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Accessibility & LanguageMA in Social Work (MSW)
College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Celtic Studies, School of Psychology, School of Political Science and Sociologyjavascript:;
Course Code: MA-SOCW
Course Overview
This long-running MA in Social Work (MSW) equips its graduates with the knowledge, skills and training required to gain employment as registered social workers. Through a proven blend of in-class and practice-based learning, participants gain in-depth understanding of social problems and their causes, as well as policy solutions. Students build the skills necessary to work with individuals, groups and communities, with an emphasis on the promotion of human rights and social justice. The programme benefits from two decades of partnerships with practice teachers and statutory and voluntary organizations, which employ social workers across services for individuals, families and communities.
This course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to be registered as a social worker by the CORU registration body.
We offer joint teaching and learning opportunities with other disciplines within the School (e.g. Social Policy & Community Development) and are connected to the Child and Family Research Centre and a range of research clusters, which are partnered with the Life Course Institute. This means that staff throughout the School play a key role in relation to teaching and supervising research dissertations by students. The Programme also benefits from inter-disciplinary training with colleagues in other schools (e.g., School of Health Sciences), professionals in practice and service users and carers.
The maximum annual intake of Social Work students is 25. A dedicated teaching room, with extensive computer facilities, is available to students. The programme adheres to the definition of social work provided by the International Federation of Social Workers and expects Social Work students to adhere to both professional and university codes of conduct (see http://www.iasw.ie/ and http://www.coru.ie/ for codes of ethics and practice).
The Deadline for applications for the Masters in Social Work at University of Galway is Jan 31st 2025. See here for details. Social Work (MA) - University of Galway
Please contact socialwork@universityofgalway.ie for further information and support.
See also link regarding recently advertised Bursary opportunities from Tusla: MSWTusla - Child and Family Agency
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What Our Students Say
Clodagh Feaheny | MA in Social Work (MSW) Graduate
I was part of the graduating class of 2021 and received my social work education throughout the pandemic and the beginning of Covid-19. The staff and college facilitated this difficult time amazingly and there was never a scarcity of support and communication throughout those daunting and difficult times. The masters in social work offered me a great theoretical base upon which my practice now rests as well as a developed practical insight and understanding to contemporary social work practice across numerous fields and services nationally. The small class sizes in Galway allowed for more intimate learning and professional development of everyone on the course and time for each person to get to know their teachers and staff and build amicable relationships together. My learning from University of Galway has stood to me in my practice and I feel the university and course as a whole are extremely highly regarded in the world of social work and social care practice and carry a great reputation.
Michelle Perrill | MA IN SOCIAL WORK (MSW) GRADUATE
I was extremely fortunate to receive a place on the MA in Social Work in University of Galway from 2015-2017. This masters programme covers a vast amount of both theory and practice modules, including two social work practice placements, helping to interlink knowledge and theory to social work practice. During this programme we had interesting conversations sharing both personal and professional examples with each other at times. I feel privileged to have benefited from the learning on this programme and I still reflect on the learning in my career today. I found this course provided me with a strong knowledge base of social work theory, while ensuring I maintained the importance of human rights and social justice throughout my practice with clients. Since studying this course, I have been employed as a social worker in child protection services, progressing to a social work team leader, and most recently accepting a principal social work post in disability services. This course has been the very foundation for my career progression in social work. It is a highly diverse course opening employment options in many sectors and I would highly recommend it.
Patrick Rice | MA IN SOCIAL WORK (MSW) GRADUATE
Completing my Masters of Social Work at the University of Galway has been an immensely positive transformative experience. From the time I started the course I felt a sense of belonging and purpose that continued to grow throughout my time there. I found there to be a great group of faculty members present that are not only experts in their field but also deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of social workers. Their passion for the subject matter, social justice and advocacy is contagious, and it inspired me to push myself beyond my limits and strive for excellence in my work. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of social work theory, research, and practice. From engaging lectures to hands-on placements, every aspect of the program is geared towards preparing students to become well rounded, skilled, and effective social workers in the community. As I reflect on my journey at the University of Galway, I feel immensely grateful for the opportunities it has afforded me and the growth it has facilitated. Armed with the knowledge, skills, and confidence gained from my time here, I am ready to embark on a fulfilling career.
