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Accessibility & LanguageFamily Support Studies (MA, PDip)
MA/Postgraduate Diploma (Family Support Studies)
College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies, School of Political Science and Sociology- Title of Award
- Master of Arts
- Average Intake
- 25
- Delivery
- On Campus
- NFQ
- Level 9
- Award Type
- Major
- Next Intake
- September 2025
- Duration
- MA: Two years, part-time PDip: One year, part-time
- ECTS Weighting
- 90 | PDip 60
Why Choose This Course?
Course Information
Who is this course for?
The MA/PDip in Family Support Studies is designed for experienced practitioners working with children, young people, families, and communities across a wide range of disciplines and sectors. Areas where a Family Support approach is relevant include social work, social care, community work, public health nursing, disability services, early years, education, justice, social policy, social welfare, gerontology, and other related fields. Students typically have an undergraduate or professional qualification in these areas, and the Family Support programme aims to enhance their knowledge and skill base. The programme provides a strong foundation in Family Support theory, concepts and principles and their application across a range of practices, roles and disciplines in the human services, as well as practical social science research and evaluation skills required in the sector.
What will I study?
The MA in Family Support is a two-year part-time programme. Students attend University two days every second week over four semesters with the agreement of their employers.
YEAR ONE (45 CREDITS)
- Family Support Theory I
- Family Support Practice I
- Families and Children in Society and Policy I
- Family Support with Specific Populations
- Child Protection and Family Support
- Families in Communities
- Family Support Practice Seminars
- Research Methods for the Applied Social Science
YEAR TWO (45 CREDITS)
- Family Support Theory II
- Family Support Practice II
- Families and Children in Society and Policy II
- Family Law and Family Support
- A Public Health approach to Family Support
- Social Science Research Dissertation
Curriculum Information
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Glossary of Terms
- Credits
- You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
- Module
- An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
- Optional
- A module you may choose to study.
- Required
- A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
- Semester
- Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.
Year 1 (45 Credits)
RequiredSP576: Child Protection and Family Support
SP576: Child Protection and Family Support
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module SP576: "Child Protection and Family Support" and is valid from 2014 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredSP577: Community Development and Families
SP577: Community Development and Families
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Appreciate critically the significance of ‘community’ within policy and the significance of communities within people’s everyday relations, interactions and supports;
- Critically assess models and frameworks designed to intervene at community level, in historical and contemporary context;
- Analyse the distinctive characteristics that have come to mark a ‘community development’ approach to welfare issues;
- Understand the key challenges in mobilising local community effort;
- Critically analyse the nature of ‘community’ with family support work and vice versa.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module SP577: "Community Development and Families" and is valid from 2024 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredSP574: Families and Children in Society and Policy I
SP574: Families and Children in Society and Policy I
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Participants understand key theoretical frameworks and concepts for thinking about families, children and young people
- Participants can effectively analyse and reflect on key issues in family life for children, young people and parents
- Participants are aware of and able to analyse key policies relevant to children, youth and families
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module SP574: "Families and Children in Society and Policy I" and is valid from 2021 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredSP6155: Research Methods for the Applied Social Science
SP6155: Research Methods for the Applied Social Science
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
This module aims to give students a solid grounding in research methods. The topics covered include definitions of research, argument and logic, sources of information, tools for information searches, theory and practice of basic qualitative and quantitative research methods. The module will be conducted in a lecture format with recommended preparatory readings and practical exercises.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify research questions and design appropriate research strategies for specific political and/or social issues.
- Assess the applicability of qualitative and/or quantitative methods to specific research questions.
- Arrange and construct the research process from posing a research question to analysing the collected data.
- Review and critically evaluate social science research methods and methodologies.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Social Research Methods" by Bryman, A.,
Publisher: Oxford - "Introducing Social Research Methods" by Ruane, Janet M
Publisher: Wiley - "The SAGE Handbook of Applied Social Research Methods" by Bickman, Leonard & Rog, Debra J
Publisher: Sage - "Interpretation and method : empirical research methods and the interpretive turn" by Yanow et al
Publisher: Routledge
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredSP6129: Applied Family Support Seminars
SP6129: Applied Family Support Seminars
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
This module explores example of Family Support in Practice across a number of different areas. This includes individual work, group work, family work and parenting support.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will consider the transferable skills in Family Support across a number of different contexts
- Students will become familiar with the challenges associated with delivery Family Support in practice
- Students will reflect on the impact of family Support across a number of contexts
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module SP6129: "Applied Family Support Seminars" and is valid from 2021 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredSP572: Family Support Theory I
SP572: Family Support Theory I
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module SP572: "Family Support Theory I" and is valid from 2014 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredSP573: Family Support Practice I
SP573: Family Support Practice I
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module SP573: "Family Support Practice I" and is valid from 2014 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredSP530: Working with Specific Populations
SP530: Working with Specific Populations
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module SP530: "Working with Specific Populations" and is valid from 2014 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Year 2 (45 Credits)
RequiredSP6153: Research Support Workshop
SP6153: Research Support Workshop
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5
This module aims to support student gain independent research skills. Students have opportunities to participate in a range of workshops relevant to the development of their research paper. Workshop topics include academic writing, critical thinking, literature review, methods selection, working with primary sources, community-based research, and the development of a research paper, along with workshops focused on specific fields of research.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and access relevant academic resources
- Communicate clear rationales for each element of a research study design.
- Produce a competent review of literature and/or resources relevant to their research project
- Complete a project that is well presented, based on independent research, correctly referenced, and cogently argued.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills in the presentation and dissemination of the findings of their research
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
- CAROLINE MCGREGOR 🖂
- JACQUELINE MURPHY 🖂
- CARMEL DEVANEY 🖂
- GILLIAN BROWNE 🖂
- Stephanie Quinn 🖂
- Fran Smith 🖂
Reading List
- "Social Research Methods" by Bryman, A
Publisher: Oxford - "Introducing Social Research Methods" by Ruane, Janet M
Publisher: Wiley - "The SAGE Handbook of Applied Social Research Methods" by Bickman, Leonard & Rog, Debra J
Publisher: Sage - "Interpretation and method : empirical research methods and the interpretive turn" by Yanow et al.
Publisher: Routledge
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredSP6154: Family Support Dissertation
SP6154: Family Support Dissertation
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 15
The dissertation/final research project module shall enable the student to acquire the knowledge, comprehension, abilities and perspectives needed for conducting independent research. The module will allow the student to work under supervision while developing their writing, research, analytical skills and completing a research dissertation/final research project or research portfolio. The overall goal is for the student to display the knowledge and capability for independent work at postgraduate level.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Identify a critical research problem and translate this into a well-designed, applied and academic project of investigation and understanding.
- Acquire a thorough understanding of the chosen subject area and the wider theoretical, policy and practice literature within which the subject is framed.
- Demonstrate an ability to organise, collate, critically assess and interpret data.
- Demonstrate a capacity to effectively communicate new knowledge in a social scientific manner.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module SP6154: "Family Support Dissertation" and is valid from 2023 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredSP581: Families and Children in Society and Policy II
SP581: Families and Children in Society and Policy II
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module SP581: "Families and Children in Society and Policy II" and is valid from 2021 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredSP579: Family Support Theory II
SP579: Family Support Theory II
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module SP579: "Family Support Theory II" and is valid from 2014 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredSP580: Family Support Practice II
SP580: Family Support Practice II
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module SP580: "Family Support Practice II" and is valid from 2014 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredSP582: Law and Family Support
SP582: Law and Family Support
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module SP582: "Law and Family Support" and is valid from 2014 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredSP583: Health Promotion and Families
SP583: Health Promotion and Families
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module SP583: "Health Promotion and Families" and is valid from 2014 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
- The MA/PDip in Family Support Studies is a core programme within the Discipline of Applied Social Science and is underpinned by a lifecourse perspective on families and family members.
- The Family Support programme is located in a UNESCO affiliated Child and Family Research Centre and is connected to the global network of the UNESCO Chair in Children, Youth and Civic Engagement.
- The Family Support programme conceptualises and applies a Family Support orientation as a preventative, early intervention model of supporting those who are experiencing adversity.
- The programme has an applied focus considering the impact and influence of a wide range of national and international policies, conventions, legal instruments and principles on Family Support in practice.
- Students will critically explore current research and the use of research evidence to inform policy and practice.
- Students will also build their knowledge and practical skills in programme planning and evaluation.
- There is a strong emphasis on social science research with students designing and implementing a research project in year two.
- The programme offers the opportunity to be part of a thriving post-graduate community within the wider School of Political Science and Sociology and the Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS).
Graduates of the MA/ PDip in Family Support Studies will have enhanced career prospects in a wide range of service areas, at practitioner and manager level, working in statutory and community or voluntary services. This includes a broad range of social service fields such as welfare, justice, health, and education. Students can also progress to research, advocacy and policy roles across relevant disciplines and sectors within these fields.
- Dr Carmel Devaney (Programme Director)
- Dr Bernadine Brady
- Prof John Canavan
- Dr Anne Egan
- Dr Katy Flanagan
- Dr Brian Hickey
- Dr Brian McGrath
- Prof Caroline Mc Gregor
- Jacqueline Murphy
How will I learn?
Assessment of candidates is on a continuous basis, varies from module to module and involves a combination of project work, in-class presentations, essays and reflexive exercises. Central to students’ assessment is the application of their learning in their place of work and their Year Two social science research project.
The MA/PDip in Family Support Studies is closely linked with the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre where academic staff are actively engaged in contemporary research at a national and international level that is of direct relevance to the programme curriculum. Most programme staff are also members of the Discipline of Applied Social Science and are actively working to ensure their research has impact on relevant national policy and practice. Many of the programme team are also involved in international Networks advancing Family Support as an accepted orientation across Europe and further afield.
Course queries:
carmel.devaney@universityofgalway.ie
Programme Director(s):
Dr Carmel Devaney,
Senior Lecturer
Head of the Discipline of Applied Social Science
School of Political Science and Sociology
College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies
E: carmel.devaney@universityofgalway.ie
T: 091 495398
University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Applicants with relevant professional experience who do not meet the formal qualifications requirement may be considered for entry into the PDip in the first instance.
Graduates of the MA/PDip in Family Support Studies will have enhanced practice, assessment, communication and management skills. Students will become proficient at social science research, and develop increased knowledge on evaluation, and programme planning. Students will also learn new skills and competencies in presentation and dissemination.
Accreditations & Awards
The whole learning experience was very rewarding and beneficial. Not only did it allow me to update my skill set and apply theory to practice in family support, but it also offered me an opportunity to expand my knowledge in this area of expertise. In addition, it enabled me to reflect on my work and learn from my colleagues, which I found very beneficial.
Liam Whyte
Children Act Services Manager, Mayo.
Informed by experts, exploring key concepts and frameworks in an academic environment, with leaders in the field from the UCFRC was a privilege. It served as a reminder that practitioners on the ground and researchers are on the same page with policy makers playing catch up to ideas like practice research cultures, protective support and supportive protection and more. I will carry it's impact forward and hope to explore future avenues for continued engagement and learning opportunities.
Michael Bravender
The MA in Family Support Studies has been insightful and transformative. The programme expanded my understanding of family dynamics and equipped me with practical tools to support diverse families effectively. The lecturers were knowledgeable and supportive, and the curriculum was relevant and engaging. I feel more confident and ready to make a real difference in my professional practice. Highly recommend this course to anyone passionate about family support.
Becky Kofo Fred Ameh
The course changed things for me. It helped me understand what I was doing and gave me the theory - like why resilience and social support matter.
Marie Moroney
Meet our Employers
Entry Requirements and Fees
Minimum Entry Requirements
A third-level qualification or a recognised professional qualification in a field broadly related to Family Support service delivery. Participants must have a minimum of one year work experience in health or and social services areas. Applicants with relevant professional experience who do not meet the formal qualifications requirement may be considered for entry into the PDip in the first instance.
English Language Entry Requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.
More information on English language test equivalency are available here.
Supporting Documents
You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.
You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.
Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.
You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.
Closing Dates
For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.
Notes
- You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
- Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.
Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026
| Course Type | Year | EU Tuition | Student Contribution | Non-EU Tuition | Levy | Total Fee | Total EU Fee | Total Non-EU Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masters Part Time | 1 | €2,250 | €105 | €2,355 | ||||
| PG Diploma Part Time | 1 | €2,250 | €105 | €2,355 |
For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.
Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here.
Application Process
Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.
Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.
Further Information
Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.
School of Political Science and Sociology
https://www.universityofgalway.ie/soc/
UNESCO Child and Family Research
https://www.universityofgalway.ie/cfrc/
Why University of Galway?
World renowned research led university nestled in the vibrant heart of Galway city on Ireland's scenic West Coast.
College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies
University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland, H91 TK33
Downloads
Meet Our Alumni
Course Introduction
Connecting Family Support Theory and Practice
The Family Support programme is designed to help you deepen your knowledge and strengthen your skills as a professional working in social services. You will explore the Family Support approach to meeting the needs of children, young people, parents and communities. Through research-informed teaching, the programme equips you with a strong foundation to apply Family Support principles across diverse roles, disciplines and sectors.
