All information about the programme should go under the following headings/sections:
1. Programme name (it’s an opening or ‘About’ section of the programme which includes a brief description of the programme, why it’s unique,what are the target students for this programme,etc).
The Master in Social Work (MSW) is a two year full-time,post-graduate social work degree programme (NFQ Level 9). It is accredited by the Health and Social Care Professionals Council (CORU) and graduates are eligible to apply for registration as professionally qualified social workers.
The MSW programme builds on a tradition of social work education and research at the School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College dating back to 1934.Students undertake a range of taught modules, a dissertation and two assessed placements in organisations providing social work services. The annual intake is limited to 25 places. Students are guaranteed small group teaching, individual input from lecturers and tutors and an interactive class environment. The programme provides
•Two professional social work placements including options for one international placement
•Practice skills including counselling and advocacy.
•Skills in critical thinking, reflective practice and research.
•Teaching and tutorials with research active academics and practising social workers.
•Access to a world-class library and a famous historic campus.
Choosing a Career in Social Work
Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that is underpinned by the social sciences, ethics andprinciples of social justice.
Volunteering or working in related areas such as social care, counselling, community work or youthwork; researching social issues and meeting with social workers to learn about their work are all helpful steps in deciding if a career in social work is right for you. It is also important to consider if your personal attributes and skills are a good fit with social work:
Are you a good listener and communicator?
Are you able to empathise with people in difficulty and distress?
Can you remain calm and focused at times of crisis?
Can you be patient and flexible in helping people to find their own solutions?
Are you interested in social issues?
Do you have a commitment to equality and social justice?
For further information on professional social work in Ireland and internationally please see the following websites:
Irish Association of Social Workers
International Federation of Social Workers
2. Programme Structure & Content (this section should include course details on the calendar and delivery / modules, work placements (if applicable), assessment, course handbooks, etc).
Academic Calendar and Duration of Course
The MSW is a two-year full-time programme blending academic and practice placement components,which is undertaken over two academic years from early September to the following June each year. There is also an expectation that initial work on the Master's dissertation will be completed in the summer months between Year One and Year Two.
Academic modules include:
Year One
Introduction to Social Work
Introduction to Reflective Practice & Use of Self in Social Work
Social Work & Counselling Practice Approaches
Groupwork
Community Development
Human Development in Social Contexts
Supporting Children and Families-Approaches to Prevention and Intervention
Child and Family Law
Equality, Rights, Identities & Power in Social Work Practice
Preparation for Practice
Contemporary Discourses in Social Work
Contemporary Social Policy
Introduction to Social Work Research and Evaluation
Year Two
Families and Children: Practice in a Child Welfare Context
Social Work and Gender based Domestic Violence
Criminology, Probation and Social Work
Applied Law
Social Work in Diverse Settings:
Mental Health
Addictions
Youth Mental Health
Health Related Social Work
Ageing
Disability
Systemic and Social Constructionist Approaches with Children and Families
Professional Development
Working in Human Service Organisations
Social Work in a Global Context
Social Work Research
For the current academic year course handbook please click here
Practice Placements
Students will be required to successfully complete aprofessional placement of fourteen weeks duration, in each academic year. Placements take place from February to May in both years one and two. Garda (Police) vetting is requiredprior to undertaking placement. Further placement details are available hereClick .
3. Programme Staff(names and details of teaching staff).
Surname / First Name / Title / Email / Phone(prefix +353 1 896)
Buckley / Helen / Associate Professor & Director PG Diploma in Child Protection and Welfare / / 2065
Butler / Shane / Associate Professor, Social Work / / 2009
Byrne / Julie / Assistant Professor in Online Education & Development (Part Time) & Course Coordinator, Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Social Studies / / 4648
Feely / Michael / Assistant Professor, Social Work / / 4101
Foreman / Maeve / Assistant Professor, Social Work & Course Director, Bachelor in Social Studies / / 3242
Gilligan / Robbie / Professor of Social Work and Social Policy & Global Relations Director & Director of Teaching and Learning (UG) / / 1331
Holt / Stephanie / Assistant Professor, Social Work & Course Director, Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Social Studies / / 3908
McConkey / Emma / Executive Officer / / 4579
O'Connor / Erna / Assistant Professor, Social Work, Course Director, Master in Social Work and Fieldwork Coordinator / / 2627
O'Dea / Patrick / Assistant Professor, Social Work and Fieldwork Coordinator / / 2991
O'Shea / Judy / Assistant Professor and Coordinator of BA Sociology and Social Policy / / 3708
Timonen / Virpi / Professor of Social Policy and Ageing & Director of Teaching and Learning (PG) / / 2548
Walsh / Patricia / Assistant Professor , Social Work / / 2001
Byrne / Kirsten / Part Time Lecturer
Bruen / Sonya / Part Time Lecturer
Hanly / Diane / Part Time Lecturer
Mulville / Frank / Part Time Lecturer
Ratcliffe / Sandra / Part Time Lecturer
Williamson / David / Part Time Lecturer
4. Entry Requirements & How to Apply(any relevant information on required documentation, submitting applications, selection criteria, etc).
Entry Requirements
The successful completion (minimum 2.1 grade) of a Level 8 degree in the social sciences is required prior to acceptance on the course. Candidates holding a primary degree in a discipline outside the social sciences must hold a postgraduate award in social sciences (minimum 2.1 grade) for example the Trinity College Post graduate diploma in Social Studies (online) or equivalent. Inaddition, candidates will be required to demonstrate a minimum of 850 hours practice experience (paid or voluntary ). When assessing the quality of previous practice experience, the factors taken into consideration include:
- nature of the tasks undertaken and relevance to social work
- quantity and quality of supervision and training available to and availed of by the candidate
- linkagesthe applicant makes between practice experience and wider social issues
5. Fees(fees for EU and non-EU students, information on application or other additional fees).
Please visit the Academic Registry website for all information pertaining to fees. Information is also provided on the criteria used for designating students as eligible for EU or non-EU fees.
6. Careers & Alumni(this section shouldoutline some potential future /career opportunities, testimonials from former students, etc.)
Our graduates have found employment as social workers in Ireland and internationally, in sectors including TUSLA, Child and Family Agency; Probation Service; Health-Related Social Work; Mental Health Services; Disability Services and Community Development. Others have chosen careers in research, advocacy, service management and education and training.
INSERT ALUMNI DVD HERE
7. Contact Us(contact details).
Ms Emma McConkey, Executive Officer,
School of Social Work and Social Policy
Tel: +353-1-896 4579
Email:
Dr.Erna O'Connor, Course Director
School of Social Work and Social Policy
Tel: +353 1 896 2627
Email: