Ageing and Public Policy (MSc)

Normally a H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) in a related social science discipline (e.g., economics; sociology; management; social work; policy orientated degrees) or a cognate field of study (e.g. health sciences; public health). IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable. Applications from people with commensurate experience in ageing-related policy and practice will also be considered

The MSc in Ageing and Public Policy offers a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process and encourages applications from people with other forms of certified learning and experience, and who may not fulfil these requirements.

Applicants who do not have the required academic qualifications for entry purposes may also be entitled to apply under the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy. Further information is available from the Programme Director and on the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning website. 

Graduates will have in-depth analytical skills sets which will enhance their employability in general and age specific public policy organisations.The Masters in Ageing & Public Policy provides topic specific and transferable skills sets including:

• In-depth knowledge of ageing related policy
• In-depth knowledge of public policy systems
• Capacity for critical thinking and theorizing
• Ability to assess and evaluate public polices
• Research, data and analytical methods
• Ability to apply data analysis techniques to real world policy challenges

Students are likely to be employed as: policy analysts and managers in public bodies; policy and strategic planners in civil society organisations; service coordinators; and senior staff within private ageing-related organisations. This course will also serve as an excellent grounding to pursue a PhD programme. 

Unique Programme Internationally

Currently, there is no Master’s programme offering this specific topic in Ireland, and a lack of such programmes on ageing and policy in Europe. Typically, at a European level, existing programmes employ a general gerontological perspective and lack a public policy focus. This marks a substantial gap in programme development, and one that the College of Business, Public Policy and Law (CBPPL) is committed to addressing through its leadership on scholarship and teaching in this area.

Ageing represents a significant research theme within the College of Business, Public Policy and Law. This is reflected both in research output and research income. The programme is distinctive in its positioning within a research informed ageing and public policy pedagogical environment. Hosted by the ICSG, the programme will be linked directly to state-of-the-art research programmes, led by international experts (Kieran Walsh; Aine Ni Leime; Eamon O’Shea) in ageing and policy, with findings and experiences from these studies informing module content and approaches. In addition the programme is delivered in collaboration with international policy experts.

Business Postgraduate Merit Scholarships 

‌J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics at University of Galway is committed to attracting high calibre students from around the world. We are offering Merit Scholarships across all of our Taught Master's programmes. To be eligible candidates must have achieved a H1 (or international equivalent) in their primary degree and scholarships are offered on a competitive basis. Scholarships are awarded up to 50% of the programme tuition fees. Click here to learn more. 

National, European and international students from public and social policy bachelor degree programmes from across commerce and economics, law, sociology, management, gender studies and psychology disciplines who wish to gain expertise and transferable skills in public policy, and in ageing.

Level 8 students from gerontological specific programmes in European universities, who wish to continue their ageing studies in an English-speaking and research-led interdisciplinary learning environment.

Policy stakeholders, civil servants and service practitioners from national, European and international public and third sector agencies in sectors relevant to ageing.

Students will engage in work placements:

Opt 1: Paid placement
The employer organisation funds the placement for a minimum duration of 8 weeks. During this time the student will be based full-time (in-person, or through remote working) with the organisation.

Opt 2: Voluntary Research Internships
The student completes an applied project over a period of 6-8 weeks. During this time, the student will be based at the ICSG, but will visit and liaise with the organisation at agreed times. The student will produce an applied project (e.g. mini-research report or evidence-based policy brief) and will give a presentation on completion of the work placement.

Students will have a placement supervisor and an academic supervisor.

Applying for a placement:
Both models will involve students applying for and engaging in a competitive process for a placement. Students may also organise their own placements in collaboration with the Programme Director.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2023/24).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  An F5 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Postgraduate fee breakdown = Tuition (EU or NON EU) + Student levy as outlined above.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Programme Director:
Professor Kieran Walsh
Irish Centre for Social Gerontology
T: +353 91 495 460
E: kieran.walsh@universityofgalway.ie | icsg@universityofgalway.ie

www.icsg.ie

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