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Professional Master of Social Work

ProfMasters (NFQ Level 9)
Internships Available

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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The long-established UCD Professional Master of Social Work is a 2 year full-time programme, approved by the Social Workers Registration Board at CORU www.coru.ie leading to a professional social work qualification. The programme emphasises reflective and anti-oppressive practice and equips students  with the knowledge, values and skills to work as social workers in a range of settings.

With this qualification graduates will be eligible to apply for professional registration which is a requirement to practice social work in Ireland. This Masters is also recognised internationally. The programme is taught by research-active academics with broad teaching and practice experiences. Modules address topics such as social work counselling skills, social work theory and methods, human development and behaviour,  justice and human rights, working with children, families and adults, research methods, as well as working with groups and communities. We have very strong practice partnership arrangements that enable us to deliver high quality placements for students.

  • Registered graduates can work in a range of practice settings including: medical social work, mental health social work, child welfare and protection and criminal justice social work.
  • Extensive fieldwork placements are an integral part of the programme and are sourced by our Practice Learning Team.
  • A range of teaching methodologies are used, including lectures, small group discussions, and experiential skills workshops.
  • Modules are taught by research active academics, experienced social work practitioners and people who use social work services.
  • A commitment to engagement with people who use social work services is a key feature of the programme. For example, we have a long-established partnership with the SAOL project, an integrated programme of education, rehabilitation, advocacy and childcare for women impacted by addiction, with women from the SAOL project contributing to the programme.
  • The programme has long-established links with social work agencies and with individual practitioners, ensuring relevance to current practice. 

About This Course

The programme is taught by research-active academics with broad teaching and practice experiences. Modules will address topics such as social work counselling skills, social work theory and methods, human development and behaviour,  justice and human rights, working with children, families and adults, research methods, as well as working with groups and communities. We have very strong practice partnership arrangements that enable us to deliver high quality placements for students

Social work has had a long and distinguished presence in University College Dublin. Over many decades our social work programmes have graduated highly qualified professionals that have been employed in many social, health and community settings, both in Ireland and internationally. We enjoy very strong partnership arrangements with a range of local and national social work, health and community agencies.

The Professional Master of Social Work offers generic professional training in social work.  The aim of the Programme is to build on students’ prior learning and experience to develop their practice expertise. 

  • The curriculum is planned as an integrated whole, delivered by staff who possess a wide range of practice and research experience.The content of the curriculum meets regulatory body standards in terms of university and practice learning curricula.
  • The Programme enables students to apply university based learning through the completion of two professionally supervised, three month, practice placements.
  • Reflecting UCD’s University for All ethos, we are proud of the fact that our programme at UCD always has a very diverse student group – for example, diverse in terms of age, gender, nationality,ethnicity, socio economic background, ability, disability and neurodivergence . Our programme includes students who have recently completed their undergraduate degrees from across Ireland, students who are returning to education or changing career, Irish students of different ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds, and international students from different countries and continents. This diversity of student cohort is widely regarded as a key strength of the programme, resulting in opportunities to learn from peers with different perspectives and life experiences.
  • Upon successful completion of this masters programme, graduates are eligible to apply for registration with CORU, the Social Workers' Registration Board as well as other international registration boards and upon registration with the relevant registration boards can then pursue a career in social work in Ireland or in many other jurisdictions.

  • Graduates with this degree have successfully registered as professional social workers in Ireland, the  United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among other countries.

  • Graduates obtain employment in a range of social work practice contexts including criminal justice, child welfare and protection, community based social work, and health-related social work. They work with communities, children and families, older people, offenders, people with disabilities, and people with mental health difficulties, amongst others

Practice Placements: 



Students will undertake two, full-time fourteen-week placements, one in Year 1 and one in Year 2. Placements are sourced by our Practice Learning Team through an extensive network of long-standing relationships with agencies across Ireland. All placements meet the requirements set out by CORU, with ongoing-training provided to all placement supervisors (practice teachers).



Placements reflect the diverse areas of practice in which social workers work and aim to meet the learning needs of the individual students concerned. Placements offer students the opportunity to apply their learning from college to the practice context and this application of theory to practice is supported by both the professionally qualified social worker who supervises the student on placement and by a UCD Practice Tutor


Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
SPOL40130 Social Work Counselling Skills 1 Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
SPOL40800 Theories of Human Development and Behaviour for Social Work Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
SPOL40870 Adult Services and Health 1 Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
SPOL40900 Child and Family Social Work 1 Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
SPOL40960 Social Work Methods Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
SPOL41070 Law for Social Work Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
SPOL40890 Social Work Placement 1 Spring  25
Stage 1 Core Modules
SPOL40970 Research Methods 1 Spring  2.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
SPOL41080 Prep forProfessional Practice1 Spring  2.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
SPOL41010 Research Methods 2 Summer  30
Stage 2 Core Modules
SPOL40190 Social Justice and Human Rights Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
SPOL40220 Group Work and Community Work Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
SPOL40570 Social Work Counselling Skills 2 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
SPOL40780 Advanced SW Theories and Methods Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
SPOL40920 Adult Services and Health 2 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
SPOL40940 Child and Family Social Work 2 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
SPOL40950 Social Work Placement 2 Spring  25
Stage 2 Core Modules
SPOL41000 Prep forProfessional Practice2 Spring  5


  • The Professional Master of Social Work is a full-time programme approved by CORU (The Social Workers’ Registration Board www.coru.ie), leading to a professional social work qualification.

  • Upon successful completion of this masters programme, graduates are eligible to apply for registration with CORU, the Social Workers' Registration Board as well as other international registration boards and upon registration with the relevant registration boards can then pursue a career in social work in Ireland or in many other jurisdictions.

  • With this qualification graduates are eligible to apply for professional registration which is a requirement to practice social work in Ireland. The Masters is also recognised internationally.


Sarah McLaughlin Social Worker in the US

My experience of studying social work at masters level at UCD has been overwhelmingly positive. The campus has excellent facilities and a proactive student body ensures a great student life definitely worth experiencing. The faculty in the School are extremely supportive and the curriculum is well recognised internationally.

Now, working as a professional Social Worker, I realise that the masters provided an excellent basis for this challenging and rewarding career.

Darren Malone, 2023 Graduate, now working as a Tusla social worker.

“On the UCD Professional Masters in Social Work, the lecturers really take it upon themselves to get to know the students and these relationships guided us through the programme. The staff also bring their practice experience and their own research to the classroom so that students get greater insight into the profession.  There is also a good balance of both practical and theoretical modules on the programme which aids both personal and professional development. The smaller class sizes for the practical modules ensured that students got opportunities to apply and perfect skills for future practice.  Whilst on our practice placements, it was recognised that the UCD programme is well established, and the organisation of preparing students for the placements and supporting students during the placements was faultless.  Overall, the programme was well structured and prepared me well for my career in social work”

Rose Ngegwe, 2023 Graduate

“Studying the Professional Master of Social Work has been a worthwhile and informative experience for me. The Programme provided me with a range of modules, intense teaching and two 14-week practice placements, that helped me feel prepared and equipped to start a career in social work. I liked how there was diversity in the classroom and I believe that UCD prides itself in ensuring that it is integrative and inclusive for students. It is worth studying the Social Work masters in UCD because the degree is not only recognised in Ireland but internationally. I like how the Programme offers graduates a range of career opportunities such as working in child protection, criminal justice, medical social work and community based social work. Also, the Programme opens the door to further study for a PhD.”

Sarah Maguire, 2023 Graduate now working in HSE Social Inclusion

My experience on the UCD Professional Masters in Social Work is one that I will forever cherish.  Upon entering UCD in 2018 as a mature student with no experience of third level education, I completed a Diploma in Community Drugs and Alcohol and then the undergraduate BSocSc in Social Policy and Sociology. While completing the degree, I was strongly encouraged to apply for the Professional Master of Social Work programme. As a mature student, I did have some doubts about whether I would succeed; however, with the support of fellow students and staff in UCD I successfully completed the programme. This was as a result of the ongoing support and encouragement from the administrative staff and the excellent lecturers whose passion for teaching and encouragement of students was second to none. They really went out of their way to support us students in everyway. I also made lifelong friendships with other students on the course. The programme has been life changing for me. I can genuinely say that the skills and experiences I gained from the social work  programme have allowed me to develop into a confident professional social worker now working on a HSE Social Inclusion team.

Amy Donlon, current UCD PMSW student:

“I am thoroughly enjoying my time as a social work student at UCD. Coming from a scientific background, the UCD HDip in Social Policy facilitated a smooth transition to the Professional Master of Social Work. The Master's programme is well organised, and communication from the faculty is excellent. I have found the content interesting and the incorporation of guest lecturers and diverse assignments particularly engaging.” 

Professional Master of Social Work (W426) Full Time
nonEU    Year 1 - € 22600
nonEU    Year 2 - € 22600 aa

aaSecond Year Fee applies to Students in 2nd Year in 2025 and who were a 1st Year Student on the programme in 2024/25
***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. The UCD Access and Life Long Learning website has information about Cothrom na Féinne scholarships and Sanctuary scholarships.  UCD also offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships

 

  • The minimum standard for entry is the equivalent of an overall Second Class Honours Grade II in the applicant's primary (Level 8) degree
  • Applications should hold a BSocSc degree with a major in Social Policy or a BSocial Work or equivalent; or another undergraduate degree, at least half of which has involved the study of Social Policy or Social Policy related subjects.
  • Alternatively, applicants must hold a level 8 primary degree together with a Second Class Honours (or GPA equivalent in the institution which awarded the degree) in a postgraduate (level 8) Higher Diploma in Social Policy or equivalent. 
  • If your degree grade is given as a GPA, the standard for entry is the GPA equivalent of a Second Class Honours Grade II in the institution which awarded your degree. You should note that this may vary from institution to institution. For degrees awarded by UCD it is a GPA of 2.48.

Written Piece

There will be a short written piece included as part of this year's application process, on the same day as the  interview. This will involve writing a short reflection on your participation in the group interview process. If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty e.g. Dyslexia, and require exam accommodations, please contact the admissions administrator at least one week before the interview so that appropriate exam accommodations can be put in place. Students are required to provide evidence of their disability in order to receive accommodations.

Work Experience
In addition to the academic requirements described above, we expect applicants to have been involved in relevant paid or volunteering experiences to demonstrate their commitment to a career in helping people. For this reason we expect them to have completed at least 250 hours of relevant paid or voluntary employment experience at the time of submitting their application, and in total 420 hours by the time the programme begins (end of August in the year of application). You will be asked to complete details of this on the application under an 'Employment History' section.The template can be downloaded from the “Graduate Programmes” page of the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice website in the section for “Professional Master of Social Work. Placements completed as part of your eligibility degree programme CANNOT be counted in these hours.

You should note that UCD reserves the right to check the information submitted on your online Work Experience form with your employer or the organisation that you are volunteering with.

We regard a variety of types of paid or voluntary work experience to be relevant to the application. It is important that applicants can demonstrate that they have had access to supervision over the course of your experience. Relevant experience should generally be interactive and involve direct contact with service users.
The following are suggested, but not exclusive, types of relevant paid or voluntary work experiences:
• Working in social care settings with adults or children in day care, residential or community based settings
• Working with people in health care settings
• Working with people in criminal justice settings
• Working with young people in educational and youth services
• Working with voluntary sector organisations that are involve in advocacy services for disadvantaged groups
• Working with voluntary sector organisations involved in online helping

Current students in the 2nd (BSocSc Social Policy and Sociology - Social Work and Professions pathway only) or final year of their degree or higher diploma programme may apply for the Professional Masters in Social Work (Full Time) programme if they meet the work experience requirements. Places on the programme will be offered subject to the attainment of the required admission standard in their degree/higher diploma programme.

Shortlisting for Interview

Applicants will be shortlisted for interview on the basis of academic results and relevant work experience. Interviews will take place in the February of the calendar year before the programme commences. As the programme tends to be over-subscribed we regret that not all eligible candidates will be shortlisted / interviewed. Eligible candidates will receive invitation to interview with further details.

Students who successfully complete the Professional Master of Social Work and are eligible to graduate may apply to CORU for registration as a professionally qualified social worker.  

English language requirement

  • You will normally be required to have a minimum IELTS score of 7.0, or its equivalent on other similar English-language tests recognised by UCD, with a score of 6.5 or above on all individual bands. In addition, proficiency in spoken English may be assessed by interview and will be taken into account for selection purposes.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes


This programme will be of interest to you if you are passionate about human rights and social justice, wish to better understand societal problems, and want to be actively involved in working with people and communities to overcome challenging situations and to enhance their well-being. Full attendance is a programme requirement. This, combined with the professional nature of the programme, demands a considerable commitment from students for its duration, both in terms of lecture attendance, completion of coursework, and attendance at placement.


General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Professional Master of Social Work:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W426
Professional Master of Social Work
Professional Masters
Full-Time
Commencing September 2024
Graduate Taught Closed
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W426
Professional Master of Social Work
Professional Masters
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught Apply
* you can change options at the top of the page