Course Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Practice Teaching, Supervision and Management was developed in response to and in partnership with Social Workers interested in advancing their professional training.  It is underpinned by CORU regulations on the responsibility of social workers to continue professional and personal development throughout their career.

It recognises the integral role of practice teachers in facilitating the integration of theory into practice in the development of the Social Work profession.  It develops the skills and knowledge in teaching student social workers in the workplace setting.

It is also relevant for those professional social workers currently taking or giving supervision. In addition the management section of the course will offer the opportunity to explore management models and practices within varied social work settings.

The programme is offered in a blended learning format, taking in traditional and technological concepts of teaching and learning. This will lead to participants acquiring an excellent academic theoretical framework on relevant theories, policies and practices. The development of self is promoted through reflective practice in individual and group exercises. New perspectives will also be achieved on computer-based distance learning techniques and practical competence while supervising a student on placement.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System

Who Teaches this Course

This course is delivered by the social work staff who work on the MSW programme, colleagues from the School and university, and guest lecturers with relevant expertise in the field.  

Requirements and Assessment

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Appropriate primary degree (Level 8) and hold a professional social work qualification NQSW or equivalent. A minimum of three years’ post-qualifying experience in social work is required, with a recommendation that the last six months’ work experience be spent in the current work setting. An active interest in social work education and in particular student social work education is necessary. The course is delivered in a blended format online/ in person, all participants must have an adequate broadband connection, use of a computer, and basic computer skills to complete the course. Acceptance of a student on placement for 14 weeks in January to April is a pre-condition of gaining entry to this programme. Therefore, approval with the management of the Social Workers’ Agency will be required prior to accepting a place. If a student is not available for this period, the applicant’s employer must agree to accept a student at the earliest date possible after this period.


Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year, part-time

Next start date

September 2023

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

10

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

18 August 2023 

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

Award

CAO

Course code

PGD-PTSM

Course Outline

The programme content for this Postgraduate Diploma in Practice Teaching, Supervision and Management is divided into two main categories: The taught and e-learning component of the course in Semester 1 and the supervised placement and portfolio component in Semester 2. 

Semester 1
 
  • Advanced Practice Teaching
  • Advanced Supervision
Semester 2
 
  • MSW Student supervision January–April
  • Portfolio presentations. Evaluating outcomes and identifying research opportunities
  • Management and Social Work

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 (60 Credits)

Required SPL501: Advanced Practice Teaching


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module SPL501: "Advanced Practice Teaching" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SPL502: Advanced Supervision


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module SPL502: "Advanced Supervision" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SPL503: Management and Social Work


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module SPL503: "Management and Social Work" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SPL504: Fieldwork Practice


Semester 2 | Credits: 25

Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module SPL504: "Fieldwork Practice" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SPL505: Portfolio Presentations


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module SPL505: "Portfolio Presentations" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

This course will further explore the areas of advanced supervision and management with a view to career advancement and continued professional development.
 

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Acceptance of a student on placement for 14 weeks, January to April, is a pre-condition of gaining entry to this programme. Therefore approval with the management of the Social Workers' Agency will be required prior to accepting a place on the course.

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€1,090** p.a. 2023/24

Fees: Tuition

€950 p.a. 2023/24

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2023/24

Fees: Non EU

Downloads

  • Postgraduate Prospectus 2023

    Postgraduate Prospectus 2023 PDF (20.6MB)