Master of Social Work (MSW)

The Master of Social Work (MSW) is a two-year full-time professional training programme that combines academic study with fieldwork placements. This programme is approved by CORU and enables students to register as social workers with regulatory bodies in Ireland and abroad.

Course Outline

The MSW programme is divided into six thematically-based combinations, with students taking 60 credits in each year of the programme (a total of 120 credits). The programme includes modules in social work theory, skills, social policy, and topics specific to social work settings, such as child and family welfare and mental health.

Year I

• SS6101 Social Work Approaches 1: Theory and Practice
• SS6105 Social Policy and Social Exclusion
• SS6106 Applied Social Research 1
• SS6107 User Experiences in Diverse Contexts 1 (mental health, substance misuse and social work, social work in healthcare settings)
• SS6108 Child and Family Welfare 1
• SS6112 Practice Skills and Fieldwork Placement 1
• SS6115 The Rights and Welfare of Adults at Risk of Harm
• LW6005 Social Work and the Law (Child Law)

Year II

• SS6200 Social Work Approaches II: Theory & Practice (Critical and Radical Social Work; Sustainability, Environmental and Social Justice Issues; Community Work)
• SS6201 Child and Family Welfare II
• SS6202 User Experiences in Diverse Contexts 2 (Probation and Offending; Working with Young People; Working with Disabled People; Age & Ageing)
• SS6207 Practice Skills and Fieldwork Placement II
• SS6206 Dissertation in Social Work
• LW6003 Social Work and the Law (The Rights of Vulnerable Persons)

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of social systems and human behaviour to promote social change, problem-solving in human relationships, and the empowerment of people to enhance their well-being
• Apply knowledge of social policy to critically examine and respond to the impact of social and political contexts on service users and social work
• Reflectively evaluate and implement the values and ethics of the profession of social work
• Promote principles of social justice, human rights, and anti-oppressive practice as intrinsic elements of social work practice
• Demonstrate core social work practice proficiencies in areas such as professional autonomy and accountability, communication, collaborative practice, and teamworking

Course Practicalities

The MSW is a full-time professional programme that involves five full days of college work or five full days in practice/on-the-job learning. Practice placements/on-the-job learning are an integral part of the course, with students required to complete two 14-week fieldwork placements/on-the-job learning.

Why Choose This Course

The MSW programme at University College Cork (UCC) stands out for its esteemed faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and commitment to community engagement. The programme offers a supportive learning environment, with a great balance of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

A limited number of placement opportunities outside of Ireland are available each year. The School has links with placement agencies in the US, India, South Africa, and some European countries.

Skills and Careers Information

On graduation, students will have been prepared for professional registration and be in a position to demonstrate the core social work practice proficiencies. Graduates will be well-prepared to respond reflectively and reflexively to a variety of social work situations in a diversity of social work settings.

Requirements

Admission to the MSW is open to students holding at least a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours (NFQ, Level 8) BSocSc Degree (or its equivalent). There is a selection process based on academic performance and research capacity, certified social work-related experience and initiative, knowledge of social work, and motivation, commitment, and suitability.

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is 9,900, and the Non-EU fee is 19,900.

How to Apply

The closing date for submitting an online application for the Master of Social Work is 9 February 2026. Applicants must provide additional information as part of the online application process, including social work experience, proposed work experience, and referees' details.

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Degree Overview:

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at University College Cork (UCC) is a two-year, full-time course that combines academic study with fieldwork placements. It is approved by CORU, the regulatory body for social workers in Ireland. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to register as social workers in Ireland and abroad.

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Objectives:

The program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become competent and ethical social work practitioners. Upon completion, graduates will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of social systems and human behavior to promote social change, problem-solving in human relationships, and the empowerment of people to enhance their well-being.
• Critically examine and respond to the impact of social and political contexts on service users and social work.
• Promote principles of social justice, human rights, and anti-oppressive practice as intrinsic elements of social work practice.
• Demonstrate core social work practice skills in areas such as professional autonomy and accountability, interpersonal and professional relationships, effective communication, personal and professional development, provision of quality services, knowledge, understanding, and skills.
• Demonstrate knowledge of theory, legislation, policy, official inquiry reports, and international conventions, and apply them to assessment and intervention planning in social work practice.
• Illustrate an approach to learning that is self-directed, strengths-based, and reflective.

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Outline:

The MSW program is a full-time professional training program running for 21 months over two academic years. It is divided into six thematically-based combinations:

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Year I:

• Social Work, Counselling and Development Issues:
• SS6101 Social Work Approaches 1: Theory and Practice (10 credits)
• SS6102 Human Growth and Development (5 credits)
• SS6108 Child and Family Welfare I (5 credits)
• Social Work Practice and Fieldwork Placement I:
• SS6112 Practice Skills and Fieldwork Placement 1 (20 credits)
• Social Science, Law and Social Work Settings:
• LW6005 Social Work and the Law (Child Law) (5 credits)
• SS6105 Social Policy and Social Exclusion (5 credits)
• SS6106 Applied Social Research (5 credits)
• SS6107 Social Work Settings 1 (5 credits)

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Year II:

• Social Work, User Groups, and Law:
• LW6003 Social Work and the Law (The Rights of Vulnerable Persons) (5 credits)
• SS6200 Social Work Approaches II: Theory and Practice (5 credits)
• SS6201 Child and Family Welfare II (5 credits)
• SS6202 Social Work Settings II (5 credits)
• Social Work Practice, Counselling Skills, and Fieldwork Placement II:
• SS6207 Practice Skills and Fieldwork Placement II (20 credits)
• Dissertation and Practice Research Presentation:
• SS6206 Dissertation in Social Work (20 credits)

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Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Group projects
• Enquiry-based learning assignments
• Reflective portfolios and learning journals
• Essays
• Research presentations
• Minor dissertation

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Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Group work
• Case studies
• Role-playing
• Fieldwork placements
The program emphasizes a reflective approach to teaching and learning, which supports the development of skilled, reflective practitioners.

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Careers:

Graduates of the MSW program are well-prepared for a variety of social work roles in diverse settings, including:

• Medical social work
• Mental health social work
• Child protection social work
• Probation social work
• Physical and intellectual disability social work
• Community social work
• Primary care social work

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Other:

• The program includes two 14-week fieldwork placements, for at least one of which students are required to move outside Cork.
• Students on the program have the option to do an international social work placement in year 2.

University College Cork

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Overview:

University College Cork (UCC) is a public research university located in Cork, Ireland. It is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI). UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

Student Support:

UCC provides a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.

Library:

The Boole Library offers extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

Campus Life:

UCC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and sports teams.

Accommodation:

UCC provides on-campus accommodation options for students.

International Office:

The International Office supports international students with visa applications, cultural adjustment, and other services.

Adult Continuing Education:

UCC offers a variety of programs for adult learners, including evening classes and online courses.

Continuing Professional Development:

UCC provides professional development opportunities for working professionals.

Micro-credentials:

UCC offers micro-credentials in various fields, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge.

Scholarships and Prizes:

UCC offers a range of scholarships and prizes to support students financially.

Transition-In Programme:

UCC provides a transition-in program for students who are new to higher education.

Graduate Attributes:

UCC focuses on developing graduate attributes such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCC offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, societies, and events. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Education:

UCC is renowned for its high-quality education and research.

Strong Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

UCC provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.

Beautiful Location:

UCC is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

International Reputation:

UCC is a globally recognized university with a strong international reputation.

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Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Business and Law
• Engineering and Science
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Education
• Music

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Other:

• UCC is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world's first green campus.
• UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
• UCC has a strong research focus and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.
• UCC is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population.