Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Widening Participation

What is the Structured Elective about?

The Structured Elective in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Widening Participation (WP) offer students a unique opportunity to critically analyse frameworks such as intersectionality, decoloniality, privilege, power, and systemic discrimination. In addition to theoretical insights and cultural awareness, students will have the opportunity to learn practical skills that can be applied to create fair, inclusive and equitable communities, workplaces, and institutions across various sectors. The Structure Elective encourages students to think critically about how intersecting factors shape both individual experiences and institutional policies. It provides students interdisciplinary approaches from local and global case studies and apply the principles of EDI/WP in real life situations.

Why should I take this Structured Elective?

The Structured Elective in EDI/WP is ideal for students who would like to gain an understanding of the various forms of structural and systematic discrimination in local and global settings. The modules selected will provide students with skills not just to recognise inequality but to actively address it in different contexts. This structured elective aims to make a meaningful difference, instilling in students a commitment to foster equity, challenge injustice, and open doors for all. It is ideal for students across disciplines who aspire to be agents of change in their fields. All modules listed under the structured elective are designed to combine theory and practice with innovative, participatory, and inclusive pedagogies and forms of assessment.

How would this Structured Elective benefit me?

The Structured Elective in EDI/WP is particularly relevant for those interested in careers in human resources, public policy, education, international or community development, or just have a general interest in understanding the principles of EDI and WP that are increasingly valued. The structured elective will provide you the space to develop your understanding of frameworks such as decoloniality, intersectionality and social justice alongside your main programme of study. It encourages students to think critically about how intersecting factors shape both individual experiences and institutional policies.  Students in the Structured Elective in EDI and WP are preparing to become thoughtful, proactive agents of change in a more equitable, inclusive and fair society.

How do I take the modules in this Structured Elective?

• Structured Electives are available to undergraduate students only.
• You must take the specified modules in or after2010/11.
• To be awarded this Structured Elective you must take 15 credits from the list of modules outlined below. You will not be awarded this Structured Elective if you are graduating with a major or minor listed in the Eligibility section below.
• There are no prerequisites for any of the modules listed.
• You can choose without restriction from the complete range of social justice modules offered at levels 1, 2 and 3.
• Students who successfully complete 15 credits in Social Justice will have this automatically noted on their final UCD degree transcript. The transcript will state that you have completed 'Structured Electives in Social Justice', in addition to your main degree subjects.

Eligibility

You will not be awarded this Structured Elective if you are graduating with a major or minor listed below.