To provide students with the knowledge, skills and competencies to become professional social workers in a variety of settings within the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors. To support students in developing a critical awareness of current issues facing society and generate innovative ideas to support resolution of such issues. To facilitate students to develop an understanding of professional accountability and the legal and regulatory framework within which social work operates. To equip students to reflect, practise ethical, innovative and effective social work practice that actively promotes social justice in a diverse society. To develop learners who not only recognise and understand the importance of evidence and research in and to practice but who can contribute to this debate and apply to social work practice. To develop civic and social responsibility as an informed learner.

In order to be considered for an interview and selection for this programme applicants: Require a grade of 2.1 or above in Social Sciences i.e. B.Soc.Sc, Community Development, Early Childhood Care and Education, Psychology, Social Policy, Social Science, Social Care Practice, Sociology, Social Policy, Youth and Family Studies. If an applicant has a level 8 award in a discipline that is not social sciences, they must hold a postgraduate award in social sciences (minimum 2.1 grade). A certified coloured scan of the original relevant award must be submitted as part of the application process. Transcripts of results must also be submitted and list all subjects taken and grades achieved to date, with the grade scale clearly displayed in the transcript. Certified translations of documents issued in any language other than English must be provided. Must have accumulated non-study related relevant and certified work experience with service users of 800 hours. Supervision must have been available to the applicant during the experience. Examples of relevant direct work experience include working directly with service users in health and social care settings, youth and community, care of the elderly, residential care, voluntary activities. Applicants must verify work experience on the Certified Work Experience form. This must be included with the student’s application form. References: Two references must be submitted electronically by the referees. At least one referee should be familiar with the applicant's academic work. References must be written, signed and dated on official letter headed paper and stamped by the referee's organisation. They must include the referee’s full contact details, i.e. postal address, telephone number and organisation email address. A reference template will be provided. References must be dated relevant to the application being submitted i.e. within 6 months. English Proficiency: As all lectures, tutorials and practical work are delivered through English, it is vitally important all students (who are not English native speakers) have the required standard on entry to ensure they gain maximum value from their time at IT Sligo. The required minimum proficiency score in English required for entry to IT Sligo to an MA Programme is IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. Further information on English proficiency requirements can be found here. Where this is relevant to an applicant’s submissions Certified Evidence must be submitted during the application process.