Ageing and Public Policy (MSc)

Applications and Selections

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Glossary of Terms

Credits

You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.

Module

An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.

Optional

A module you may choose to study.

Required

A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).

Semester

Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Required EC5123: Dynamics of Ageing and Public Policy

EC5123: Dynamics of Ageing and Public Policy

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

The objective of this module is to introduce students to current developments and debates in public and social policy on ageing. It will examine demand and sustainability implications of the most significant demographic challenge of the 21st century and the future policy directions necessary to address this challenge and support positive experiences in later life. Targeting the major domains of public and social policy, the module will foster students’ critical capacity to engage with and analyse relevant policies and cross-sector planning strategies. The module will also consider some of the implications of demographic ageing for other policy sectors and populations groups in related to health and well-being.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate and recognise the significance of demographic ageing for public and social policy systems, nationally and internationally.
2. Analyse the different conceptual and implementation frameworks related to ageing and public and social policy.
3. Outline the main challenges of ageing, in relation to provision and sustainability, across major policy domains
4. Understand the policy levers available to governments to address demographic ageing, and the constraints and opportunities that need to be considered in their application.
5. Critically engage with policy discourse to analyse development strategies and targets, and underlying values concerning how ageing and older people are positioned in policy systems

Assessments

• Written Assessment (50%)
• Continuous Assessment (50%)

Module Director

• CLAIRE NOONE-KELLY: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• IMELDA HOWLEY:  Research Profile
• CLAIRE NOONE-KELLY:  Research Profile
• EAMON O'SHEA:  Research Profile
• KIERAN WALSH:  Research Profile
• PATRICK GILLESPIE:  Research Profile

Reading List

1. "International Handbook on Ageing and Public Policy" by Harper, S. and Hamblin, K. (eds.)
   Publisher: Edward Elgar
2. "Ageing through Austerity" by Walsh, K., Carney, G., and Ni Leime, A. (eds)
   Publisher: Policy Press
3. "Aging, Globalization and Inequality The New Critical Gerontology." by Barrs, J. et al. (eds.)
   Publisher: Routledge

The above information outlines module EC5123: "Dynamics of Ageing and Public Policy" and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required EC515: Data Management & Survey Techniques

EC515: Data Management & Survey Techniques

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This is a research methods course. The aim of the course is to introduce students to the concepts and practice of research. It is aimed to be a practical course so that students become familiar with how to do research and what is considered good research practice. Students will be introduced to both quantitative and qualitative research methods and different types of research designs.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the research process using applied techniques of health economics
2. Inform global health policy by understanding how to critically assess policy-informed research
3. Undertake applied research to inform global health policy or healthcare industry questions

Assessments

• Written Assessment (50%)
• Continuous Assessment (50%)

Module Director

• CLAIRE NOONE-KELLY: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• IMELDA HOWLEY:  Research Profile
• CLAIRE NOONE-KELLY:  Research Profile
• KIERAN WALSH:  Research Profile
• EDEL DOHERTY:  Research Profile

Reading List

1. "Research Methods for the Behavioural Sciences" by F.J. Gravetter and L.A.B. Forzana

The above information outlines module EC515: "Data Management & Survey Techniques" and is valid from 2019 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required EC5136: Applied Research Project

EC5136: Applied Research Project

12 months long | Credits: 20

The applied project provides an opportunity for students to apply learning from throughout the course to conduct independent and original work. The aims of the applied project is to enable the student to critically evaluate policy on ageing; to demonstrate independent research and analysis abilities and to apply theoretical knowledge acquired; and to produce either (a) a well written minor dissertation of approximately 15,000 words in length; or (b) an extended policy brief (8,000-10,000 words approx.) and organise and host a policy seminar with relevant stakeholders. Both options will aim to contribute to original research/policy knowledge. This module involves a series of discussions and meetings with supervisors, submission of research proposals, progress reporting to supervisors within agreed timeframes.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Formulate a valid research aim, and a set of objectives.
2. Critical review and evaluate existing scientific evidence
3. Assess and appraise relevant policy on the topic and indentify policy major challenges for consideration.
4. Generate new knowledge through the application of specific research and review methods.
5. Analyse and interpret this knowledge in light of existing work and policy in the area, and necessary future directions
6. For option (b) only, strategically design and host dissemination event for the communication of main findings.

Assessments

• Research (100%)

Module Director

• IMELDA HOWLEY: Research Profile | Email

The above information outlines module EC5136: "Applied Research Project " and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required EC5134: Social Exclusion and Inequalities in Later Life

EC5134: Social Exclusion and Inequalities in Later Life

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the nature and patterns of social exclusion and inequalities in later life, with a specific focus on the implications for policy that aims to tackle multifaceted disadvantage. Students will be introduced to theories and conceptual models related to social exclusion across the life course, and relevant to policy formulation, including structural inequality and cumulative disadvantage and risk. The module will explore the major drivers of exclusion and inequality in older age and their relationship to individual experiences across the life-course, and social categorisations, such as socio-economic status, gender, race and ethnicity, and age itself. Students will analyse the future applicability of social exclusion as a policy development and implementation framework and as a means for integrating policy response across different areas.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Analyse the construction and implications of social exclusion and inequalities in later life, and the challenges for policy intervention.
2. Understand the historic development of social exclusion as a policy construct, the evolution of related policy approaches, and the enablers and barriers to the implementation of these approaches.
3. Evaluate the role of policy in mediating social exclusion outcomes, and analyse the intended and unintended consequences of policy intervention.
4. Assess and critically evaluate measurement approaches and their appropriateness as underpinning instruments for policy development and establishing policy targets.

Assessments

• Written Assessment (50%)
• Research (50%)

Module Director

• IMELDA HOWLEY: Research Profile | Email

Reading List

1. "Understanding Social Inequality: Intersections of Class, Age, Gender, Ethnicity, and Race. 3rd edition." by McMullin, J. and Curtis, J.
   Publisher: Oxford University Press.
2. "Walsh, K, Carney, G., Ni Leime, A, (eds.) (2015). Ageing through Austerity. Policy Press." by n/a
3. "Aging, Globalization and Inequality: The New Critical Gerontology." by Baars, J., Dannefer, D., Phillipson, C., Walker, A.
   Publisher: Routledge

The above information outlines module EC5134: "Social Exclusion and Inequalities in Later Life" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required EC5142: International Policy and Ageing across the Life Course

EC5142: International Policy and Ageing across the Life Course

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

The aim of this module is to interrogate international policy concerning ageing across the life course, its historical development and likely future directions. First, students will be introduced to current developments and debates concerning the intersection of ageing and global development policy in low- and middle-income countries. In doing so, the module will analyse the policy landscape on ageing and unpack the role of policy in shaping responses to demographic processes in these contexts. Second, students will focus on the emergence of ageing as a human rights area. The module will critically assess the potential for a UN Treaty on the rights of older people to support and empower diverse ageing populations across international jurisdictions. Third, students will consider the application of selected human rights norms, currently enshrined in international human rights law, to key forms of mistreatment frequently experienced by people as they come to require personal care or assistance.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Recognise the significance of demographic transitions for public and social policy systems in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts
2. Analyse profiles of ageing populations and the needs and circumstances of older people in diverse LMIC contexts
3. Assess approaches, issues and influences in public and social policy planning and implementation in specific LMIC scenarios
4. Understand human rights in the context of ageing and the implications of applying a rights-based approach to public policies
5. Critically engage with human rights scholarship and international human rights law to analyse and influence ageing policies and strategies
6. Understand key doctrinal gaps in the existing international human rights law framework, how they have formed and the potential for the law’s progressive re-interpretation.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Module Director

• CLAIRE NOONE-KELLY: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• CLAIRE NOONE-KELLY:  Research Profile
• KIERAN WALSH:  Research Profile
• CHRISTINE DE LARGY:  Research Profile

The above information outlines module EC5142: "International Policy and Ageing across the Life Course " and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required EC572: Health Systems & Policy Analysis

EC572: Health Systems & Policy Analysis

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This is a masters level module that examines the structure, conduct and performance of alternative models of finance and delivery in health care and critically examines the policy approaches developed to tackle key challenges in health and social care. The module builds upon the concept of market failure as it relates specifically to health care; critically appraises methods used to compare system performance and compares alternative systems in terms of performance. The objective of the module is to describe the key aspects of alternative health care systems; explore the evolution of a particular set of systems; examine how system structure relates to its operation and what light this sheds on the performance of those systems.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the impact of market failure in health care on health and health care
2. Have a critical appreciation of the design, operation and evolutionary development of alternative models of health care delivery and finance
3. Be able to critically appraise alternative measures of health care system performance
4. Be able to critically appraise alternative models of health care system in terms of performance
5. Be able to critically appraise policy measures aimed at tackling key challenges for health care systems
6. Be able to source, gather, interpret and use health and economic data

Assessments

• Written Assessment (100%)

Module Director

• CLAIRE NOONE-KELLY: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• IMELDA HOWLEY:  Research Profile
• BRENDAN KENNELLY:  Research Profile
• CLAIRE NOONE-KELLY:  Research Profile

Reading List

1. "The Elgar companion to health economics" by Andrew Jones
   Publisher: Elgar Publishing
2. "Economic analysis in health care" by Morris S, Devlin N, Parkin D..
   Publisher: Wiley
3. "The economics of health and health care." by Folland S, Goodman AC, Stano M.
   Publisher: Pearson Education International
4. "Health Economics" by Phelps CE
   Publisher: Pearson Education International
5. "Health Economics: Fundamentals and flow of funds" by Getzen T.
   Publisher: Wiley
6. "The provision and use of health services, health inequalities and health and social gain" by Nolan B.
   Publisher: ESRI
7. "Health Policy Issues. An economic perspective on health reform" by Feldstein PJ.

The above information outlines module EC572: "Health Systems & Policy Analysis" and is valid from 2019 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required EC5135: Work, Pensions and Retirement

EC5135: Work, Pensions and Retirement

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

The aim of this module is to introduce students to policy measures and debates regarding pensions, work and retirement, from critical ageing and gender perspectives. First, students will be introduced to current developments and debates concerning employment, pensions and extended working life and auto-enrolment. The module will explore the role of demographic processes and international frameworks in shaping the policy landscape in these contexts. Second, students will focus on the gender and age implications of Irish employment and pensions policies, for different groups of workers those in physically-demanding and precarious work. Students will be introduced to employment and pension coverage patterns as well as recent empirical research on pensions and employment, both nationally and internationally.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and discuss the main employment and pensions policies for older people in Ireland
2. Critically assess these policies from a gender and political economy of ageing perspective
3. Assess and discuss international and national policies on extended working life
4. Be familiar with approaches to retirement from a theoretical and empirical perspective.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (50%)
• Department-based Assessment (50%)

Module Director

• IMELDA HOWLEY: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• AINE NI LEIME:  Research Profile
• CLAIRE NOONE-KELLY:  Research Profile
• KIERAN WALSH:  Research Profile
• CHRISTINE DE LARGY:  Research Profile
• MAUREEN MALONEY:  Research Profile

Reading List

1. "Older Workers in an Ageing Society. Critical Topic in Research and Policy" by Taylor, P.
   Publisher: Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.
2. "Gender Ageing and Longer Working Lives: Cross-national Perspectives" by Ní Léime Á., Street, D., Vickerstaff, S., Krekula, C. and Loretto, W. (eds.)
   Publisher: Bristol: Policy Press

The above information outlines module EC5135: "Work, Pensions and Retirement" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional EC5132: Introduction to Ageing and Policy

EC5132: Introduction to Ageing and Policy

Semester 1 | Credits: 5

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the interdisciplinary study of ageing and public policy. It will illustrate and analyse the importance of demographic ageing for public policy systems, and the challenge with respect to maintaining well-being and quality of life while addressing system sustainability concerns. Students will learn about the major theoretical and conceptual perspectives in the study of ageing and public policy, including economic, social and life-course aspects of ageing and psychosocial theories of ageing. Students will also be introduced to the broad shifts in ageing-related public policy, the core underpinning policy constructs, and the current national and European policy approaches to ageing populations.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the importance of demographic ageing for the focus, sustainability and organisation of public and social policy systems.
2. Possess knowledge of and critically evaluate major theoretical and conceptual perspectives in the study of ageing and public policy.
3. Assess the shifts in the representation of ageing within the evolution of public and social policy for older adult populations.
4. Understand major policy challenges and trends in contemporary national, and European approaches to policy on ageing and older people.

Assessments

• Written Assessment (80%)
• Department-based Assessment (20%)

Module Director

• IMELDA HOWLEY: Research Profile | Email

Reading List

1. "International Handbook on Ageing and Public Policy." by Harper, S. and Hamblin, K. (eds.)
   Publisher: Edward Elgar

The above information outlines module EC5132: "Introduction to Ageing and Policy " and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional LW558: Legal Capacity Law and Policy

LW558: Legal Capacity Law and Policy

12 months long | Credits: 10

Human autonomy is taken for granted today. However the concept rests on several different theoretical frames. The legal tool that gives effect to autonomy is legal capacity. A lot turns on whether the law acknowledges your autonomy and capacity. With the denial of your legal capacity you become a non-person – an object to be controlled by others. At another extreme your autonomy and capacity might be deemed absolute – even to the point of fending off interventions that are in your ‘best-interests.’ This course will begin by defining legal capacity and examining its evolution throughout legal history. We will then look at philosophical conceptions of personhood and explore how the law regulates personhood via legal capacity systems. Traditional approaches to legal capacity will be analyzed, with a focus on the purpose of the legislation as well as its effects on the persons it is applied to. Once we have a clear understanding of legal capacity from the legal and philosophical perspectives, we will examine the drafting of Article 12 of the CRPD, which guarantees the right to legal capacity on an equal basis for all. We will look at the article’s meaning and the obligations it imposes on State Parties to the Convention. Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is either an evolution of positive reform trends, or a revolution, depending on your perspective. Finally, we will examine legal capacity law reform around the globe, exploring both political advocacy methods as well as whether the substance of the reforms is in compliance with Article 12.
(Language of instruction: English)

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Module Director

• CARMEL FLYNN: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• CARMEL FLYNN:  Research Profile

The above information outlines module LW558: "Legal Capacity Law and Policy" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional LW556: Law and Policy on Independent Living

LW556: Law and Policy on Independent Living

12 months long | Credits: 10

History of the Independent Living Movement International Human Rights and Independent Living EU provisions and Independent Living Transitioning to Community Living International Perspectives on Independent Living Irish Independent Living Laws and Policies Independent Living for adults with intellectual disabilities in Ireland

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Module Director

• CARMEL FLYNN: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• CARMEL FLYNN:  Research Profile

The above information outlines module LW556: "Law and Policy on Independent Living" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional EC517: Cost Benefit Analysis & Evaluation

EC517: Cost Benefit Analysis & Evaluation

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Evaluation of public sector projects or programmes is important and is required to ensure that resources are used in the best possible way and also to ensure that the government is getting value for money. The objective of this module is to introduce students to evaluation procedures and to Cost Benefit Analysis, the most commonly employed method for the evaluation of public sector projects or programmes.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the fundamental theoritical and practical concepts and tools of CBA
2. Undertake applied CBA to inform public policy.
3. Critically appraise CBA case studies/reports used to inform public policy

Assessments

• Written Assessment (60%)
• Continuous Assessment (40%)

Module Director

• CLAIRE NOONE-KELLY: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• IMELDA HOWLEY:  Research Profile
• BREDA LALLY:  Research Profile
• CLAIRE NOONE-KELLY:  Research Profile
• EDEL DOHERTY:  Research Profile

Reading List

1. "Advanced Introduction to Cost-Benefit Analysis" by Brent, R.J.
   Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing Limited
2. "Applied Methods of Cost-Benefit Analysis in Health Care" by McIntosh, E., Clare, PM, Frew, E.J., Louviere, J.L. (eds.).
   Publisher: Oxford University Press
3. "Cost-Benefit Analysis and the Environment: Recent Development" by Pearce, D., Atkinson, G. and Mourato, S.
   Publisher: OECD Publications

The above information outlines module EC517: "Cost Benefit Analysis & Evaluation" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional MD515: Systematic Review Methods

MD515: Systematic Review Methods

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This online/blended course about research synthesis focuses on comparisons between alternative interventions. Interactive learning modules, required readings, discussion boards, tutorials, and assignments will be used to highlight rigorous systematic review methods, such as searching for potentially relevant articles, selecting primary studies using explicit, reproducible criteria, appraisal of study architecture, quantitative data synthesis and interpretation.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically discuss the role of systematic reviews within the context of evidence generation and evidence based health care
2. Identify the key stages of the systematic review process;
3. Develop a review question and understand how to develop a review protocol
4. Identify and develop appropriate search methods for identification of studies including the development of a comprehensive search strategy
5. Critically appraise the quality of included studies using methods appropriate to included study design types
6. Critically explore the principles of data synthesis and recognise the relevance of different methods of synthesis to different study designs
7. Explore methods for statistical (meta-analysis) and non-statistical synthesis of data/findings

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Module Director

• SONJA KHAN: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• AIDEEN O'DOHERTY:  Research Profile
• DECLAN DEVANE:  Research Profile
• EDEL MURPHY:  Research Profile
• MARTIN JAMES O'DONNELL:  Research Profile
• SONJA KHAN:  Research Profile
• Andrew Smyth:  Research Profile

The above information outlines module MD515: "Systematic Review Methods" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional EC5125: Environmental Gerontology and Ageing in Place Policy

EC5125: Environmental Gerontology and Ageing in Place Policy

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module will analyse the significance of older people’s environments, and their interactions and relationships with these environments, for older adult well-being and for the effectiveness of policy and practice implementation. Students will explore the major theoretical perspectives on environmental gerontology and ageing in place that underlie contemporary policy approaches to ageing and older people. The module will seek to illustrate how older people’s experiences in place can reflect a complex interchange of micro personal circumstances and the immediate home environment, meso neighbourhood and community contexts and macro national and international structures. In doing so, students will learn about the influence of changes processes (e.g. rural economic and social transformation; gentrification and development) on the diverse residential contexts of older people, and adaptive and place-making strategies engaged in by older people in response to these changes. The effectiveness of current policy and practice approaches related to age-friendly and liveable communities, and community-based service provision, will be assessed against these circumstances.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically evaluate theoretical perspectives on environmental gerontology and ageing in place and their relevance for ageing policy.
2. Assess the effectiveness and impact of major international and national policy frameworks focusing on older people and their environments.
3. Understand the linkage between global, national and local scalar environments, and the capacity of contemporary policy approaches to account for these linkages and their implications for diverse groups of older people, in diverse place contexts.
4. Assess the role of place in mediating multifaceted outcomes in later life, and its potential as a platform for policy and practice intervention

Assessments

• Written Assessment (50%)
• Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (50%)

Module Director

• IMELDA HOWLEY: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• IMELDA HOWLEY:  Research Profile
• CLAIRE NOONE-KELLY:  Research Profile

Reading List

1. "Geographical Gerontology: Concepts and Approaches" by Skinner, A., Andrews, G. & Cutchin, M. (eds.)
   Publisher: Routledge: London & New York
2. "Environmental Gerontology: Making Meaningful Places in Old Age" by Rowles, G. and Bernard, M. (eds.)
   Publisher: Springer Publishing Company

The above information outlines module EC5125: "Environmental Gerontology and Ageing in Place Policy" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional SP6122: Social and Political Context of Activism and Advocacy

SP6122: Social and Political Context of Activism and Advocacy

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This course provides an introduction to the social and political context of international advocacy and activism. It links local, national and international contexts for advocacy and activism, drawing upon historical, sociological and political perspectives on the rise of international campaigning for social justice. It explores the relationships between the state, market and civil society,charting the dynamic emergence of new social and political actors in local and transnational public advocacy.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the key international actors, events and structures driving contemporary processes of global public activism and advocacy, and how these involve the efforts of states, markets and civil society.
2. Discuss and illustrate core knowledge about the historical background and the social, political and economic relevance of international public activism and advocacy
3. Demonstrate familiarity with the international rights, development and environmental frameworks for activism and advocacy, including specific knowledge of key international actors and structures.
4. Exercise research and writing skills and capacities to present a detailed piece of research and analysis on a historical or contemporary example of advocacy and activism
5. Exemplify skills in communicating, collaborating, developing and presenting research with peers in a workshop setting
6. Engage with opportunities to debate the key issues and questions surrounding the economics, politics and ethics of public advocacy and activism

Assessments

• Department-based Assessment (100%)

Module Director

• KAREN M WALSH: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• FIONA BATEMAN:  Research Profile
• HELEN CASEY:  Research Profile
• DEIRDRE HARDIMAN:  Research Profile
• SU-MING KHOO:  Research Profile
• JACQUELINE MURPHY:  Research Profile

Reading List

1. "‘Introduction: Twelve men in a Printing Shop’, in Bury the Chains: The British Struggle to End Slavery" by n/a
   ISBN: HOCHSCHILD, A.
2. "‘From Santiago to Seattle: Transnational Advocacy groups Restructuring World Politics Chapter 1 in Khagram et al (eds) Restructuring World Politics." by Khagram et al (eds)
3. "‘Slave sugar boycotts, female activism and the domestic base of the British anti-slavery culture’ Slavery and Abolition" by Midgely, Clare

The above information outlines module SP6122: "Social and Political Context of Activism and Advocacy " and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional DEV6102: Data Analytics for Social Sciences I

DEV6102: Data Analytics for Social Sciences I

Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module provides an understanding of data analytics using primarily deterministic methods for the social sciences. The methods are used to evaluate public policy instruments in relation to Economic, Social, Spatial and Environmental dimensions. The module builds upon a number of practical case studies using both OECD and Developing Country Data: • Anti-Poverty Policy • Redistribution and Income Taxation Reform • Environmental Policy • Spatial Inequality Each case study is examined under the following headings: • Policy Context • Data Issues • Measurement Issues • Validation and Quality Assurance • Evaluation and Simulation The core methodology is microsimulation or the simulation of public policy on micro units such as individuals or families. Students will gain a good understanding of EXCEL and will develop Geographical Information System skills using R. A special focus will be placed on developing professional and practice skills. The module draws upon significant professional experience by the module leader, drawing upon a book of the module published by Oxford University Press.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Understanding Statistical Indicator and EXCEL Skills
2. Understanding tools to analyse the impact of Anti-Poverty Policy
3. Examine and differentiate data informing redistribution and income tax reform, illustrating measurement criteria and validation
4. Use modelling tools to analyse the impact of environmental policy
5. Generate and evaluate data in relation to spatial inequality
6. Develop written and oral communication skills
7. Effectively and appropriately use information technology for information analysis and presentation

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Module Director

• CATHAL O'DONOGHUE: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• CATHAL O'DONOGHUE:  Research Profile

Reading List

1. "Practical Microsimulation Modelling" by Cathal O'Donoghue
   ISBN: 9780198852872.
   Publisher: Oxford University Press

The above information outlines module DEV6102: "Data Analytics for Social Sciences I" and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional DEV6103: Data Analytics for Social Sciences II

DEV6103: Data Analytics for Social Sciences II

Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module provides an understanding of data analytics using primarily statistical inference methods for the social sciences. The methods are used to evaluate public policy instruments in relation to Economic and Social dimensions. The module builds upon a number of practical case studies using both OECD and Developing Country Data: • Regression Modelling and Inequality Decomposition • Discrete Choice & Behavioural Modelling • Panel Data Models and Pension Reform Each case study is examined under the following headings: • Policy Context • Data Issues • Measurement Issues • Validation and Quality Assurance • Evaluation and Simulation The core methodology is microsimulation or the simulation of public policy on micro units such as individuals or families. Students will gain a good understanding of R for both estimation and simulation A special focus will be placed on developing professional and practice skills. The module draws upon significant professional experience by the module leader, drawing upon a book of the module published by Oxford University Press.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of Introduction to Mmicrosimulation Mmodelling and understand its uses
2. Execute (or perform or conduct??) regression modelling and understand sources used to inform inequality decomposition (earnings, income…)
3. Explain discrete choice & behavioural modelling in terms of predicting choices
4. Understand approaches and tools in relation to Panel Data Models and Pension Reform
5. Develop written and oral communication skills
6. Effectively and appropriately use information technology for information analysis and presentation

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Module Director

• CATHAL O'DONOGHUE: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• CATHAL O'DONOGHUE:  Research Profile

Reading List

1. "Practical Microsimulation Modelling" by Cathal O'Donoghue
   ISBN: 9780198852872.
   Publisher: Oxford University Press

The above information outlines module DEV6103: "Data Analytics for Social Sciences II" and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.