Social Work (M.S.W. / P.Grad.Dip.)

Course Overview

Social work is challenging and rewarding and requires a personal commitment to the ideals and values of the social work profession. Those considering social work as a career option should be aware of its ethical and value dimensions and, in particular, the commitment of practitioners to the promotion of social justice.

In accordance with Irish statutory regulations this Master in Social Work/Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work programme is approved by the national regulatory body for health and social care professionals (CORU).

The Masters in Social Work Programme prepares its student cohort for registration as professional social workers with CORU, the regulatory body for health and social care professionals. All health care professionals have a stated duty of care to the public and as such, all new entrants to the social work programmes in the School of Social Work and Social Policy, must successfully complete the required health screening and vaccination to certify their vaccination status or immunity to specified infectious diseases. This is in the interest of reducing the risk of the transmission of infectious disease from service users to students, and from students to patients.

Applicants should hold an NFQ Level-8 social science degree (2.2 degree or higher), or equivalent, and a minimum of 420 hours relevant practice experience (can be paid and/or voluntary and/or placement 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.

Entrants will have to pass Trinity's health screening requirements, you can learn more here.

Students will also be required to undergo Garda Vetting, you can learn more here.

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 C (Higher Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band C, see the English Language Requirements page here.

Our 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.