MA in Social Work

To qualify the MA Social Work at University of Galway, a relevant degree at Level 8 is necessary. This can be gained at University of Galway through a number of BA routes such as Social Care, Psychology, Political Science and Sociology, Social and Public Policy. During this time, your daughter should also consider joining the university volunteering programme or engage in some other form of part-time social care/support activity to build up her experience. She will also need to be familiar with currently topical policy issues impacting on social work!

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You should contact the Professor of Social Work: socialwork@universityofgalway.ie

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Consideration must be given to work which undertaken is in a caring capacity and must be with a recognised organisation. The supervision is exceptionally important as is the training available in the work setting. Examples of related work would be in social care e.g. residential care of children, adolescents or the elderly. Family support work, social work assistant roles, after-school clubs etc. Voluntary work in the areas of on-line support, phone counselling, befriending work and work within a community development context. Working with people who are homeless or with people with a learning or physical disability is would also be regarded as ’relevant’ experience. Work experience can be paid work.

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Although international applicants do not, of course, receive preferential treatment, we would welcome their interest. It is important for international students to please check with the Admissions Office (admissionsuniversityofgalway.ie) that their undergraduate qualification is of a comparable Level 8 with the European University system.

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This is very important. Some points are allocated to the statement at the short listing.

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These are also important as they also receive some points at the short listing stage. You should request references from persons who are most able to account for your academic standing/ practice experience.

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Any help you need either from an academic perspective or a personal support perspective will be offered by University of Galway. You only have to ask.

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You will receive notification by mid April which will inform you either you have gained a place or that you have been placed on the 'Reserve List'. You should take no longer than two weeks to accept or refuse your place.

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Any questions on deposits or registration fees should be directed to fees@universityofgalway.ie

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The college does have on campus accommodation. You can access accommodation advice https://www.universityofgalway.ie/student-life/accommodation/index.html 

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Yes we do. Please ensure you have:

• Completed the full application form. 
   
• Provided clear evidence that you have the required 6 months/960 hours experience.
   
• Provided a 600 word statement on why you wish to study social work. 
   
• Provided an academic and practice reference to support your application.

Please note that your application will NOT be accepted if all of the above requirements are not fulfilled.

International Qualifications will be assessed by the University of Galway Admissions Office.

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Each student offered a place on the University of Galway MSW programme must fill out a Garda Vetting form at the time of Registration. This is forwarded to and processed by the National Garda Vetting Office. On this form you are asked to make a disclosure of any actions where you have come to the attention of the court i.e. where there is a prosecution. It is exceptionally important that this form is filled out honestly and clearly. During the MSW Induction, students are asked to make an appointment to see the Practice Learning Co-ordinator if they have made any disclosures on their Garda Vetting Form. This is in relation to placement.

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Each case is viewed individually. Consideration is taken regarding the type of disclosure and the length of time since its occurrence.  Placement agencies, with the student’s consent, will have to be notified of the conviction. Some agencies may require a risk assessment on the student before placement can begin. The Agency’s decision on whether or not to accept the student is final.

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Placements are available throughout Ireland, but the majority of placements are within the Western region of Ireland. In some instances, a student may have to temporarily relocate for a placement.

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All placements are co-ordinated and set up by the Practice Learning Co-ordinator. Should you have a particular interest in a specific area then contact the Placement Learning Coordinator, Ms. Eleanor Kelly: Eleanor.kelly@universityofgalway.ie

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Placements can result in additional costs. Some agencies pay mileage/travelling allowance but this is not universal, students are responsible for their own travel to and from placements and if required to engage in home visits.

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While most placements are based in Ireland, students can discuss options for International placements with the Practice Learning Co-ordinator Ms Eleanor Kelly, especially if interested in placement in country of origin or where they intend to practice when qualified.

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Further information on compatibility with similar courses in other jurisdictions can be obtained through the International office of Irish Association of Social Workers ( http://www.iasw.ie/).

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Regarding work experience:

Applicants for social work must have 960 hours of relevant experience /6 months.  This must be in a recognized agency involving direct work with individuals, families or groups in a social support role.  We accept practice with a broad range of individuals and groups in the field of children and families, disability, health and social care, homeless services, mental health, disability, probation, youth work, etc.  The experience can be voluntary or paid capacity. Organisations that past applicants have gained experience in include: social care work in disability services, social support work in homes for older persons, project/volunteer work in homeless charities, volunteering for mental health services, Childline phone services, keyworker in child care services, Samaritans, university volunteering programmes and other relevant community and voluntary services.  The work can be in Ireland or abroad. The Programme reserves the right to verify experience if required,. Work in the field of fund-raising or administration is not deemed eligible.

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RPL is not formally available for the MSW programme due to the accredited nature of the course and the requirements that must be met. These learning requirements are met through an integrated programme throughout two years which all students must complete.  This is in line with university RPL policy (linked here). Please note that, while we do not have a formal RPL system, prior learning is recognised in other ways. For example, in the admissions processes recognises prior learning from practice experience and in the teaching processes that encourages students to bring their own learning to the programme and build on this throughout.  

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