MA in Social Work

Entry Requirements

Level 8 undergraduate degree with a minimum Second Class Honours, Grade 2 (2.2) or BSc in Social Sciences or other relevant qualifications deemed equivalent by the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. Prior relevant work experience is compulsory. 

All applicants to the MA in Social Work are required to have completed three months (approx. 480 hours) of work experience relevant to the social work profession either in a voluntary or paid or a combination of both capacities prior to their application. Relevant supervised placement learning will normally count for up to a maximum of 120 hours (3 weeks). 

It is the applicant’s responsibility to demonstrate clearly in their application how they have met the required three months/480 hours experience. The relevant experience form in the application must be completed and submitted as part of the application. Applicants are expected to share all their relevant experience in this form and must provide clear details of hours and dates for work completed. 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. Review of applications for the MA in Social Work (MSW) takes place in February after the application deadline. Short-listed applicants will be called for interview late February early March. 

Garda Vetting/Police Clearance is necessary and required for students participating in this programme. 

➤ English Language Entry Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the minimum English language requirement for entry to this course is an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in any component.  

More information on English language test equivalency IS available here. 

➤ Supporting Documents 

• Completed application form. 
• Clear evidence that you have the required 3 months/480 hours experience entered in the table.
• Personal Statement: Provided a 600-word statement on why you wish to study Social Work. 
• An academic reference and practice reference to support your application.
• Proof of ID Passport/ Drivers licence.
• Degree - Min 2.2. Level 8 relevant Degree – (applicants must upload transcript). 

👉 Remember to click this link for further information about this progamme.