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Expand+Course Outline
The Diploma in Social Studies is an interdisciplinary programme designed to introduce you to the social sciences. You will have an opportunity to study sociology, social policy, social psychology, social philosophy and economics. This...
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The Diploma in Social Studies is an interdisciplinary programme designed to introduce you to the social sciences. You will have an opportunity to study sociology, social policy, social psychology, social philosophy and economics. This diversity of disciplines allows you to develop a critical awareness of the key issues that impact on everyday life in contemporary society. In addition, the variety of topics introduced will equip you with the capacity for divergent thinking – a highly desirable attribute in the current economic climate.
Irish society has undergone rapid social change in recent years and the Diploma in Social Studies aims to provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the key trends from a social science perspective. In the first year of the course you are introduced to the key concepts and perspectives in the social sciences. In particular, you will be encouraged to apply sociological concepts to aspects of everyday life; explain change and development as an economist would; appreciate how social psychology explains aspects of human behaviour and the potential to analyse social problems offered by social policy: and suggest improvements to services such as health, housing and education. The ‘Introduction to Academic Writing’ module will give you the opportunity to hone your writing, research and referencing skills.
In the second year of the course you will extend your knowledge of sociology, social policy, social philosophy and economics.
On successful completion of this programme you will have the opportunity to apply for entry into Year 2 of the full time undergraduate Bachelors degree in Social Science in University College Cork.
Why Choose This Course
The course will provide participants with a firm grounding in theoretical areas and enable them to develop a capacity for critical thinking.
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| Subjects Taught |
Expand+Year 1 Modules
AD1868: Introduction to Academic Writing (5 credits)
This module will focus on the key skills required for completing academic assignments. It will provide opportunities for practice in areas such as structure, paragraphing, cohere...
Hide-Year 1 Modules
AD1868: Introduction to Academic Writing (5 credits)
This module will focus on the key skills required for completing academic assignments. It will provide opportunities for practice in areas such as structure, paragraphing, coherence, relevance, referencing and developing arguments.
AP1860: Psychology as a Science (5 credits)
Psychology as a scientific discipline. Introduction to the scientific methods in psychology; historical perspectives on psychology; branches of modern psychology.
EC1803: Markets and Governments: An Introduction to Microeconomics (5 credits)
The role of markets and government in achieving social goals and public policy objectives is examined. The module introduces key economic concepts, through a framework of analysis, on a range of contemporary social problems. This involves an understanding of the economics of the market, the efficiency rationale for government intervention and the various approaches undertaken by government to ensure an efficient allocation of resources.
SC1806: Introduction to Sociology (5 credits)
This module introduces students to the subject of sociology; to the development of modern society; to key people and ideas in sociology; and to issues and problems in contemporary society, both in Ireland and globally.
SS1840: Introduction to Social Policy (10 credits)
Defining social policy, history of Irish social policy, social policy formation in Ireland, analysis of core concepts and ideological perspectives of relevance to key welfare debates.
Year 2 Modules
AP2818: Social Psychology and Development (5 credits)
An introduction to the theories and research in social psychology focusing on the areas of social influence (e.g. inter-group behaviour and conformity) social relations (e.g. group identity and prosocial behaviour) and social thinking (e.g. attitudes and attribution). An introduction to theories and research in development psychology, covering selected aspects of perceptual, motor, cognitive, social and emotional development in childhood, adolescence and adulthood.
EC2802: Markets and Governments: An Introduction to Macroeconomics (5 credits)
The module covers the nature and rationale of government and the role and methods it uses to achieve social goals and public policy objectives. This involves analysing macroeconomic issues such as national income and expenditure accounts, understanding governmental budgetary policies, the drivers of inflation, unemployment measures, the impact of international trade and globalisation, and the role and contribution of banking to the economy.
PH2807: Social Philosophy (5 credits)
Introduction to some key areas in philosophy, including philosophy of mind, ethics and metaphysics.
SC2804: Key Issues in Sociology (10 credits)
This module introduces students to a number of key issues in the discipline of sociology by focusing on debates about the nature of contemporary society such as Globalisation, Politics, Economics, Culture, Environment, Family, Migration, Gender etc.
SS2833: Exploring Irish Social Policy (5 credits)
Social policy and the Irish welfare state; education policy, health policy, housing policy and social protection policy.
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