Social Work - Athlone

Social work is a values-based profession that places primacy on the well-being of individuals, groups, families and communities, particularly those who experience multiple dimensions of vulnerability. Social work promotes anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice. Social workers aim to give voice to traditionally marginalised populations and never lose sight of the importance of fighting for social justice.



The aim of this programme is to prepare students to successfully engage in social work practice in an ever-increasing complex world. The programme will arm students with the knowledge, values and skills necessary to meaningfully assess and treat a variety of challenges via the conscious use of the best evidence from the literature to guide practice.



The MSW programme is highly practice-oriented, requiring students to actively participate in class activities, including role-plays.



Key Features of the Programme:



Practice-Oriented Learning: The programme emphasises hands-on experience through role-plays, case studies and interactive discussions.



Placement Opportunities: Students undertake two substantial practice placements, developing real-world expertise under the supervision of qualified social workers.



Interdisciplinary Approach: The course incorporates perspectives from psychology, sociology, law and policy to provide a well-rounded understanding of social work practice.



Guest Speakers & Social Work Sector Engagement: Students benefit from insights shared by professionals, service users, and leading academics in the field.



Commitment to Social Justice: The programme fosters critical thinking and advocacy skills, preparing students to challenge inequality and support vulnerable populations effectively.

Year 1 - Semester 1

Social Work Practice & Theory Credits: 5

Preparation For Social Work Practice Credits: 5

Intro To Social Work And The Law Credits: 5

Applied Sociology & Social Policy For Social Work Credits: 5

Placement 1 and Seminar Credits: 20



Year 1 - Semester 2

Placement 1 and Seminar Credits: 20

Human Behaviour Perspectives Credits: 5

Social Work And Wellbeing Credits: 5

Social Work Research Methods Credits: 5

Child and Family Law Credits: 5



Year 2 - Semester 1

Interprofessional Practice For Social Work Credits: 5

Social Work With Families, Groups And Communities Credits: 5

Social Work Dissertation Credits: 30



Year 2 - Semester 2

Placement 2 And Seminar Credits: 20

Applications are encouraged from the following groups:



Applicants with a grade of 2.1 or above in an Honours undergraduate degree (Level 8) in a relevant discipline. For example, Social Work, Community Development, Early Childhood Care and Education, Psychology, Social Policy, Social Science, Social Care, Sociology, Youth and Family Studies, Addiction Studies.



Applicants with a grade 2.2 in an Honours undergraduate degree (Level 8) in a relevant discipline, with three or more years of relevant practice experience.



Applicants with an Honours undergraduate degree (Level 8) in a non-relevant discipline, and a postgraduate award in social sciences with a grade of 2.1 or above.



Applications are considered on an individual basis. Academic qualifications, work and life experience, motivation and overall potential to be successful on a Social Work programme are considered and evaluated from a written application and an interview. Demonstrating motivation, aptitude and interest in the course is key to a strong application.



Shortlisting of applications will take place. Assessment of applications is made by members of the Programme Board and shortlisted applicants will be required to attend for interview, these are provisionally set in March 2026. The top scoring applicants will be offered places in the Programme. Applicants who scored outside the initial offer range will be placed on a waiting list and notified if a place becomes available.



International Students Applications

International students can apply for this course at internationalapplication.tus.ie. Course fee for international students is €15,500.



English Proficiency

All lectures, tutorials and practical work are delivered in English.



It is important that all students have the ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English at the postgraduate level.



Applicants whose national language is not English must submit certified evidence of their English language proficiency, with a score of 6.5 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or equivalent.



Under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016, TUS is required to conduct Garda Vetting on all students who go on work placement where such activity brings them into contact with vulnerable adults or children. Students of this programme will be required to undergo Garda Vetting before placement. Work placement is a mandatory component of this programme. TUS reserves the right to inform Placement Providers of any convictions or pending cases. Students should note that a criminal conviction may affect their ability to undertake work placements, and by consequence their ability to progress. Students cannot progress to placement unless the Garda Vetting Process is complete.

Applications for 2026/27 will open on February 1st 2026.

2 years, full-time.

Further Study

Graduates may be eligible to pursue training and research leading to PhD qualifications.



Career Opportunities

Registered graduates can work in a range of practice settings including: medical social work, mental health social work, child welfare and protection, disability social work and criminal justice social work.