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By making an application you agree to uphold the IASW Code of Ethics and Practice if accepted.
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You understand that your Membership will automatically roll over, unless you inform IASW in writing that you wish to cancel your membership. If there are any changes to the amount of your membership charges, IASW will notify you 10 working days in advance.
For more information on the reward Click here Please ensure referrer is a current member (This will open a new window. Close to resume application.)

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The Social Workers Registration Board at CORU have approved the following qualifications as attesting to the standard of proficiency required for registration for Social Workers.
Courses offered per University
For detailed information on each course please click on the links below.
Atlantic Technological University
- Master of Arts in Social Work
University College Cork
- Masters of Social Work
- Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies
- Bachelor of Social Work
University College Dublin
- Masters of Social Science (Social Work)
- Professional Master of Social Work
Trinity College Dublin
- Masters in Social Work
- Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work
- Bachelor in Social Studies
National University of Ireland Galway
- Master of Social Science (Social Work)
--------------------------
Please see the CORU Website for any updates and further information.

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20 Universities in Ireland offering Social Work degrees and courses
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Are you looking for Social Work courses? Here you can find course providers offering full-time, part-time, online or distance learning options. Choose the right institution in Ireland for you or alternatively, try using our course matcher tool to identify the best institution for your study criteria.
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Maynooth University
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Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin
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College of Management and IT (CMIT)

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Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
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UCC Undergraduate courses
Social Work
Why Choose This Course
Requirements, fees and costs.
- How To Apply
22 Feb 2023
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About This Course
Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences
Teaching Mode
Qualifications.
Student Contribution + Capitation Fee: €3,138 See Fees and Costs for full details.
Entry Requirements
The BSW Degree Programme is only available to those who have reached 23 years of age by 1 January of the year of proposed entry to UCC. Applicants are short-listed for interview based on MSAP results and the personal statement submitted with their CAO Application. See Requirements for full details.
*Mature Entry*
Course Outline
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) will make you eligible to apply to be registered as a social worker with regulatory bodies in Ireland and internationally. This full-time four-year undergraduate degree is open to mature students only, and integrates university-based and agency-based learning. Successful completion leads to an academic qualification (BSW) and it is approved by the Health and Social Care Professional Council as a social work training course.
Years 1 and 2 of the course are college-based and lectures take place over two 12-week semesters.
In Years 3 and 4, you undertake one semester in college and another on a 14-week professional placement.
Year 1 Modules:
All modules 5 credits unless otherwise stated.
AP1022 Social Psychology
AP1023 Lifespan Development
EC1121 Markets, Governments and the Economics of Social Issues (Semester 1)
EC1122 Markets, Governments and the Economics of Social Issues (Semester 2)
SS1017 Politics and Social Policy (Part 1) (10 credits)
SS1018 Politics and Social Policy (Part 2)
SS1202 Introduction to Social Work Theory, Methods and Skills (10 credits)
SC1012 Introduction to Sociology (Part A)
SC1013 Key Issues in Sociology (Part B) (10 credits)
Year 2 Modules:
Social Policy: Child Care Policy; Mixed Economy of Welfare and Personal Social Services; Social Policy and Social Work; Introduction to Social Work Practice
Social Work: Skills Laboratory; Social Work Methods; Social Work Practice Contexts; Social Recovery Approaches to Mental Health; Social Research
Year 3 Modules:
Law: Legal Studies
Social Work: Placement; Placement Portfolio; Life Courses, Biographies and Reflective Learning; Child Care and Protection Practice; Deviance; Welfare and Justice; Social Work Methods
Year 4 Modules:
Social Work: Placement; Placement Portfolio; Anti-Racism and Anti-Discriminatory Practice; Contemporary Issues in Social Work; Action Research Study
As a professionally validated course, the BSW has a mandatory attendance policy. In order to have a clear record of attendance, class attendance records are kept.
See the College Calendar for additional information on the Programme and the Book of Modules for further information on modules.
Course Practicalities
Expected lecture hours: The BSW is a full-time undergraduate course which is demanding in terms of the commitment required to undertake it. Each year of the course has 12-15 lecturing hours per week.
Expected reading hours: You will be expected to undertake at least 15 hours reading time in order to meet the assignment deadlines.
Expected practical hours: During Years 3 and 4 you will spend a semester (14 weeks) on a social work placement. While on placement, normal working hours apply (eg 9am-5pm).
Other practicalities Commencing with the 2013/2014 intake, this programme will be subject to UCC's Fitness to Practise Policy – full details may be found here .
Garda vetting is carried out by the Admissions Office in UCC once a student has accepted their place on this progamme.
Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have written examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment.
The BSW course is assessed through a variety of methods, including continuous assessment, exams and practice placements (14 weeks in Years 3 and 4). There is also a compulsory attendance policy and you are required to fully attend all lectures, tutorials and practice placement. In order to pass each module, you must satisfy the attendance requirements.
Who teaches this course
- Lydia Sapouna — BSW Course Director
- Hilary Jenkinson— BSW Deputy Course Director and BSW Year 4 Coordinator and Selection Coordinator
- Joan Cronin — BSW Year 1 Coordinator
- Noirin O Donoghue — BSW Year 2 and Year 3 Coordinator
- Edel Daly — BSW Year 3 Coordinator
- Margaret O'Leary — BSW course Executive Assistant
...with the support I got from the BSW team, I got an academic scholarship and graduated with a first class honour...
Deirdre Murphy
Graduate, 2013
“I was unsure of my academic abilities but with the support I got from the BSW team, I got an academic scholarship and graduated with a first class honour degree.”
The BSW is a full-time, professional course that requires considerable commitment on the part of students. However, as the BSW is a course specifically for mature students, we have particular interest in trying to support students who may be returning to education after a lengthy absence. This is reflected in the orientation of the course and how it is run.
We recognise the valuable life and professional experiences you bring to the course, and you are encouraged to critically reflect on these in order to promote the development of your social-work practice. The course also incorporates approaches to teaching and learning appropriate for adult learners.
These methods include interactive teaching, group work, self-directed study, critical reflective learning, peer feedback and continuous assessment.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
Practice placements are an integral part of the course. You are required to complete two 14-week fieldwork placements, for at least one of which you may be required to move outside Cork (consideration is given to students with children and other caring responsibilities).
The course has a wide range of placements within both voluntary organisations and statutory agencies in Ireland and abroad. We have strong links with agencies in South Africa, Chicago (US) and India and several students have completed placements with these organisations.
Skills and Careers Information
This course is approved by the Health and Social Care Professional Council (CORU) as a socialwork training course. Successful graduates can use their qualification to apply to CORU to be placed on the register of social workers. In Ireland, all social workers will need to be registered in order to practise.
International accreditation bodies also recognise the BSW for registration purposes. Social workers are employed in a wide variety of contexts including:
- child protection teams
- the probation and welfare service
- family support agencies
- disability organisations
- youth settings
- community organisations
This programme is open to Mature Students only (i.e. those who are 23 years of age by 1 January of the year of proposed entry). Application is made through the CAO and the closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1 February of the year of proposed entry.
Selection for the programme is based on:
- MSAP results
- Statement of Interest in CAO form: this should outline your motivation and interest in pursuing this course and readiness to undertake professional training in social work.
- CV (included in your CAO application)
- Evidence of interest and/or knowledge in social issues and social work; evidence of required academic potential; evidence of relevant life and/or work exepreince; readiness to undertake professional training.
Shortlisted candidates attend the selection day in the School of Applied Social Studies. The selection process includes group and individual interviews. There are no official qualifications required to gain entry to the BSW. You will be judged on your:
- relevant experience (both work and life experience)
- potential to complete a demanding undergraduate programme of study
- demonstrated commitment to social work interest in and knowledge of social issues
- commitment to this field of activity.
All qualifying candidates are welcome to apply.
In recent years, the BSW has included students from many different backgrounds, from a variety of nationalities, and a wide range of interests and lifestyles. We encourage this diversity. The BSW is committed to positively contributing to social work. Our vision is to provide a critical educational experience for our students that will contribute to them becoming a positive force in society.
Information for International Students .
Fitness to Practise Commencing with the 2013/2014 intake, this programme will be subject to UCC's Fitness to Practise Policy – here .
Student Garda Vetting
All students on this programme will come into contact with the public and assume positions of trust through educational and training opportunities. To ensure the protection of the public, and to justify public trust and confidence, UCC is committed to ensuring that only suitable candidates are allowed to undertake this programme.
Student Garda vetting is carried out by the Admissions Office in UCC once a student has accepted their place on the programme. It involves a police check to establish whether the individual being vetted has had criminal convictions in the past or whether any criminal proceedings are pending. The Garda Siochána provide this information for students who have resided in Ireland for a period of six months or more (including permanent residence). All students who have resided outside Ireland for a period of six months or more must furnish a Police Clearance Certificate from their country or countries of residence. This certificate should state that the student has had no convictions recorded against them while residing there.
Non-EU Candidates
Non-EU candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page .
Refer to our International Office page for more information on how to apply to UCC.
Course fees include a tuition fee, student contribution fee and capitation fee. The state will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student Contribution and Capitation Fees are payable by the student. In 2022/23 the Student Contribution Fee will be €3,000 and the Capitation Fee will be €138.
Please see Fees Office for more information.
For International Fees see our Fees Schedule page.
How Do I Apply
EU Applicants: Application to Year 1 of the degree programme is made directly through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Applicants should apply online at www.cao.ie. The normal closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of entry.
Non-EU Applicants .
Advanced Entry: Enquiries regarding Advanced Entry to the BSW Programme should be made to [email protected]
EU Applicants: The Central Applications Office (CAO) processes applications for undergraduate courses in Irish Higher Education Institutions. Refer to the CAO page for further information.
Mature Applicants (age 23 or over): See the CAO Mature Applicants page and the Mature Students Admissions Pathway (MSAP) page for essential information on the application process for mature students.
QQI FET: See our QQI FET Applicants page.
Non-EU Applicants: Non-EU applicants apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page.
All Applicants: Please note that the modules listed are indicative of the current set of modules for this course and are subject to change from year to year. Please check the College Calendar for the full academic content of any given course for the current year.
- In UCC, we use the terms programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
Contact details for this course
- Margaret O'Leary
- [email protected]
- +353 (0)21 490 2899
- https://www.ucc.ie/en/appsoc/
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Social Workers - Approved Qualifications
Approved by the social workers registration board.
The following qualifications have been approved by the Social Workers Registration Board as attesting to the standard of proficiency required for registration for Social Workers.
- Master of Arts in Social Work , Atlantic Technological University
- Masters of Social Work , University College Cork
- Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies , University College Cork
- Masters of Social Science (Social Work) , University College Dublin
- Graduate Diploma in Social Work , University College Dublin
- Masters in Social Work , University of Dublin, Trinity College
- Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work , University of Dublin, Trinity College
- Masters in Social Work , National University of Ireland Galway
- Bachelor of Social Work , University College Cork
- Bachelor in Social Studies , University of Dublin, Trinity College
- Master of Arts in Social Work , Institute of Technology Sligo
- Masters in Science (Social Work) , National University of Ireland, University College Dublin
- Professional Master of Social Work , National University of Ireland, University College Dublin
- Master of Social Science (Social Work) , National University of Ireland, Maynooth
- Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work , National University of Ireland, Maynooth
- Medical Scientists
- Occupational Therapists
- Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians
- Physiotherapists
- Radiographers and Radiation Therapists
- Social Workers
- Speech and Language Therapists
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Social Work (MA)
Course overview, course outline, why choose this course, course fees.
- Find Out More
The MA in Social Work (MSW) programme is located within the School of Political Science and Sociology. It is an innovative programme, one of the newest programmes in the country, committed in particular to the promotion of human rights and social justice. In high demand from its inception in 2004, the MA in Social Work programme provides accredited professional education and training in social work.
This course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to be registered as a social worker by the CORU registration body. It provides both university and practice-based learning to students, offering opportunities to learn about social problems and their causes, as well as policy solutions. It also equips students with skills in working with individuals, groups and communities, putting an emphasis on the promotion of human rights and social justice.
One of the strengths of the Master of Arts in Social Work Programme (MSW) at University of Galway is the small size of class membership, which facilitates supportive relationships between students and staff members. The programme is delivered as part of the provision of the School of Political Science and Sociology, also home to the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre.
Throughout the teaching, the connection between academic learning and practice application is central. We benefit from excellent partnerships with practice teachers and statutory and voluntary organizations which employ social workers across individual, family and community services. We are continually striving to develop and foster these relationships. Where possible, opportunities for international placements are also offered. The Social Work Programme is well placed to provide high quality theoretically informed research and up-to-date practice applied professional education. We have a dedicated Social Work Staff Group that works alongside School colleagues to provide students with a broad range of teaching and learning experiences and access to knowledge and expertise from local, national and international perspectives.
We offer joint teaching and learning opportunities with other disciplines within the School (e.g. Social Policy & Community Development) and are connected to the Child and Family Research Centre and a range of research clusters, which are partnered with the Life Course Institute . This means that staff throughout the School play a key role in relation to teaching and supervising research dissertations by students. The Programme also benefits from inter-disciplinary training with colleagues in other schools (e.g., School of Health Sciences), professionals in practice and service users and carers.
The maximum annual intake of Social Work students is 25. A dedicated teaching room, with extensive computer facilities, is available to students. The programme adheres to the definition of social work provided by the International Federation of Social Workers and expects Social Work students to adhere to both professional and university codes of conduct (see http://www.iasw.ie/ and http://www.coru.ie/ for codes of ethics and practice).
Applications and Selections
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System . Two letters of reference, one academic and one work-related, and a well written and convincing personal statement (600 words) must also be submitted. You must also provide evidence of the equivalent of 6 months' work experience on the relevant form provided within the online application system.
Interviews will normally take place towards end of Feb/Early March 2023.
Who Teaches this Course
The Practice Learning Co-ordinator is Ms Eleanor Kelly .
Other staff members of the School of Political Science & Sociology and the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre staff are members of the programme board, module convenors and contributors. Many practice teachers and practitioners from a range of social work organisations also contribute to the programme through teaching, practice education, tutoring and/or practice assessment. Some members of the public (e.g., service users) also contribute to teaching on the social work programme.

Requirements and Assessment
Students will be expected to pass all modules, including the practice component of the first year before progressing to the second year. Each module will be assessed through a variety of assessment methods including written assignments, individual and group presentations, podcasts, written examinations and minor dissertation. Students will require at least a 50% pass in each module. All Year 1 academic and fieldwork modules must be passed before progression to Level 2. No ’compensation’ between modules allowed.
The Fieldwork component of the MSW is 50% of the entire period of the course. Students are placed in a variety of statutory, non-statutory and voluntary agencies. Geographically these agencies are along the Western seaboard, though there are also a number of placements in the Midlands and the East of the country. In Year 1 the placement runs for 14 weeks from early January to mid-April. In Year 2 the placement is also 14 weeks, from September to December. Each student is supervised by a professionally qualified social worker (the Practice Teacher) and is visited on placement by a Personal Tutor to discuss the student’s learning progress in developing the skills required for professional practice. International placements have been available in Chicago, South Africa and the Philippines. These are, in general, self-funded.
Entry Requirements
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 six 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 (600 words) must also be submitted. Advertising for applications for the MA in Social Work (MSW) usually takes place in early January. Short-listed applicants will be called for interview .
Scholarships available Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here .
Recognition of Prior Learning
Additional requirements.
2 years, full-time
Next start date
September 2023
A Level Grades ()
Average intake, qqi/fet fetac entry routes, closing date.
27 January 2023
Mode of study
Ects weighting, course code.
Programme aims and objectives
The aim of the MSW Programme is to aid in the development and formation of students wishing to gain accreditation as professional social workers. This is achieved by
- Preparing students to undertake an ethnically based practice integrating both theory and research, policy, skills and reflection.
- Putting in place the foundations of generic learning applicable to all fields and methods of practice.
- Sustaining the focus on human rights and social justice within social work practice. Students will learn professional autonomy and accountability; develop interpersonal and professional relationships; practice effective communication; build towards personal and professional development; assess and be able to deliver a quality service; develop knowledge, understanding and skills in a creative environment. Underpinning all of these domains is the basic principle of respecting and advocating for the rights of the service user.
Through the course, student participants are encouraged to:
develop an appropriate skills base within practice placement settings
lay an emphasis on the need for social workers to make use of social theory and research evidence
facilitate the development of critical and reflective thinking and practice
Students are expected to show evidence of a commitment to promoting social justice and human rights throughout their studies and practice.
Programme Content (Subject to Change) Year 1
Social Work Practice (5 ECTS) Theory and Social Work 1 (5 ECTS) Methods of Social Work (5 ECTS) Research Methods (5 ECTS) Support and Protection across the Lifecourse (10 ECTS) Social Policy (5 ECTS) Mental Health and Health Promotion (5 ECTS) Field Work Placement I (20 ECTS)
Year 2 Social Work, Law and Human Rights (5 ECTS) Contemporary Social Issues (5 ECTS) Social Work, Supervision, Management & Administration in a Culturally Diverse Setting (5 ECTS) Theory and Social Work 2 (5 ECTS) Criminal Justice System, Probation & Social Work (5 ECTS) Research Dissertation (15 ECTS) Pre Placement Programme, Recall Day & Field Work Placement 2 (20 ECTS)
Curriculum Information
Glossary of terms, year 1 (60 credits), year 2 (60 credits), career opportunities.
Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration with CORU as qualified social workers in a range of public, private and voluntary sector organisations. TUSLA, Health Service Executive, County Council, Community and Local Government and Department of Justice and Equality are examples of employers of social work in the public sector. The non-governmental sector includes services to children and adults such as, Ability West, Enable Ireland, Brothers of Charity Services, Galway Drugs Service, Jigsaw and COPE Galway. Graduates have also found employment internationally in the U.S.A., Canada, Scotland, England and Australia for example. With regard to further study, we encourage qualified social workers to consider post graduate study and or further professional training (e.g. PhD study or a recently established Higher Postgraduate Diploma in Practice Teaching, Supervision and Management).
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning outcomes, transferable skills employers value, work placement, related student organisations, fees: tuition, fees: student levy, fees: non eu.
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2023/24). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. An F5 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.
Postgraduate fee breakdown = Tuition (EU or NON EU) + Student levy as outlined above.
Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here .
Find out More
Academic curriculum queries: Social Work Admissions T: +353 91 492 290 E: [email protected]
Ms Stephanie Quinn T: +353 91492290 E: [email protected]
More information Quick Links
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What Our Students Say

Holly Sheeran | MA in Social Work (MSW) Graduate
While it is without a doubt a challenging and demanding course, it has given me 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 are applied to my every day work in a voluntary organisation, and I have been able to specialise in areas that are of particular interest to me to improve my social work ‘toolkit’.
Best College of Arts & Social Sciences

Postgraduate Prospectus 2023 PDF (20.6MB)
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Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies
Cork , Ireland
THE world university rank: 301
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Postgraduate Diploma
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USD 40,289 ? EUR 36,800 Program fees are indicative only. Speak to your IDP study counsellor to get up-to-date course prices.

Master of Social Work
Masters Degree (Taught)

Dublin , Ireland
THE world university rank: 161
USD 43,784 ? EUR 39,992 Program fees are indicative only. Speak to your IDP study counsellor to get up-to-date course prices.

MA in Social Work (MSW)
Galway , Ireland
USD 38,187 ? EUR 34,880 Program fees are indicative only. Speak to your IDP study counsellor to get up-to-date course prices.

MSocSc Social Work, Welfare and Justice
Belfield , Ireland
THE world university rank: 201
USD 23,560 ? EUR 21,520 Program fees are indicative only. Speak to your IDP study counsellor to get up-to-date course prices.

ProfMasters Social Work
USD 44,887 ? EUR 41,000 Program fees are indicative only. Speak to your IDP study counsellor to get up-to-date course prices.

Master of Social Science in Social Work
THE world university rank: 401
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