Admission to the Masters of Social Work (MSW) CKE64 is open to a limited number of students holding at least a Second Class Honours level in the BSocSc Degree (level 8) (or its equivalent) or graduates, who have successfully completed an approved conversion programme, i.e. the Higher Diploma in Social Policy (or its equivalent).
There is a selection process based on the following combined elements: academic performance and research capacity; certified social work related experience and initiative; knowledge of social work and motivation, commitment and suitability.
BSocSc Graduates (level 8) (or its equivalent) who have already completed their degrees and did not achieve at least a Second Class Honours but achieved an overall PASS or 3H result can apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies option (CKC06). Please see http://www.ucc.ie/en/CKC06 for more details of the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies option entry requirements
IMPORTANT NOTE: Applicants should NOT apply for both the Masters (CKE64) and Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work (CKC06) options as it is the ONE selection procedure for both options. The Postgraduate Diploma option is aimed at graduates who have already completed their BSocSc level 8 degree (or equivalent) but achieved an overall PASS or 3H result.
Both Applicants who have graduated with at least a 2H2 and Current final year students pending their final results in Summer 2017 should apply for the Masters Of Social Work option (CKE64) ONLY.
Current Final year candidates who are successful at interview will be allocated places on the MSW, conditional on achieving a minimum 2H2 in their final degree/Higher Diploma in Social Policy exams. Should they not obtain a 3H or Pass in their final exams, they will then be allocated a place on the PgDipSocWk Studies on confirmation of their results.
GARDA CLEARANCE
All students on this programme will require GARDA CLEARANCE in order to attend student placements. University College Cork has made arrangements with the Gardaí in relation to Garda Clearance procedures. All candidates who accept places on this programme must complete and sign GARDA CLEARANCE FORMS and return them to UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, CORK.
Please note: All students must have GARDA CLEARANCE. Should matters arise in the Garda check form, a student may be asked to delay taking up a placement until a clearance is confirmed or, alternatively, they may be requested to leave the course. A further Garda clearance and fit-persons test will be undertaken by the professional registration body CORU upon successful completion of the course, should a graduate apply to use the title of social worker.
See course webpage (link below) under Detailed Entry Requirements for information on the Fitness to practise policies and procedures.
All applicants should also consult with the Frequently Asked Questions about the Selection Process. - view course webpage- link below.
If you are applying with Qualifications obtained outside Ireland and you wish to verify if you meet the minimum academic and English language requirements for this programme please see course webpage (link below) to view the grades comparison table by country and for details of recognised English language tests.
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Course Practicalities
The MSW/PGDSWS is a full-time professional course that involves five full days in college or five full days in practice. Practice placements are an integral part of the course. You are required to complete two 14-week fieldwork placements, for at least one of which you will be required to move outside Cork. The course is split roughly 50/50 between college academic work and practice placements. Students on the PGDSWS go on placement to a wide variety of practice contexts all over Ireland and in year 2 have the option to do an international social work placement.
Unique Aspects of the 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.