Master in Welfare & Justice

University College Dublin (UCD) is Ireland’s largest and most globally engaged university, founded in 1854 and situated on a spacious campus south of Dublin. Renowned for its research-intensive culture, UCD hosts more than 35,000 students from over 150 countries and offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across arts, sciences, business, engineering, medicine and more. Its scale and international outlook make it an appealing destination for students seeking a research-led education in an energetic European capital region.

UCD’s academic strengths span traditional disciplines and cutting-edge fields, with robust research funding and industry partnerships that support innovation and practical learning. Students benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories, comprehensive libraries, student support services and a wide network of international exchanges. The university also emphasizes employability through career services, internships and active alumni engagement that help graduates transition into global careers.

Campus life at UCD balances academic intensity with extracurricular engagement, including sports, cultural societies and community involvement. Accommodation, transport and welfare services are geared to support international students arriving to Dublin. Prospective applicants should review program-specific entry requirements and available scholarships, consider English language criteria, and use the university’s international office resources to plan applications and arrival logistics.

The Master in Welfare & Justice program is for those passionate about social change. It's a one-year master's program that teaches theory and practical skills in English. The program helps students understand social issues and work with diverse perspectives.

Students learn about grief, loss, social work, and policy analysis. They develop research skills and learn to assess and implement policies. The program includes hands-on projects and a dissertation to help students develop analytical and management skills.

Graduates can work as Social Policy Analysts, Child Protection Officers, and Community Development Managers. They can work for government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations, and have a pathway to impactful roles in society.