While it is without a doubt a challenging and demanding course, it will give you the foundations for social work practice; both through the theory and discussion in the classroom and through the hands-on experience as a trainee practitioner over the two excellent placements. Respecting values, working within an ethical framework and practicing in a diverse cultural society are core components which will be applied to you every day work in a voluntary organisation.

Candidates applying for admission to the programme must have completed a Level 8 primary undergraduate degree (minimum of Second Class Honours, Grade 2) in one of the following: Bachelor Degree with a major in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology Social Policy, Social Science, Social Studies, Social Care, Public and Social Policy, Youth and Family Studies, Health and Social Care, Childhood education, Community Development, or B.Soc.Sc or other relevant qualifications deemed equivalent by the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies. These may include undergraduate/postgraduate degrees such as Childhood/ Children’s studies, Geography, Law, Economics, Theology, Philosophy, if such degrees have included a significant proportion of social science related subjects. Potential Candidates should contact the programme director to request an assessment of their eligibility. Transcripts will be required to assess this dimension. Prior work experience is compulsory and candidates must have obtained six months (approx. 960 hours) of voluntary or paid work experience relevant to the social work profession in order to be eligible to apply. Relevant supervised placement learning will normally count for up to a maximum of 240 hours (6 weeks). It is the candidate’s responsibility to demonstrate clearly in their application how they have met the required 6 months/960 hours experience and the relevant experience form in the application must be completed and submitted as part of the application. Candidates are expected to share all of their relevant experience in this form. This includes any relevant involvement with any other courses that involved relevant placements citing the details of the agencies where placements were completed. Two letters of reference one academic and one work related and a well written and convincing personal statement (300 words) must also be submitted. Advertising for applications for the MA in Social Work (MSW) usually takes place in early January. Garda Vetting/Police Clearance is necessary and required for students participating in this programme.