Master of Social Science in Social Work
A two-year full-time programme preparing graduates for professional social work practice with a focus on human rights and social justice.
Best for:Best for graduates in social sciences or related fields with a passion for social justice and human rights, seeking a professional qualification in social work with hands-on field experience.
Overview
The Master of Social Science (Social Work) at Maynooth University is a two-year full-time programme designed for graduates seeking a career in social work. It integrates rigorous academic training with supervised fieldwork, aligning with CORU Standards of Proficiency for Social Work Education. The curriculum emphasizes ethical practice, human rights, and social justice, aiming to develop competent and reflective practitioners. Applicants must demonstrate academic qualifications and relevant social work experience, with pathways available for those with diverse educational backgrounds through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
What you'll do
- Complete a rigorous academic curriculum focused on social work theory, ethics, and practice.
- Engage in supervised fieldwork to gain hands-on experience in social work settings.
- Develop competence in promoting human rights and social justice within social work contexts.
- Participate in reflective practice to enhance professional development and ethical decision-making.
- Collaborate with peers and supervisors to apply academic knowledge to real-world social work challenges.
Requirements
Degree required: A minimum Second Class Honours (2H2) primary degree (NFQ Level 8) in social science or equivalent, with social policy as a major component. Alternatively, graduates with a Level 8 degree in other disciplines who have completed a relevant conversion programme (e.g., Higher Diploma in Social Policy) may apply.
Language: English; proficiency level not explicitly stated but implied for academic and fieldwork components.
Instruction: English
- Minimum of 420 hours of verified social work or social service experience (paid or voluntary) before commencing the programme.
- Proficiency in English language (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent if applicable).
- Ability to demonstrate commitment to human rights and social justice.
- Candidates who do not meet the standard degree criteria may apply under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if they meet one of the following:
- Hold an honours primary degree (NFQ Level 8) in any discipline with at least 12 months of relevant social work experience,
- Hold a primary ordinary degree (NFQ Level 7) in social science with at least three years of relevant experience,
- Non-graduates with at least five years of professional experience in social work or related fields.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-02-13
Applicants must submit their application through the Maynooth University postgraduate application portal. Required documents include academic transcripts, proof of relevant experience, a statement of purpose, and proof of English language proficiency if applicable. Additional materials may be requested based on individual eligibility criteria.
- Academic transcripts (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent)
- Proof of 420 hours of relevant social work/social service experience
- Statement of purpose or personal statement
- Proof of English language proficiency (if not a native English speaker)
- Reference letters (if required)
- Relevant conversion programme certificate (if applicable)
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.