Program Overview

Social Care Management (Master of Arts, L9, 90 ECTS)

Course Overview

This proposed programme aims to equip experienced social care workers with the knowledge, skills and insight required to be effective managers in social care settings. The intention is to offer the learner an opportunity to examine the practice of leadership and management in social care services, informed by an analysis of wider management theory, in order to develop appropriate management competencies.

Entry Requirements

• A primary honours degree in Social Care, or equivalent degree in a cognate discipline, with a minimum award of Second-Class Honours Grade 2.2.
• An appropriate professional qualification in a cognate discipline with at least 2 years relevant professional experience/responsibility.
• A primary honours degree and at least 3 years relevant professional responsibility and experience.

An interview may form part of the selection process.

The number of enrolments to this part-time programme is restricted to 25 students.

Students must be in employment or have previously worked in a social care setting. Students should ideally have the support of an agency to fulfil the academic and practical requirements of the course.

NB: Successful completion of this programme of study will not confer entitlement to register as a Social Care Worker.

Course Content

Semester 1

• Professional Supervision Theory and Practice
• Contemporary Management for Social Care and Community Organisations
• Strategic Operations and Project Management
• Managing for Quality in Service Delivery
• Research Skills for Managers

Semester 2

• Law for Social Care Managers
• Human Resource Management
• Financial Management for Social Care and Community Development Organisations
• Research Thesis

Delivery

• The programme will be delivered in a blended format, commencing September 2026. Delivery details and start dates are to be confirmed.

Time Commitment

• Each 5 credits will normally equate to approximately 100 Total Learning Hours. Total Learning Hours includes the time you spend in class (lectures, tutorials, practical elements) and the time you spend completing work outside of college.

Assessment

• The vast majority of the course is assessed through continual assessment for all elements of each module. Some modules will have a scheduled final exam which will take place online.

Qualification

• Master of Arts in Social Care Management (Level 9, 90 ECTS)

Fees

• €11,800 (€5,900 per academic year) – Indicative course fee for 2026

Application Deadline

• To be confirmed for September 2026. Places are allocated on a first come first served basis. Course will be closed once the maximum number of applicants is reached. Courses run subject to viable numbers.