Course Summary
The aim of this programme is to allow individuals to become professional and competent social workers who are knowledgeable, reflective, research-focused practitioners able to work critically and ethically in various sectors.
OBJECTIVES
To provide students with the knowledge, skills and competencies to become professional social workers in various settings within the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors.
- To support students in developing a critical awareness of current issues facing society and generate innovative ideas to support the resolution of such issues.
- To facilitate students to develop an understanding of professional accountability and the legal and regulatory framework within which social work operates.
- To equip students to reflect and practise ethical, innovative and effective social work practice that actively promotes social justice in a diverse society.
- To develop learners who recognise and understand the importance of evidence and research in and to practice and who can contribute to this debate and apply it to social work practice.
- To develop civic and social responsibility as an informed learner.
To ensure the required competency of ATU graduates, this programme does not accept a request for advanced entry,
Key Course Information
The programme is part-time for four years. Students complete two practice placements as part of the programme.
The programme is delivered by experts in social work practice and discipline-specific expertise.
There are a limited number of places on this programme.
The Programme is Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications
MA 120 (ECTS = European Credit Transfer System
Intake: September
Application Closing Date : 15th August 2025
Entry Requirements
Admissions and Selection Criteria
Once applicants register their application on the system using the 'Apply Now' link on the programme web page, they will receive guidance to submit the following:
- A copy of their third-level transcripts (it must be a relevant qualification within the discipline of social sciences)
- CV
- Three templates that applicants are required to complete (a) an Academic Reference Template, (b) an Employer Reference Template, and (c) a Work/Practice Experience form Template
Applicants must ensure that the academic reference, employer reference, and evidence of relevant practice experience are provided only in the templates provided.
Applicants should not provide any other documentation other than what is listed above. Applicants will be given a deadline for the provision of all relevant documentation, after which time shortlisting will occur. If an applicant is shortlisted, they will be invited to interview. Interviews have two components: (1) written assessment and (2) individual interview.
To be considered for an interview and selection for this programme, applicants require:
- 2.1 or above in a Social Science honours degree programme, i.e. B.Soc.Sc, Community Development, Early Childhood Care and Education, Psychology, Social Policy, Social Science, Social Care Practice, Sociology, Social Policy, Youth and Family Studies. If an applicant has a level 8 award in a discipline that is not social sciences, they must hold a postgraduate award in social sciences (minimum 2.1 grade). If an applicant has a level 8 award in a discipline that is not social sciences, they must hold a postgraduate award in social sciences (minimum 2.1 grade). Students with a grade of 2.2 and greater than five years of relevant experience may be considered suitable applicants to the programme.
- English Proficiency: As all lectures, tutorials, and practical work are delivered in English, it is vitally important that all students (who are not native English speakers) have the required standard on entry to ensure they gain maximum value from their time at ATU Sligo. The minimum English proficiency score required for entry to an MA Programme is IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. Further information on English proficiency requirements can be found here. Where this is relevant to an applicant's submissions, Certified Evidence must be submitted during the application process.
- Before starting the programme, students must have completed 420 hours (a minimum of 200 at interview) of non-study-related practice experience.
Process
Stage One:
Students will apply for the programme online. All applicants will be reviewed, and those who demonstrate that they meet the application criteria will be shortlisted for the next stage of the selection process. If a large number meets the criteria, exceeding the places available, shortlisting for the next stage based on the highest overall GPA will occur. It is the student's responsibility to ensure all documents, including references, are received before the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be processed, and no late applications will be considered.
Stage Two:
Shortlisted applicants will attend a full day of interview and selection.
There are two components: (1) Written Assessment and (2) Individual Interview, all of which will be graded.
-
Written Assessment. Candidates will be given a topic to respond to within a specific time frame.
-
Individual Interview
The highest-scoring applicants will be awarded places.
Garda Vetting
Garda Vetting is a requirement of this programme and will comply with ATU's Student Vetting Policy. During the Garda Vetting Process, issues that may emerge which were not declared by the student on the initial Vetting form may result in immediate termination of participation in the Programme. Offences disclosed through the process are considered a serious risk to children and vulnerable persons and may result in a student's discontinuation from the programme.
Fitness to Practice
A student to the Master's in Social Work must be Fit to Practice. ATU's policy provides guidance on Fitness to Practice. Students must read this policy and acknowledge that they have read and understood this requirement.
Immunisations & Vaccinations
Placement agencies may require students to be immunised against specific infectious diseases.
The Department recommends that Social Work students are protected against Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis (TB), Mumps, Measles Rubella (MMR) and Varicella (Chicken Pox).
The closing date is 01 April 2024
Career Opportunities
This programme delivery model has applied for consideration for CORU approval.
Upon successfully completing the programme, it is expected that graduates will be eligible to register with CORU (regulator) to practice in the profession of social work. It is anticipated that the majority of graduates of this programme will enter the many vacancies in the social work field. Consequently, the programme has been developed to provide academic knowledge and skills to work in various social work environments.
This programme has applied for CORU approval.
Further Study
Graduates of the MA will be able to continue to further study at postgraduate level (NFQ levels 10) at ATU Sligo and other institutions.
Testimonials
Did you know?
This programme pathway supports learners in undertaking social work training part-time.
Alumni
Programme Fees
MA Social Work- please contact admissions for further information.
Course Format
Semester 1
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Social Policy for Social Work | 05 |
| Social Work Theory to Practice | 05 |
| Lifespan Developmental Psychology for Social Workers | 05 |
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Research Methods and Evaluation | 05 |
| Sociological Perspectives for Social Work | 05 |
Semester 3
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Social Work Skills and Competencies | 10 |
| Preparation for Placement | 05 |
Semester 4
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fieldwork Placement 1 | 20 |
Semester 5
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Professional Ethics in Social Work Practice | 05 |
| Interprofessional and Interagency Collaboration (IPIAC) in Social Work | 05 |
| Group Work -Theory and Practice | 05 |
Semester 6
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Law and Social Work | 05 |
| Traumatic Experiences: Psychological impact across the lifespan | 05 |
Semester 7
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Professional Development | 05 |
| Social Work Research Project | 10 |
Semester 8
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fieldwork Placement 2 | 20 |