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About University of Galway
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Accessibility & LanguagePublic and Social Policy
Bachelor of Arts (Public and Social Policy)
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Entry Points (2017)
316
Course Overview
The study of public policy is concerned with how the formal, stated decisions of government bodies are initiated, formulated and implemented, and how the policy process can be improved. Social policy relates to the role of the state in relation to the welfare of its citizens. This programme aims to provide students with a detailed understanding of the sources of public and social policy, and the implications of that policy for social institutions, individuals and the political system. It draws on key elements of legal, social, political and economic theory, and provides students with an understanding of how legal, political and economic systems function. Students develop specialisations in their chosen policy areas, which include health, crime, family, environment, housing, human rights and social inclusion.Applications and Selections
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 Grades in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language, and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes
Additional Requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Duration
3 years
Next start date
September 2018
A Level Grades (2017)
BBB or equivalent combination
Average intake
60
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
NFQ level
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
Award
CAO
GY103
Course code
Course Outline
Year 1
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Economics Coursework
- Introduction to Research in Public and Social Policy
- Irish Legal Systems
- Law and Social Policy
- Administrative Law I
- Introduction to Politics and Sociology
- Concepts and Practices in Politics and Sociology
- Problems in Politics and Sociology
- Public and Social Policy in Ireland
Year 2
- Intermediate Microeconomics
- Mathematics for Economics
- Sociology of Law
- Constitutional Law I
- European Politics
- Public Administration
- Intermediate Macroeconomics
- Economics of Public Policy
- Constitutional Law II
- Health Law and Policy
- Social Issues and Policy Responses
- Methods for Social and Political Scientists
Year 3
- Topics in Microeconomics Theory
- European Community Law I
- Development and Change
- Theories of the Policy Process
- Public Economics
- European Community Law II
- Comparative Public Policy
- Policy Seminar
- Choice of modules in Economics, Law and Sociological and Political Studies
Curriculum Information
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
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 (60 Credits)
RequiredEC136: Principles of Macroeconomics
EC136: Principles of Macroeconomics
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
The objective of this module is to introduce students to the principles of macroeconomics. Topics include: Long-run economic growth, Unemployment, Inflation, Business Cycles, Trade and Environment.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the key theoretical ideas underpinning macroeconomic analysis
- Relate these theoretical concepts to macroeconomic variables
- Derive the central results of a range of macroeconomic models
- Apply macro models to a variety of contemporary policy issues
- Identify and explore key areas of controversy in macroeconomics
Assessments
- Written Assessment (60%)
- Continuous Assessment (40%)
Teachers
Reading List
- "Economics" by Begg, Vernasca, Fischer, Dornbusch
Publisher: McGraw Hill - "Economics" by Mankiw and Taylor
Publisher: Cengage
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Year 2 (60 Credits)
RequiredEC268: Intermediate Macroeconomics
EC268: Intermediate Macroeconomics
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
This is an intermediate level course, both in drawing on your previous exposure to macroeconomics, and acting as prelude to further study in third year. An overall theme is that macroeconomic theory is useful in helping us to understand real-world events, and in particular, to understand the role of macroeconomic policy. Several economic models will be studied, within a framework which analyses both long-run economic performance and short-run fluctuations. The models will be used to help explain various economic policy issues, both domestically (Ireland) and in an international (EU/eurozone) setting.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Recognise the linkages between the behaviour of key economic variables (output, inflation, unemployment) over the long-run
- Analyse how incomes tend to grow over the long-run
- Use economic models to explain how and why economies experience short-run fluctuations away from long-run trends
- Show how policymakers can respond to short-run fluctuations in the economy
- Develop an understanding of different macro schools of thought
- Work (source, gather, interpret, use) with macro data
Assessments
- Written Assessment (60%)
- Continuous Assessment (40%)
Teachers
Reading List
- "Economics" by Begg, Vernasca, Fischer, Dornbusch
Publisher: McGraw-Hill - "Macroeconomics: A European text" by Burda and Wyplosz
- "Macroeconomics: An Irish and European Perspective" by Leddin and Walsh
Publisher: Gill Books - "Macroeconomics" by Mankiw
Publisher: Worth Publishers
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Year 3 (60 Credits)
Further Education
This programme provides students with a foundation with which to pursue further study in the areas of law, economics, sociology, politics, journalism, community development, social work, teaching, human relations, business, and public and social policy. Graduates wishing to pursue a career in law may be admitted to the full law degree, the LLB, and are exempted from first year.Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
This degree provides an innovative and attractive educational foundation in the policy-making process and will open up career possibilities in central and local government, the EU, nongovernmental organisations and other bodies involved in the policy process. It also provides an excellent foundation for a career in public administration, industrial relations, journalism, social work, community work, management, administration, development agencies, banking and business, as well as research.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Some students have availed of Erasmus opportunities in universities in Malta, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
€5,822 p.a. 2018/19
Fees: Tuition
€2,598 p.a. 2018/19
Fees: Student Contribution
€3,000 p.a. 2018/19
Fees: Student levy
€224 p.a. 2018/19
Fees: Non EU
€14,750 p.a. 2019/20
EU Fees 2018/19:
- Tuition: may be paid by the Irish Government on your behalf if you qualify for free tuition fees see - free fee initiative.
- Student Contribution: €3,000 - payable by all students but may by paid by SUSI if you apply and are deemed eligible for a means tested SUSI grant.
- Student Levy: €224 - payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI.
- Tuition: may be paid by the Irish Government on your behalf if you qualify for free tuition fees see - free fee initiative.
- Student Contribution: €3,000 - payable by all students but may by paid by SUSI if you apply and are deemed eligible for a means tested SUSI grant.
- Student Levy: €224 - payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI.
Find out More
College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies
T +353 91 493 958
F +353 91 495 508
E collegearts@nuigalway.ie
www.nuigalway.ie/arts/
