Postgraduate
MSc Ageing and Public Policy

NUI Galway

Course Overview

Driven by a commitment to research-informed interdisciplinary education, the MSc examines demographic ageing from a public policy perspective, critically assessing existing approaches and future directions to secure an effective and fair means of engaging older people in ageing societies.

Hosted at the internationally recognized Irish Center for Social Gerontology, the course comprises of an applied project, and taught modules in the areas of: public policy and the economics of ageing; social exclusion and inequality; international policy; health systems and policy analysis; work, pensions and retirement; and diversity, ageing and the life course.
In completing this programme, students will be able to:
• Analyze critical policy challenges relevant to demographic ageing and the lived experiences of a diverse older population;
• Assess the role of public policy in the fair and effective allocation of resources and opportunities across the life course;
• Evaluate the readiness and influence of existing policy structures and broader socio-political context on the success of policy implementation;
• Assess to what degree the application of policy levers are supporting older people and boosting system sustainability, or creating new unintended inequalities and system sustainability issues.

What you need to know

Where is the course located?

Galway

What is the length of the course?

12 Months (1 Year) Full-time

When can I apply?

You can apply today

When does the course start?

September

Placement options

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, such as (Nena Georgantzi, AGE Platform Europe; Patricia Conboy, HelpAge International.

Application Closing Date

Open for an application

Number of Places

25

Fees and Funding

Non-EU Tuition Fees

€ 16,500

Living Costs per year

€ 10,000

Application Fee

€ 60

Features and Benefits

  • Graduates will have in-depth analytical skills sets which will enhance their employability in general and age specific public policy organisations.
  • Graduates are likely to find employment as policy analysts, managers and researchers in government and public bodies; policy and strategic planners in civil society organisations; service coordinators.

Entry requirements

How to Apply

Once you are ready to start your application, please click on APPLY NOW

As part of your application, you will be required to submit:

  • Your academic history and transcripts (Actual and/or Predicted Grades)
  • Proof of English proficiency (typically IELTS or TOEFL scores)
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • A copy of your passport
  • Personal Statement
  • CV/Resume
  • Extra requests for certain courses

Minimum entry requirements

Normally a H2.1 undergraduate degree is required 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.

English Requirements

Arts/Business/Law (No less than 5.5 in any Component)
IELTS: 6.5 Overall
TOEFL: 88
Pearson (PTE): 61
Duolingo English Test (DET)**: 110
• Temporary measure for 2020 only in response to COVID-19

Special Entry Requirements

n/a

Career Prospects

Graduates will have in-depth analytical skills sets which will enhance their employ ability in general and age specific public policy organisations. Graduates are likely to find employment as policy analysts, managers and researchers in government and public bodies; policy and strategic planners in civil society organisations; service coordinators; senior staff in private age-related organisations. This course will serve as an excellent grounding to pursue a PhD programme.

Apply Online Book Consultation

Notes

J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics MSc Ageing and Public Policy Merit Scholarship:

NUI Galway is offering two Scholarships for the Masters in Economics programmes. MSc in Ageing and Public Policy students commencing September 2020 are eligible to apply for these scholarships. One scholarship up to the value of 50% of the EU tuition fees and one scholarship up to the value of 50% of the non EU tuition fees. Please note that to be considered for this merit based scholarship, applicants must be accepted to their chosen programme, have achieved a H1 in their primary degree and must complete an online Scholarship Form.