MA in Social Work
Prepare for a career in social work with a rights-based, justice-oriented programme integrating theory and practice.
Best for:Best for graduates with a background in social sciences or related fields who have prior relevant work experience and are committed to social justice and community empowerment.
Overview
The MA in Social Work at the University of Galway is a two-year programme designed to equip graduates with the critical thinking, values-driven skills, and practical experience needed to empower individuals, families, and communities. Rooted in social justice and human rights, the curriculum blends theoretical study with hands-on practice to address contemporary social challenges. Applicants must demonstrate prior relevant work experience and meet academic eligibility criteria. The programme emphasizes ethical practice, community engagement, and evidence-based interventions, preparing students for diverse roles in social work settings.
What you'll do
- Develop critical thinking and values-driven skills to address social challenges and promote social justice.
- Engage in theoretical and practical learning to understand social work principles and interventions.
- Participate in supervised placement learning to gain hands-on experience in social work settings.
- Apply ethical frameworks to social work practice and decision-making.
- Collaborate with communities to empower individuals and families.
- Conduct research and analysis to inform social work practice and policy.
- Develop professional competencies required for a career in social work.
Requirements
Degree required: Level 8 undergraduate degree with a minimum Second Class Honours, Grade 2 (2.2) or equivalent in Social Sciences or related fields, as deemed by the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies
Degree offered: MA in Social Work
Language: English; proficiency at a level suitable for academic study and professional practice
Instruction: English
- Prior relevant work experience in a social work-related capacity (minimum 480 hours, approximately three months)
- Ability to engage with diverse communities and populations
- Commitment to social justice and human rights principles
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Applicants must have completed at least three months (480 hours) of relevant work experience in a voluntary or paid capacity prior to application
- Relevant supervised placement learning may count for up to a maximum of 120 hours (3 weeks) towards the required work experience
- Equivalent qualifications may be considered by the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies
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
Applicants must submit their application through the University of Galway’s official recruitment portal. Ensure all required documents are uploaded, including academic transcripts, proof of work experience, and any additional supporting materials. Follow the instructions provided on the application portal to complete the process.
- CV or resume
- Cover letter or statement of purpose
- Academic transcripts (Level 8 undergraduate degree)
- Proof of prior relevant work experience (minimum 480 hours)
- Proof of supervised placement learning (if applicable)
- Reference letters (if required)
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.