MA IN FAMILY SUPPORT STUDIES

Overview

In recent times, there has been a shift towards a more proactive stance in relation to social services for children and their families. Family Support represents an important framework within this overall trend and in essence, can be described as efforts which develop, compensate for, enable, and strengthen family functioning. In this regard, the overriding purpose of this programme is to further the education, training and skill enhancement of professionals with a common interest in Family Support.

Programme Description

The MA (Family Support Studies) is a two-year part-time programme and students are required to attend college two days every second week over four semesters with the agreement of their employers.

Programme Aims and Objectives

The overriding purpose of this programme is to further the education, training, and skill enhancement of professionals with a common interest in Family Support and includes the following key objectives:

• To educate participants in respect of core theoretical ideas underpinning Family Support Work;
• To develop key skills in Family Support work among participants;
• To provide participants with project management and evaluation skills;
• To develop participants’ research and report writing skills.
• To enhance the quality of Family Support services delivered by relevant state, voluntary and community agencies.
• To strengthen the knowledge base of Family Support theory, policy, and practice.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this programme will have the opportunity to enhance their careers in a wide range of services areas at both practitioner and manager level working in state and voluntary services on behalf of children and families. In the main, graduates will come from the health and social services sector including Social Workers, Residential and Community Social Care Workers, Public Health Nurses, and Early Years Workers among others. Reflecting the inter-disciplinary nature of the area, the course will also include those working in community work, education, justice, social welfare, and other fields.

Fees

Programme Fee for Academic Year 2009-10

E.U. students: €3,350
Non-E.U. students: contact Fees Office.

Please note: fees are correct at the time of online publication, but are subject to change (E&EO); non-E.U. fees must be paid in full prior to registration.

Note: The Department of Health and Children part-sponsor the programme resulting in a subvention in fee costs to successful student applicants.

Brochure

To view the current brochure, click here.

For More Information

For more information about enrolling in this course, please visit the Postgraduate Admissions Office.

• Disclaimer
• Privacy
• Copyright
• Accessibility