Pathways
In First Year, Social Policy is studied as a Joint Honour subject with one of the following options:
TR214 Economics
TR758 Political Science
TR757 Modern Language* (French, Italian, German, Russian)
TR759 Sociology
After First Year, Students can Major or Minor in Social Policy.
What is social policy?
At its heart, social policy is about people as it aims to improve the well-being and welfare of people in society. Societies change and evolve constantly, new social issues such as immigration and ongoing social problems such as poverty have the potential to impact positively and negatively on the well-being of citizens. Social policy is the means by which governments try to improve the well-being of citizens through the formulation of policies and the provision of services which respond to social issues and problems. Social policy decisions have a real and tangible effect on people ’s lives. As well as improving the individual’s experiences, social policy can help to build a just, diverse and sustainable society for all of us.
Is this degree for me?
Are you interested in understanding society and the contemporary social issues and social problems that societies face? Do you want to make a difference in responding to these social issues and problems? Do you think you have a role to play in building a just, diverse and sustainable society? If so, Social Policy may be the degree for you.
A social policy degree is particularly relevant to those intending to pursue a career in social policy analysis and evaluation, management and planning within the social services, both voluntary/community and statutory, as well as to those with a general interest in society and social change.
Knowledge, Skills and Attributes
Throughout your social policy degree you’ll be supported to develop an inquiring,and analytical mind, and you will graduate with a broad range of transferable skills.
Our strong research environment informs our teaching and over the course of your studies we will equip you with the theoretical and research insights that will help you understand the field of social policy and the relationship between social issues and social policy responses. You will develop specific expertise in select policy areas. You will also appreciate how polices are made and understand the forces that shape social policy decisions.
The programme will equip you a range of transferable skills including research, analytical and argumentation skills. These will help you to research and evaluate evidence that tells you what works and help you to make the case for one course of action over another. These skills are crucial in formulating social policies which have a chance of enhancing the lives of real people but they are also skills which you can use in many other settings.
Capstone Project
What is a CAPSTONE Project?
In your final year you will do a capstone project which showcases the skills and knowledge you have developed across the four years of study. Capstone projects usually involve primary or secondary research on a topic that you choose. The topic you select can be based on your interests arising from your studies, work or volunteering experience or can be directed with specific career paths in mind.
SOCIAL POLICY CAPSTONE HANDBOOK 2025 / 2026 CAPSTONE Handbook 2025-2026
CAPSTONE Dissertation
The Capstone dissertation consists of a piece of original empirical research of extended length. 12,000 Words.
Social Policy Reseach Methods for Capstone, Modules SSU44001 (10 ECTS) and SSU44011 (5 ECTS), taught in Michaelmas Term, Year 4 (SS), prepares students for carrying out this Independant piece of work. This module is mandatory for those students choosing a Capstone in Social Policy, at either 5 or 10 ECTS.
During Senior Sophister Year (Year 4) students receive supervision from members of the School of Social Policy & Social Work to support their completion of the Capstone Dissertation.
The Capstone project requires a significant level of independent research by the student. It should be an integrative exercise allowing students to showcase skills and knowledge developed over their four years of study. It will result in the production of a significant piece of original work by the student. Social Policy Capstone projects are written dissertations of extended length, 12,000 words, involving desk-based policy documentary analysis original empirical research using quantitative, qualitative or mixed methodologies using either existing data-sets or involving primary data collection ordesk-based documentary research synthesizing existing research.
CAPSTONE and The Trinity Graduate Attributes
The Capstone project is intended to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the attainment of Graduate Attributes laid down by the University for Undergraduate study. The Trinity Graduate Attributes represent the qualities, skills and behaviours that students will have the opportunity to develop as a Trinity student over their entire university experience, in other words, not only in the classroom, but also through engagement in co- and extra-curricular activities (such as summer work placements, internships, or volunteering).
The four Trinity Graduate Attributes are:
• To Think Independently
• To Act Responsibly
• To Develop Continuously
• To Communicate Effectively
The Trinity Graduate Attributes will enhance student’s personal, professional, and intellectual development. They will also help to prepare students for lifelong learning and for the challenges of living and working in an increasingly complex and changing world. The Graduate Attributes will enhance employability. Whilst the degree remains fundamental, also being able to demonstrate these Graduate Attributes will help students differentiate themselves as they encapsulate the kinds of transversal skills and abilities, which employers are looking for.
Examples of Social Policy CAPSTONE Projects:
- Role of social media in activism
- Policy responses to family homelessness
- Relationships between environmental concern and the rise of sustainable fashion
- Acceptance of asylum seekers and refugees in Ireland
- Impact of wearable technology on patients
- Implications of involuntary confinement in Irish society
- Alignment of data protection policies and modern expectations of privacy
- Impact of Brexit on cultural identity in Northern Ireland
For more information on Social Policy CAPSTONE, please read our CAPSTONE Handbook: