Social Justice, Policy and Professions

    The Department of Applied Social Studies (DAPPSS) is the longest established provider of professional education and training in youth work and community work in the country.

    In 1981, Maynooth was the first university in the Republic of Ireland to offer professional programmes in community work and youth work. Since then the Department of Applied Social Studies has earned an unrivalled reputation for teaching, research and development in these areas evidenced in the leading role the Department’s staff has played in achieving the establishment of professional endorsement of both youth work and community work on an all Ireland basis.

    Professional programmes offered are, at under-graduate level the Bachelor of Social Science BSocSc (Community and Youth Work) and post-graduate level Master of Social Science MSocSc (Community and Youth Work) , as well as a post-qualifying MA in Applied Social Studies (MAASS). The Department established Social Policy as a subject in Maynooth University and offers both a Bachelor of Social Science BSocSc (Hons) degree. We also offer the Master of Social Science (MSocSc Rights and Social Policy) and a four-year Doctor of Social Science (DSocSc) programmes. More recently, the Department established the Master of Social Work (MSW) programme and welcomed the first students in 2019.

    In addition, the Department partners with a variety of organisations to provide specific NUI Certificate programmes, including youth work, community work, youth justice and youth arts in a variety of locations around the country.

    Our Mission: "To promote human rights, social justice and equality, nationally and internationally, through excellence and innovation in education, research and public engagement that contribute to the development of the social professions and applied social sciences".

    More information is available by visiting the Courses page, Undergraduate Students page and Postgraduate Students page. 

    In addition, please see  Programmes Overview  and MSocSc (Rights & Social Policy) Information leaflet