Comparative European Social Studies – (M.A.)

Contents

MACESS MODULES
All students spend the first part of the course (September – February) in Maastricht for the delivery of the lectured programme. The core modules are directed at the whole student group until Christmas. The group is then split into smaller study groups for the optional modules in January and February. This is followed by (supervised) self-study from March until August. Each module is led and jointly taught by a scholar from the MACESS Network. The allocation of modules to module leaders is based on academic expertise in the subject matter. Each module takes two weeks to complete with study weeks in-between.

The programme consists of 4 core modules, 2 optional modules (selected from a group of 4) and a final dissertation. The intensive programme takes 12 full months and totals 90 ECTS. Below, you can find more information about the core modules.

* Introduction to European Institutions and Policy (10 ECTS)
* Comparative Social Research (10 ECTS)What is comparative social research and what is it good for? These are the seemingly straightforward yet tricky questions the module tackles through dynamic classroom discussions, specialist guest lecturers and targeted readings. International CRS researchers will provide students with insight in how their research was conducted during the lectures.


* Social Professional Practice (10 ECTS) The module introduces students to the development of methods in social professional practice all over Europe, including an analysis of the theoretical background of the methods. It also examines the possibilities for cross-European implementation. Guest lecturers from all over Europe travel to Maastricht to inform and critically discuss social practice in their respective countries by drawing on their experience as academics, social practitioners or policy makers.


* Comparative Social Policy (10 ECTS) This module includes a comprehensive comparison of differences in social policy in Europe. By means of exploring the leading theories, students learn how these differences are grouped and how the separate models adapt to change. During the module (guest)lecturers from several European countries provide the students with a better understanding of social policy in their respective countries.



Optional modules
Below, the contents of the current optional modules can be viewed. However, in the next academic year (which starts on September 1st 2010) four optional modules will be offered that will center around the following themes:
* Leadership and Management of Social Organisations in Europe (10 ECTS)This module will examine organisational theory, leadership and management in relation to social welfare provision and programmes in a European context. Students are introduced to management and leadership theory and policy frameworks, to develop a formal approach to their management and leadership role in an European context.
* Education and supervision of social professionals in Europe (10 ECTS)The aim of this module is to examine different approaches to education and supervision relevant to the social professions in a European context
* Evaluation in a European Context (10 ECTS)This module aims to provide students with an opportunity to consider the European and comparative social welfare and care contexts within which evaluation is commissioned, carried out and intends to affect. It introduces both the theoretical and practical aspects of evaluation which underpin the increasing emphasis in all sectors on effective and efficient service provision.
* Ethics, Decision-making and Risk Management in Contemporary Social Work Practice (10 ECTS)The purpose of this module is to introduce students to contemporary ideas and strategies within Europe around the role of the social work practitioner from both a local and global perspective. Looking specifically at the challenges for the practitioner, the module will examine personal and professional issues around ethical decision-making and risk management, factors which have a significant impact upon how social work is shaped, perceived and evaluated.

The dissertation (30 ECTS)
This is the ultimate treat in the MACESS programme: it is a student’s very own contribution to the knowledge-base in a preferred field of study. Although it is the final piece of work submitted in MACESS (bringing together the academic and professional skills gained throughout the programme) it is certainly, the beginning of many new and exciting opportunities, too!

The Dissertation is an extended, dynamic investigation into a social science topic of the student’ choice (15,000 – 20,000 words in English). Whether a critical comparative analysis of the literature, a comparative empirical research study or a combination of both, students are supported in their quest to compare an issue, a field or policy between two countries or even transcend levels of comparison to explore geographical regions, (international) institutions or global issues.

Note however, that the possibility to choose a research topic is both a freedom and a responsibility. Your topic must be worth exploring at the Master level, so:

* Pick a topic you already know something about !
* Pick a topic that really motivates you!
* Pick a topic that is significant in your professional environment!
* Pick a topic with future perspectives!

Students select their own supervisor (March – August) to provide support during the research process. The supervisor can be selected from the MACESS lecturing team, the network or from the student’s own network of academic contacts.
Examination type: Extended, academic research report (15,000 – 20,000 words)