Family Support Studies

Course Overview

The main focus of Family Support is on early intervention and prevention in order to promote and protect the health, well-being and rights of all children, young people and their families, paying particular attention to those who are vulnerable or at risk.



This programme aims to enhance the education and skills of professionals working in the field. The programme enables students to develop in-depth understanding of social problems, their causes and policy solutions. It provides a strong foundation in family support theory and its application across a range of practices, roles and disciplines in the human services, as well as practical social science research and evaluation skills required in the sector.



This is a two-year part-time programme. Students attend college one to two days every second week over four semesters with the agreement of their employers. Established in 2003, this programme is unique in Europe with its emphasis on applying a family support approach across a wide range of social practice and policy areas.

Year One (45 Credits)

• Family Support Theory I

• Family Support Practice I

• Families and Children in Society and Policy I

• Working with Specific Populations

• Child Protection and Family Support

• Community Development and Families

• Family Support Practice Seminars

• Dissertation Workshops



Year Two (45 Credits)



• Family Support Theory II

• Family Support Practice II

• Families and Children in Society and Policy II

• Law and Family Support

• Health Promotion and Families

• Social Science Research Dissertation



Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases). Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.



Please see Course Web Page above for module details.

A third-level qualification or a recognised professional qualification in a field broadly related to Family Support service delivery. Participants must have a minimum of one year work experience in health or and social services areas. Applicants with relevant professional experience who do not meet the formal qualifications requirement may be considered for entry into the PDip in the first instance.



Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants with relevant professional experience who do not meet the formal qualifications requirement may be considered for entry into the PDip in the first instance.

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

MA: 2 years, part-time

PDip: 1 year, part-time

Next start date: September 2025

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the PDip/MA in Family Support Studies will have enhanced career prospects in a wide range of service areas, at practitioner and manager level, working in state and voluntary services on behalf of children and families. Areas where family support is applicable include social work, social care, community work, public health nursing, disability, education, justice, social welfare, early years, gerontology, and other related fields.