MASTER OF SOCIAL SCIENCE (SOCIAL WORK)

The Master of Social Science (Social Work) (MSocSc Social Work) is a full time two year programme for suitable graduates who want to pursue a career in social work. The programme combines rigorous academic education with supervised field work practice towards the aim of developing competent, ethical and reflective social work practitioners who are committed to the promotion of human rights and social justice in social work.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this programme will be able to:

• Demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills and values to practise independently as professional social workers;
• Engage in ethically informed social work practice, upholding principles of social justice, human rights and anti-oppressive practice;
• Critically evaluate the political, social, economic and technological issues encountered by social workers in their work and be competent to deliver creative responses to these issues;
• Demonstrate an integrated understanding and proficiency in the core domains specified by the Social Work Registration Board, namely: professional autonomy and accountability, interpersonal and professional relationships, effective communication, personal and professional development, provision of quality services, knowledge, understanding and skills.

Why Study Social Work at Maynooth University?

The Department of Applied Social Studies (DAPPSS) at Maynooth University is the longest established provider of professional education and training in youth work and community work in the Republic of Ireland. Since 1981, building on a mission “to contribute to human rights, social justice and equality nationally and internationally”, it has earned an unrivalled reputation for teaching, research and public contributions in these areas (which, like social work, require external professional accreditation), as well as in the academic discipline of social policy.

The introduction of social work complements the Department’s existing suite of programmes in the social professions.

The MSocSc Social Work programme shares a focus on social justice and human rights with other programmes in the Department of Applied Social Studies (the MSocSc Community and Youth Work and the MSocSc Rights and Social Policy) and like them will include classroom and field visit opportunities to learn about and meet practitioners at the forefront of human rights activity both in Ireland and internationally. For example, in the current academic year, postgraduate students registered on courses in the DAPPSS have had the opportunity to visit national and international justice and rights institutions, including the United Nations in Geneva.

All modules on the MSocSc Social Work are led by experienced academics and social work practitioners with a focus on small group teaching and experiential learning.

Fieldwork placements will take place in each of the two academic years and there will be a range of placements available both in Ireland and internationally. The programme team will work with each individual student to identify with them the most appropriate placements available in each of the two years.

CORU Programme Approval

Social work qualifications in the Republic of Ireland are approved by the Health and Social Care Professionals Council, CORU http://www.coru.ie/

Graduation from an approved programme is one of the entry criteria for application to join the Social Workers Register.

The Master of Social Science (Social Work) programme from Maynooth University was granted programme approval in 2021 as one of the qualifications recognised for entry to the Social Workers Register. In order to become approved the programme must demonstrate that it meets the Social Workers Registration Board's Criteria for Education and Training Programmes and the Standards of Proficiency for the profession.

Application for entry to the MSocSc Social Work programme is open to graduates who can demonstrate that they possess either the following:

1. A minimum Second Class Honours (2H2) primary degree (NFQ Level 8) in social science or equivalent, with social policy as a major component. Graduates with a Level 8 degree in other disciplines who have completed a relevant conversion programme e.g. Higher Diploma in Social Policy may also apply. A Higher Diploma in Social Policy is offered by Maynooth University
2. A minimum of 420 hours of relevant and verified social work/social service experience, paid or voluntary, by the time they commence the programme
3. Minimum English language requirements:

OR

For applicants applying for entry from September 2026 -

Meet one of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) criteria, which are:

1.Hold an honours primary degree (NFQ, Level 8) in any discipline, and have completed a minimum of twelve months relevant work experience in a social work or social work-related field¿or

2.Hold a primary ordinary degree (NFQ, Level 7) in social science or its equivalent with an overall result of at least a Second Class Honours Grade 1 and have completed at least three years experience in a social work or social work-related field¿or

3.Non-graduates with at least five years of professional experience in a social work or social work-related field may also be considered for admission.

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

1. Suitability and readiness for entry to the social work degree programme. Applicants will be required to provide a minimum of two references including an academic reference and a practice experience-related reference which will be checked during the selection phase. In addition, admission to the programme will involve a routine police vetting procedure for all students. All students registered on the MSocSc Social Work will be required to confirm that they are adequately vaccinated before commencing field work placements. If any applicant has a query about any of the suitability checks, please contact the Department using the contact details provided below.

IELTS : 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band

Duolingo English Test (DET) : The minimum requirement will be a DET score of 120 - with at least 110 in each individual subscore. 

Pearson Test of English : 63 with no less than 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section

TOEFL internet-based test  : iBT: 90 with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section

Social workers are employed in a range of settings including child welfare and protection, criminal justice, mental health, addiction and health-related social work. The Department of Applied Social Studies offers opportunities for postgraduate study at doctoral level including the PhD and Doctor of Social Science (DSocSc).

Information on social work at an Irish and international level can be gained by accessing the following:

CORU- https://www.coru.ie/

Irish Association of Social Workers - https://www.iasw.ie/

International Federation of Social Workers- https://www.ifsw.org/