About MA In Social Studies in Waterford Institute of Technology

The MA in Social Studies is a four semester (Level 9) taught programme which aims to develop skilled social science researchers and critically-minded social studies thinkers who will have a direct impact in the ongoing development of the Knowledge Society. The programme builds on the strengths developed over many years in the School of Humanities in the area of social care and social studies.

It offers an interdisciplinary approach to the advanced understanding of human beings in contemporary society in relation their social, economic, political and cultural contexts.

It brings together the interdisciplinary teaching strengths of lecturing staff in the social sciences at WIT; Sociology, Psychology, Social Policy, Theology and Religious Studies, Systemic and Reflective Learning. This programme also relates strategically to the core research activity of the Centre for Social and Family Research in the Department of Applied Arts: Ethnicity and Migration, Masculinities, Child Centred Research, Theology and Religious Studies.

Programme Aims

The aim of the Masters in Social Studies to enhance students’ knowledge, skills and abilities to:

• engage meaningfully in contemporary debates in social studies

• critically reflect on themselves and others, at both personal and socio-political levels in order to contribute to society and community

• successfully manage social science research

Unique Aspects of the Programme

The philosophy and learning strategy of this programme are underpinned by three distinct aspects: 

• Interdisciplinarity: an interdisciplinary focus on teaching, leaning and assessment

• Reflective learning: supporting and developing students as a self directed learners   and social researchers through focusing on critical self reflection and reflective learning processes

• Research informed teaching and learning: teaching and learning that is informed by current and critically engaged research at the frontiers in each of the subject areas.

Graduates could expect that their programme related careers would be enhanced, whether they work in policy development, social work, social care or pastoral care.

They will be skilled social researchers, capable of moving into leadership and management positions through acquiring competencies in advanced critical and reflective learning, seeing making connections between various aspects of society and proposing relevant and workable solutions.

Academic qualification equivalents

• An honours degree in a related subject.

English language requirements (one of the below):

Engineering, Health Sciences & Science

• IELTS: 6.0 IELTS(minimum of 5.5 IELTS in each component)
• TOEFL: iBT 80 CBT 213 PTE: 55 (minimum 46 in each component)
• PTE:55 (minimum 51 in each component)

Business, Education & Humanities

• 6.5 IELTS (min of 6 IELTS in each component)

• TOEFL: iBT 91 (min score of 18 in each component) CBT 232 (min score of 18 in each component)

• PTE: 62 (minimum 55 in each component)

Waterford Institute of Technology Highlights

Waterford Institute of Technology Cost of Attendance

The international students have to pay the following expenses while studying at the institute.

Fees

Note: The international tuition fee will be refunded in full, in case the students don’t get their visa but the students need to show documentary evidence of the refusal to the international office.

Cost of Accommodation

The residences fee at WIT is mentioned beneath:

These apartments are based on the Main Campus and give easy access to all WIT services and facilities to the students. The students need to deposit Euro 300 for booking room which is refundable towards the end of the license period.