally attested. Prospective students may apply through the RPL route if they meet one or more of the following entry requirements:
- Relevant learning, qualifications and experience within their RPL application
- Holding a position or role related to health or social care, health and social inclusion promotion, or a related area
- Holding an appointment or professional position in the domain
- Professional qualifications in the domain, with clear articulation of intention to progress to work in the domain.