MA (Social Work)

The primary aim of this course is to equip students with the skills and knowledge to be registered as social workers by the Irish registration body CORU. It provides both university based learning and practice based learning to students. It offers opportunities to learn about contemporary social problems, their causes and policy solutions. Also, to develop practice skills in working with individuals and their families, group work and community based approaches to social work. Social workers are much in demand in contemporary societies and deal with a range of issues that impact upon people including those due to poverty, violence, abuse, mental health issues, addiction and disability.  The programme has received full accreditation and enables successful graduates to work as a social worker in a variety of statutory and non-governmental social work organizations.

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 continuous assessment procedures comprising assignments, seminar presentations, and written examinations. The composite mark will be based on the total number of tasks allocated for each module and students will require at least a 50% pass in each module to continue to the next phase. The minor dissertation will comprise of a practice-based research project.

Students complete two practice placements as well as a range of modules such as Social Work Practice and Theory; Law and Human Rights; Social Policy; Mental Health and Health Promotion; Working with Vulnerable Children and Adults; Crime Reduction and Probation Work; Human Behaviour and the Social Environment.

Practice placements are carried out in a variety of areas including child protection, domestic violence, mental health, disability, older people.

All students on completion of the programme must be regarded "fit to practice".