Course Outline
The Master of Social Work is currently open for applications 2020. All online applications must be submitted online by the closing date for this programme: 20 January 2020.
The Master of Social Work (MSW) is a two-year full-time course that combines academic study with fieldwork placements. The MSW course is accredited by the Health and Social Care Professionals Council (CORU). When you finish this course you will have an academic qualification that will enable you to register as a social worker with regulatory bodies in Ireland (CORU) and internationally.
All prospective applicants should also check the School of Applied Social Studies website at: http://www.ucc.ie/en/msw
This website has been designed to answer most of the questions you may have about the PGDSWS, social work and applying for the MSW/PGDSWS.
You will take modules in social work theory, skills, social policy and topics specific to social work settings such as child and family welfare and mental health. When you have completed this course, you will be able to:
apply knowledge of social systems and human behaviour to promote social change, problem-solving in human relationships and the empowerment of people to enhance their well-being
critically examine and respond to the impact of social and political contexts on service users and social work
promote principles of social justice, human rights and anti-oppressive practice as intrinsic elements of social work practice
demonstrate core social work practice skills in the areas of: professional autonomy and accountability, interpersonal and professional relationships, effective communication, personal and professional development, provision of quality services, knowledge, understanding and skills
demonstrate knowledge of theory, legislation, policy, official inquiry reports and international conventions, and apply them to assessment and intervention planning in social work practice
illustrate an approach to learning that is self-directed, strengths-based and reflective.
Further details on the curriculum and module descriptions are in the Postgraduate College Calendar
Fitness to Practise
This programme is be subject to the University's Fitness to Practise Policy - full details may be found Postgraduate Studies in Social Work Fitness to Practice details.
Why Choose This Course
The staff on the Master of Social Work/Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies provide a very successful and much sought-after course of professional education and training in social work. It is a leader in social work education in Ireland where it was one of the first courses to adopt a reflective approach to teaching and learning throughout the course, with the aim of supporting the development of skilled, reflective practitioners. The course has been accredited and commended by the Health and Social Care Professionals Council (CORU) for its delivery of a coherent, well-constructed and successfully executed course of professional social work education. The teaching and learning methods on the course are centrally concerned with building on students' prior knowledge and experience, and with developing and extending skills and competencies. Preparing you to meet the requirements for professional registration under (CORU) is a central objective of the course. Our graduates are much sought-after by the major national and international employment agencies.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
A limited number of placement opportunities outside of Ireland are available each year. The School has links with placement agencies in the US, India, South Africa and some European countries. Students are advised that international placements are more suitable in year 2 than year 1. These placements bring important comparative opportunities into the whole student group when placement experiences are deconstructed on return to college. It is School policy that all social work students should do at least one placement in Ireland.