Ageing and Public Policy (MSc)

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.

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; senior staff in private age-related organisations. This course will serve as an excellent grounding to pursue a Ph D programme.

Unique Programme Internationally

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.

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.  The MSc in Ageing and Public Policy commencing September 2020 is eligible 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.

For more information on the scholarship application process, please contact business@nuigalway.ie. 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. 

National, European and international students from public and social policy bachelor degree programmes from across commerce and economics, law, sociology, management, gender studies and psychology disciplines who wish to gain expertise and transferable skills in public policy, and in ageing.

Level 8 students from gerontological specific programmes in European universities, who wish to continue their ageing studies in an English-speaking and research-led interdisciplinary learning environment.

Policy stakeholders, civil servants and service practitioners from national, European and international public and third sector agencies in sectors relevant to ageing.

Programme Director:
Prof. Kieran Walsh
Irish Centre for Social Gerontology
T: +353-91-495460
E: kieran.walsh@nuigalway.ie