If human rights and social justice matter to you, and if you want to make a real difference in people’s lives, the MA in Social Work at University of Galway could be your next step. This programme is designed for people who already have some relevant experience, whether through paid work and/ or volunteering, in social care, community work or similar fields. That experience is essential, as it helps you bring real-world insight to your studies and prepares you for the challenges and rewards of professional social work.  

If you're ready to build on that foundation and commit to a career that promotes human rights and  empowers children, young people and adults this course is for you. 

What will be covered?  

The full-time programme comprises of four semesters over 2 years. Two of these four semesters are 14-week practice placements off campus.  

This is a full-time, 24-month degree (excluding the summer holiday period). 

In Year 1, students complete a taught, on-campus semester from September to December, followed by a 14-week practice placement from January to April. A one-week on campus Transitions Programme in April/May allows students to reflect on their placement experiences and begin developing their dissertation proposals. 

In Year 2, students complete a 14-week practice placement from September to December, followed by on-campus classes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from January to March, alongside work on their minor dissertation. 

Year 1 

• Counselling in Social Work 
• Theory and Social Work I
• Methods of Social Work
• Support and Protection across the Lifecourse
• Social Policy
• Mental Health and Applied Law
• Fieldwork Placement I
• Research Methods

Year 2 

• Fieldwork Placement 2
• Social Work, Law and Human Rights
• Contemporary Social Issues
• Social Work, Supervision, Management & Administration in a Culturally Diverse Setting
• Theory and Social Work II
• Criminal Justice System, Probation & Social Work
• Research Dissertation

Curriculum Information

• Dedicated Learning Spaces: As an MA in Social Work student, you'll have access to a dedicated classroom not typically available to other students. You'll also benefit from shared learning spaces with students from other MA programmes within the School of Political Science and Sociology, including those based in the Institute for Lifecourse and Society.
• Wide Range of modules: Explore diverse subjects like human rights and social justice, equality, diversity and inclusion, social policy, mental health, child protection and community development to build comprehensive expertise.
• Employer and practice connections: You will have the opportunity to cultivate relationships with social work agencies and community organisations - valuable for networking and career opportunities.
• Collaborative Community: Join a collaborative, interdisciplinary community in the School of Political Science and Sociology, where you’ll engage in cross-programme learning with students from other MA disciplines and benefit from contact with experts in Applied Social Sciences, Sociology, Politics, Gender and Global Women’s Studies.
• Master core concepts: Develop a solid foundation in social justice and social work theory and practice principles and apply them to real-world contexts.

As a graduate of the MA in Social Work, you will have strong career prospects across multiple sectors where you can apply your expertise to support individuals, families and communities. This programme prepares you for professional practice by developing your critical thinking, practical skills and your understanding of social justice, equality, diversity and inclusion. 

You will be well-equipped to work in diverse environments, from healthcare and social services to criminal justice and community organisations. With experience, you can progress into specialist roles or leadership positions and there are also opportunities for further academic study and research. Registration with CORU is essential for social work practice in Ireland, and this course fully meets those professional standards. 

Career Sectors and Roles include: 

• Social Work in Health and Social Care Settings
• Child Protection, Welfare and Family Support Services
• Criminal Justice and Probation Services
• Community Development and Advocacy Organisations
• Youth and/ or Adult Mental Health Services
• Disability and Elder Care Services
• Policy Development and Social Research
• Education and Youth Services
• Leadership and Management in Social Services
• Academic and Research Positions 

The MA in Social Work at University of Galway includes two essential, professionally supervised work placements, each lasting approximately 14 weeks. These placements typically take place during the second and third semesters, offering students extensive, practical experience in social work settings. 

Placement opportunities are available to all students as a compulsory part of the course. Students work with a broad range of partners across health and social care services, child protection and welfare agencies, criminal justice organisations, community development groups and mental health services. These placements take place in various locations throughout Ireland, providing exposure to diverse client groups and social issues. While placements are unpaid, they are integral to developing the practical skills, professional judgement and ethical awareness necessary for a successful and rewarding career in social work. 

During placements, students engage in tasks such as client assessment, case management, advocacy and intervention, under the close supervision of experienced social work professionals. This experience helps students integrate theoretical knowledge with practice and fosters critical thinking, adaptability and communication skills. 

Many students find that their placements lead to enjoyable and valuable professional networks and, these may lead to future employment opportunities with their placement providers post-graduation. The strong links the programme maintains with local and national agencies enhance employability and ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the social work profession upon qualification.

The MA in Social Work is fully accredited by the Social Workers Registration Board at CORU, the Health and Social Care Professionals Council in Ireland. CORU is the statutory body responsible for regulating health and social care professionals, ensuring high standards of education, training, and professional conduct. Accreditation by CORU means that graduates of this programme are eligible to apply for registration as qualified social workers, which is a legal requirement to work as a social worker anywhere in Ireland. 

To gain accreditation, the programme meets CORU’s rigorous criteria for curriculum content, practice placements and assessment standards. This ensures that graduates are equipped with the essential knowledge, skills and ethical insights to provide safe and effective social work services. 

Graduates who register with CORU gain access to a wide range of employment opportunities across public, private and voluntary sectors within Ireland. CORU registration also enhances professional credibility and supports career progression within these fields. 

No additional exams are required after graduation to be eligible for or maintain CORU registration. However, social workers must comply with ongoing professional development requirements and adhere to the ethical standards set by CORU to maintain their registration. 

• Dr Carmel Devaney
• Dr Declan Coogan 
• Dr Paul Michael Garrett
• Dr Eleanor Kelly 
• Dr Brian McGrath
• Prof Caroline McGregor
• Dr Jacqueline McGovern
• Dr Jacqueline Murphy 

How will I learn?

The MA in Social Work combines innovative teaching methods with practical, hands-on learning to ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable educational experience. You will learn through a mix of interactive lectures, seminars and workshops led by expert faculty and practitioners in practice. Real-world case studies, role plays and reflective assignments will enable you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems. 

Group work and collaborative activities will enhance your teamwork and communication skills, while individual assignments and the final dissertation will help you develop independence, analytical skills and critical thinking.  

Throughout the programme, you will have access to cutting-edge resources, including research/ theory informed practice wisdom and innovative theoretical and practice-based models, to support your learning and professional growth.

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, video recordings, written examinations and minor dissertation. Students will require at least a 50% pass in each module. All Year 1 academic and fieldwork placement modules must be passed before progression to Level 2. No ’compensation’ between modules allowed. 

Fieldwork Placement 

The Fieldwork (internship) component of the MA in Social Work is 50% of the entire period of the course. Students work in a variety of statutory, non-statutory and voluntary agencies. These agencies are usually along the Western seaboard and there are 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 usually supervised by a professionally qualified Social Worker (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. 

The MA in Social Work is strategically aligned with our social work practice colleagues in the region. There are  joint training events embedded into the curriculum timetable, with our Tusla/ Child and Family Agency partners and  with the Health Service Executive adult social work services. These events provide an opportunity to explore opportunities for practice-based research and to showcase evidenced based practice in action.

UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre:

The programme is deeply embedded in this internationally recognised Research Centre, which leads globally in areas like family support, youth civic engagement, mental health and policy-influencing evaluation. 

Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS):

Social Work students benefit from ILAS’s cutting-edge interdisciplinary research approach, integrating community voices, innovative methodologies and strong policy impact.

Course Queries 

Stephanie Quinn 
Email: socialwork@universityofgalway.ie  
Office Phone: +353 91 492 290 

Programme Director:  

Dr Declan Coogan 
Email: declanp.coogan@universityofgalway.ie 
Office Phone: + 353 (0)91 495373 

Q: What type of work is relevant when applying for the MA in Social Work?
A: Consideration must be given to work undertaken in a caring capacity and it must be with a recognised organisation. Supervision and available training in the work setting are exceptionally important. Examples of relevant work include social care roles such as residential care for children, adolescents, or the elderly; family support work; social work assistant positions; after-school clubs; and voluntary work in areas like online support, phone counselling, befriending, and community development. Experience working with people who are homeless or individuals with learning or physical disabilities is also regarded as relevant. Work experience may be paid or voluntary. 

Q: Are there any hidden costs while on placement?
A: There are costs associated with placement, including travel to the agency. While we strive to ensure that, where possible, students receive mileage or travel allowances for work-related travel, this is not always guaranteed. Since placements require a full working week, maintaining part-time employment can be challenging during this period. For students facing financial difficulties, the programme provides information about university welfare support and external funding opportunities.

Q: If I am unsuccessful, will I be held on a 'Reserve List'?
A: The places on the Reserve List are offered according to the highest score downwards. If students do not pass the interview, they will not be placed on the waiting list. 

Q: Does the University have available accommodation?
A: The University offers on-campus accommodation. For more information and advice, please visit: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/student-life/accommodation/index.html 

Q: When and how long are the placements?
A: The first-year placement runs from January to April, and the second-year placement runs from September to December. Each placement lasts 14 weeks. 

Q: Where can I get experience before applying?
A: Applicants for social work must have 480 hours (3 months) of relevant experience with a recognised agency, involving direct work with individuals, families, or groups in a social support role. Experience may be paid or voluntary and can cover areas such as children and families, disability, health and social care, homelessness, mental health, probation, and youth work. Examples include social care in disability services, support in elderly homes, volunteering with homeless or mental health charities, Childline, Samaritans, and other community services in Ireland or abroad. The programme may verify experience if needed. Fundraising or administrative roles are not eligible. 

Q: What is process around Garda Vetting?
A: All students offered a place on the programme must complete a Garda Vetting form at registration. This form is submitted to and processed by the National Garda Vetting Office. You are required to disclose any instances where you have been involved in court proceedings, such as prosecutions. It is essential that this form is completed honestly and accurately. During the programme induction, students who have made disclosures on their Garda Vetting form are asked to arrange a meeting with the Practice Learning Coordinator to discuss matters related to placement. 

Q: Do I set up my own placement?
A: All placements are coordinated and arranged by the Practice Learning Coordinator. If you have a particular interest in a specific area, please contact the Practice Learning Coordinator, Ms. Eleanor Kelly at eleanor.kelly@universityofgalway.ie. 

RPL is not formally available for the MSW programme due to the accredited nature of the course and the requirements that must be met. These learning requirements are met through an integrated programme throughout two years which all students must complete.  This is in line with university RPL policy.  

Please note that, while we do not have a formal RPL system, prior learning is recognised in other ways. For example, the admissions processes recognises prior learning from practice experience. During classes and seminars, we encourage students to bring their own learning to the programme and build on this throughout their time with the course.  

Graduates of the MA in Social Work programme develop a wide range of transferable skills that are highly valued across multiple sectors, both within and beyond traditional social work roles, and include:  

• Communication Skills: Advanced verbal and written communication skills are developed through client engagement, report writing, case presentations and inter-agency collaboration. Students learn how to communicate complex information clearly and ethically. 
• Critical Thinking: The programme encourages students to critically assess situations, interventions and evidence. Reflective practice is embedded in the curriculum, enhancing self-awareness and continuous professional development.
• Analytical Skills: Through research-led modules and exposure to internationally recognised centres like the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, students gain experience in data collection, analysis and policy evaluation.
• Teamwork: Students work closely with professionals across sectors, including healthcare, education, housing and justice, developing strong collaboration and teamwork abilities.
• Time Management & Organisational Skills: Balancing academic demands, placements and reflective assignments equips students with the ability to manage competing priorities in high-pressure settings.
• Problem Solving: The nature of social work demands creative yet principled solutions to complex social issues. The programme supports students in building sound judgment, ethical reasoning and resilience in decision-making. 

Minimum Entry Requirement

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, 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 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). 

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

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. 

Placement 

There are costs associated with the mandatory 14-week fieldwork placement. While every effort is made to arrange placements close to your home, this is not always possible, so travel expenses may be incurred. Additionally, during your placement, you may have to cover other travel costs. Some agencies reimburse these expenses, but others do not. Placement sites are aware of the financial burden on students and strive to keep additional costs to a minimum.

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 entry 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 - School of Political Science and Sociology - University of Galway
• The Irish Association of Social Workers -  www.iasw.ie 
• CORU - Regulating Health & Social Care Professionals - https://coru.ie/about-us/registration-boards/social-workers-registration-board/