The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Practice Teaching, Supervision and Management course is designed for social workers who are interested in advancing their professional training. It develops the skills and knowledge of social workers who teach student social workers in the agency/placement setting. It is also relevant for those professional social workers currently taking or giving supervision. In addition the management section of the course will offer the opportunity to explore management models and practices within varied social work settings.

Entry Requirements:
Appropriate primary degree (see: National Framework of Qualifications) and hold a professional social work qualification CORU or equivalent. A minimum of three years post-qualifying experience in social work is required, with a recommendation that the last six months work experience be spent in the current work setting. An active interest in social work education and, in particular, student social work education is necessary. Acceptance of a student on placement for 14 weeks January to April is a pre-condition for gaining entry onto this programme. Therefore, approval with the management of the social workers’ Agency will be required prior to accepting a place on the course.

Duration: 1 year, part-time
Applying:  Postgraduate Applications System (Course Code: PGD-PTSM)
Closing Date: 18 August 2023

Programme outline:
The programme is offered in a blended learning format, taking in traditional and technological concepts of teaching and learning. This will lead to participants acquiring an excellent academic theoretical framework on relevant theories, policies and practices. New perspectives will also be achieved on computer-based distance learning techniques and practical competence while supervising a student on placement.

Further Information:
Eleanor Kelly
T:  +353 91 49 5295
E:  eleanor.kelly@nuigalway.ie

For more see: the course outline and key facts


What Our Graduates Say

Michelle

Michelle Perrill |   Graduate

I was first attracted to the PG Dip Social Work Practice Teaching, Supervision and Management, having identified a need to become better skilled to mentor students. While it can be challenging to balance work commitments and coursework, I found all of the lectures on the course to be extremely supportive and flexible as needed. I particularly enjoyed the lectures where we had an opportunity to utilise the theory and relate it to reflect critically on our everyday practice. This course supported me in continuing my daily work with a refreshed perspective on the importance of social justice and human rights for our clients. As part of the course, I had to take a student to mentor. The course material helped me in beginning my practice teaching journey. My confidence and my knowledge have grown immensely since commencing the course. As a result, new pathways within my career have opened. The knowledge learned has helped me become more comfortable in a mentoring role. I would recommend this course to anyone considering enhancing their professional knowledge within Social Work, particularly to those with an aspiration to (or currently) mentoring others in their career.