MA IN SOCIAL WORK

Modules and Structure

Programme Content (Subject to Change)

Year 1

Theory and Social Work 1 (5 ECTS)
Social Work Practice (5 ECTS)
Social Policy (5 ECTS)
Research Methods (5 ECTS)
Human Behaviour and the Social Environment (5 ECTS)
Methods of Social Work (5 ECTS)
Children, Families, and Vulnerable Adults (5 ECTS)
Mental Health and Health Promotion (5 ECTS)
Field Work Placement I (20 ECTS)

Year 2

Field Work Placement II (20 ECTS)
Social Work and the Law and Human Rights Issues (including Minority and Ethnic Group Rights) (5 ECTS)
Contemporary Social Issues (5 ECTS)
Theory and Social Work 2 (5 ECTS)
Crime Reduction and Probation Work (5 ECTS)
Social Work, Supervision, Administration, and Management in a Culturally Diverse Context (5 ECTS)
Research Dissertation (15 ECTS)

Assessment

Students will be expected to pass all modules, including the practice component of the first year before progressing to the second year. Each module will be assessed through a variety of assessment methods including written assignments, individual and group presentations, podcasts, written examinations and minor dissertation. Students will require at least a 50% pass in each module to continue to the next phase.

Fieldwork

The Fieldwork component of the MSW is 50% of the entire period of the course. Students are placed in a variety of statutory, non statutory and voluntary agencies. Geographically these agencies are along the Western seaboard, though there are a number of placements in the Midlands and the East of the country. In Year 1 the placement runs for 14 weeks from early January to mid April. In Year 2 the placement is also 14 weeks, from September to December. All Year 1 academic and fieldwork modules must be passed before progression to Level 2. No ’compensation’ between modules allowed. Each student is supervised by a professionally qualified social worker (the Practice Teacher) and is visited on placement by a Personal Tutor to discuss the student’s learning progress in developing the skills required for professional practice. International placements have been available in Chicago, South Africa and the Philippines. These are, in general, self-funded.

Garda vetting is a requirement for placement and applied for through the NUIG Registration office following on from acceptance of a place on the course.

In exceptional circumstances students may be required to relocate for an optimum placement opportunity.

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