Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master in Social Work/Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work programme is a two-year, full-time postgraduate social work programme accredited by the Health and Social Care Professional Council (CORU). It prepares students for registration as professional social workers with CORU.

Course Details

• Awards: NFQ Level 9
• Number of Places: 25 Places
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Course Director: Dr. Susan Flynn
• Closing Date: 12th February 2025

Admission Requirements

Applicants should hold an NFQ Level-8 social science degree (2.1 degree or higher), or equivalent, and a minimum of 850 hours relevant practice experience. All applications for the Master's in Social Work must include a breakdown and description of relevant work experience to date, which indicates the total number of hours or weeks worked. Applicants must also provide one academic reference and one reference from their practice experience.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Structure

The Master in Social Work is a two-year, full-time postgraduate social work programme consisting of 14 weeks of academic attendance and a 14-week professional practice placement each year.

Year 1 Modules

• Introduction to Social Work
• Introduction to Reflective Practice & Use of Self in Social Work
• Social Work & Counselling Practice Approaches
• Group work
• Community Development
• Human Development in Social Contexts
• Supporting Children and Families-Approaches to Prevention and Intervention
• Child and Family Law
• Equality, Rights, Identities & Power in Social Work Practice
• Preparation for Practice
• Contemporary Discourses in Social Work
• Contemporary Social Policy
• Introduction to Social Work Research and Evaluation

Year 2 Modules

• Families and Children: Practice in a Child Welfare Context
• Social Work and Gender-based Domestic Violence
• Criminology, Probation and Social Work
• Applied Law
• Social Work in Diverse Settings
• Mental Health
• Addictions
• Youth Mental Health
• Health Related Social Work
• Ageing
• Disability
• Systemic and Social Constructionist Approaches with Children and Families
• Professional Development
• Working in Human Service Organisations
• Social Work in a Global Context
• Social Work Research

Career Opportunities

Graduates have found employment as social workers in Ireland and abroad, in sectors including TUSLA, Child and Family Agency, Probation Service, Health-Related Social Work, Mental Health Services, Disability Services, and Community Development. Others have chosen careers in research, advocacy, service management, and education and training.

Course Fees

For a full list of postgraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section of the university's website.

Testimonial

I value the blend of theoretical learning and practical placements, as they provide me with the skills and knowledge to tackle real-world social work challenges. The stimulating discussions and emphasis on critical social theories make the course incredibly inspiring. It has equipped me with evidence-based practices and a robust ethical foundation, preparing me to advocate effectively for marginalised populations.

Maxwell Akosah

Graduate

Related Courses

• Applied Social Data Science (M.Sc.)
• Applied Social Data Science (P.Grad.Dip)
• Applied Social Research (M.Sc.)
• Child Protection and Welfare (M.Sc. / P.Grad.Dip.)