MA IN SOCIAL WORK

Frequently Asked Questions

General

When will I know if I have a place?

You will receive a letter by mid April which will inform you either you have gained a place or that you have been placed on the 'Reserve List'. You should take no longer than two weeks to accept or refuse your place.

If I receive a place how soon might I have to pay the deposit or registration fee?

Any questions on deposits or registration fees should be directed to Kay Donohue, Political Science and Sociology School Administrator: kay.donohuenuigalway.ie.

Does the University have accommodation?

The college does have on campus accommodation. Any questions on accommodation should be made to the Campus Accommodation office or the NUI Galway Students’ Union ( http://www.su.nuigalway.ie/student-life/accommodation)

What type of work is relevant when applying for the MA in Social Work?

Consideration must be given to work which undertaken is in a caring capacity. The quality of supervision is exceptionally important as is the training available in the work setting. Examples of related work would be in social care e.g. residential care of children, adolescents or the elderly. Family support work, social work assistant roles, after-school clubs etc. Voluntary work in the areas of on-line support, phone counselling, befriending work and work within a community development context. Working with the homeless or with people with a a learning or physical disability is would also be regarded as ’relevant’ experience.

If I have a qualification other than those mentioned on the initial information webpage and I still feel I have the desire and experience to train as a social worker what should I do?

You should contact the Professor of Social Work: Caroline.mcgregornuigalway.ie.

Is the MA in Social Work programme keen to recruit international students?

Although international applicants do not, of course, receive preferential treatment, we would welcome their interest.. It is important for international students to please check with the Admissions Office ( admissionsnuigalway.ie) that their undergraduate qualification is of a comparable Level 8 with the European University system.

I meet the criteria but have not been to College for a long time or have gone back to do an Access course as a mature student. Will I be able for the course?

Any help you need either from an academic perspective or a personal support perspective will be offered by NUI Galway. You only have to ask.

Where is the MSW recognised?

Currently we have graduates working in the USA, Canada, Australia, England, Scotland and Ireland. Further information on compatibility with similar courses in other jurisdictions can be obtained through the International office of Irish Association of Social Workers ( http://www.iasw.ie/).

Placement

When and how long are the placements?

The first year MSW placement is from January until April. The second year placement is from September until December. Both placements are 14weeks duration.

Where are the placements?

Placements are available throughout Ireland t.Unusually, in rare instances, a studentmay have to temporarily relocate for a placement.

In what social work areas can I expect to have my placement?

Placements are in a variety of social work areas e.g. Child protection, Disability, Probation, Medical social work teams, Psychiatry, Housing and Welfare etc.

I need to stay in Galway. Can I have my placements in Galway?

Placements are allocated with regard to availability, students learning needs and also their personal circumstances. There is no guarantee of city based placements but every effort is made to locate students where they have an interest.

Can I set up my own placement?

All placements are co-ordinated and set up by the Practice Learning Co-ordinator. Should you have a particular interest in a specific area then contact the Placement Learning Coordinator, Ms. Marguerita McGovern: marguerite.mcgovernnuigalway.ie.

Do I get paid while on placement?

No, there is no payment to MSW students while on placement.

Will I have a Child Protection placement while on the course?

The objective of the placement experience is to give the student a safe and secure working environment where knowledge, skills and values will be learned and practiced under supervision. For every student one of their placements will be within a statutory agency and this can be child protection, mental health, probation etc.

Are there any hidden cost while on placement?

The current situation is that the majority of social work agencies do not pay mileage/travelling allowance. Therefore where a student has to engage in home visits the travelling expenses are not always paid by the Agency.

What International placements are there?

Currently there are placement sites in Chicago, South Africa and the Philippines.

Admissions

Can I gain entry without a Level 8 Qualification?

Level 8 is the minimum qualification and no exception can be made to this irrespective of other experience and qualifications

What other degrees would the college deem appropriate other than those listed in the information?

It is difficult to specify other acceptable undergraduate/postgraduate degrees as it depends on the specific content of them. Generally, a degree will be accepted if there is evidence that a significant proportion of the modules completed have a broad social science component. This could include Law, Geography, Theology; Philosophy. Nursing. The applicant’s relevant experience is considered in conjunction with this. If you are unsure, you should send a transcript of your degree to the Admissions advisor before submitting an application

Does working in a youth club count as relevant experience?

A any type of work that shows any of the following is relevant: For example: direct work with individuals in a therapeutic or supportive way; advocacy work with individuals, families and groups; work within a social care related organization; volunteering for recognized charities etc.

Does teaching and/or nursing count as relevant experience?

See Minimum Entry Requirements. A teaching or nursing qualification at degree level may be accepted if there is evidence of a significant proportion of social care/social work related experience.

Does placement learning count towards relevant experience?

Yes. Supervised relevant placement learning can count towards your 960 hours. Normally we will accept up to a maximum of 240hours from placement learning. The remaining hours must be in independent paid or voluntary work.

Does work I did many years ago count as relevant experience?

There is no time-limit for the experience. It would however be important to state in your personal statement how you have developed your skills from this period and your learning from it.

How important is the statement?

This is very important. Some points are allocated to the statement at the short listing.

How important are my references?

These are also important as they also receive some points at the short listing stage. You should request references from persons who are most able to account for your academic standing / practice experience.

My 17 year old daughter wants to be a social worker and wants to study at NUI Galway. How can she plan her career?

To qualify the MA Social Work at NUIGalway, a relevant degree at Level 8 is necessary. This can be gained at NUIGalway through a number of BA routes such as Social Care, Psychology, Political Science and Sociology, Social and Public Policy. During this time, your daughter should also consider joining the university volunteering programme or engage in some other form of part-time social care/support activity to build up her experience. She will also need to be familiar with currently topical policy issues impacting on social work.

If I am successful and not able to take my place, can I defer it?

There is no opportunity to defer your place on the course.

If I am unsuccessful, will I be held on a 'Reserve List'?

The places on the Reserve List are offered according to the highest score downwards. IF students do not pass the interview, they will not be placed on the waiting list.

I really want to be a social worker and I have been turned down twice already. What should I do?

Ensure you obtain feedback on your interview to know what areas you didn’t so well on. Consider whether you need to do further experience to prepare for social work. Think about whether there are related fields that would also interest you which can also apply to in case you are unsuccessful a third time.

Do you take into account international practice experience?

Yes, all verified relevant practice experience is taken into account irrespective of where it has been undertaken

Do you accept International Qualifications?

All international qualifications will be checked by the University Admissions office.

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