Social Work

Our Master of Social Work (NFQ Level 9) programme is a two-year full-time course that combines academic study with fieldwork placements. This programme is approved by CORU.

Admission to the Masters of Social Work (MSW) is open to students holding at least a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours (NFQ, Level 8) BSocSc Degree (or its equivalent), or graduates who have successfully completed an approved conversion programme, i.e. the Higher Diploma in Social Policy with at least a Second Class Honours Grade I (or its equivalent). A full list of other programmes that have been deemed to be equivalent to the BSocSc is available here. 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 IMPORTANT NOTE: Applicants should NOT apply for both the Masters and Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies options as there is ONE selection procedure for both options. Please note that the Masters of Social Work (MSW) does not accept applications for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If you intend to apply through RPL, you must apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies. Requirements for MSW applicants: 1) Applicants have already graduated with at least a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours (NFQ, Level 8) BSocSc Degree (or its equivalent); 2) Applicants have already graduated with at least a Second Class Honours Grade I in an approved level 8 conversion programme, i.e. the Higher Diploma in Social Policy (or its equivalent); 3) Applicants are current final year students in BSocSc (level 8) (or its equivalent) pending their final results in their Summer exams; or 4) Applicants are current students on an approved level 8 conversion programme, i.e. the Higher Diploma in Social Policy (or its equivalent) pending their final results in their Summer exams. AND 5) Have 420 hours of social work-related experience by interview date. See our FAQ here for further information. 6) Be able to secure Garda Vetting (police). Current final year BSocSc students/current Higher Diploma in Social Policy students / final year students on approved equivalent courses who are successful at their interview will be allocated places on the MSW, conditional on achieving a minimum 2nd Class Honours Grade I in their final degree exams. Should they not obtain a 2nd Class Honours Grade I, they will then be allocated a place on the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies on confirmation of their results. The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies option is also aimed at graduates who have already completed their BSocSc level 8 degree (or equivalent) but achieved an overall result of less than a 2nd Class Honours Grade I. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Pathway For those interested in studying social work at UCC who do not meet these eligibility criteria, you may be able to apply to the PDSWS under our new recognition of prior learning (RPL) pathway. The RPL eligibility criteria are available on the PDSWS website. GARDA VETTING Please note that as part of this programme students will require Garda Vetting as they will take part in a placement or UCC related activity where they will be working in an unsupervised capacity with children and/or vulnerable adults. For more information on this process please read the UCC Student Garda Vetting Policy FITNESS TO PRACTISE This programme is subject to the University's Fitness to Practise Policy - full details may be found here. All applicants should also consult with the Frequently Asked Questions about the Selection Process: FAQs. For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page. International/Non-EU Applicants For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students. In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments. Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office. English Language Requirements Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.