About Master in Social Work, MSW, Graduate Diploma - at Trinity College Dublin
The Masters in Social Work is a two year full-time programme offering a professional qualification in social work*. Applicants must have a good (2.2 or higher) primary social science degree or equivalent and substantial relevant practice experience. The course includes two fieldwork placements, one of which may be located outside the Dublin region.
Programme OutlineSocial work is a challenging and a rewarding activity and requires a personal commitment to the ideals and values of the social work profession. Those considering social work as a career option should be aware of its ethical and value dimensions and, in particular, the commitment of practitioners to the promotion of social justice.
The Masters in Social Work/Diploma in Social Work course offered by the Department of Social Studies provides a route to a professional qualification in social work for applicants with a primary degree in the social sciences. It combines an academic postgraduate award (Diploma in Social Work or Masters in Social Work) with the National Qualification in Social Work (NQSW). The professional qualification (NQSW) is awarded by the National Social Work Qualifications Board.
This course is both an academic and vocational course combining university-based learning with assessed work experience conducted under the supervision of professionally qualified social workers.
Graduates are fully qualified social workers, eligible for employment in a wide range of professional social work posts
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Applicants should hold a primary social science degree (2:2 or higher), or equivalent, and substantial relevant practice experience. The course includes two fieldwork placements, one of which may be located outside the Dublin region.
Social Work in IrelandSocial work education has been provided in Trinity College since 1934. Since then, the number of social workers employed and the scope of social work have expanded greatly. There are currently over 2,000 social workers employed in Ireland and many others in counselling, psychotherapy, social work management and training posts. Social work in Ireland is still expanding and there is a shortage of qualified workers. Qualified social workers' starting salary is €40K per annum. An increasing number of career development options are available through both in-service training and advanced professional courses.
Choosing a Career in Social WorkAs social work is a vocational career, it is important to consider whether it is the right career for you, prior to embarking on a professional training course. Meeting with social workers to find out what they do, reading widely about social issues and problems, and doing voluntary or paid work in the social work/social care field are all helpful steps in reaching t his decision. It is also important to think about your own personal style and attributes to see if they fit with social work:
- Are you a good listener and communicator?
- Are you able to empathise with people in difficulty and distress?
- Can you remain calm and focused at times of crisis?
- Can you be patient and flexible in helping people to find their own solutions?
Choosing the Trinity Masters in Social WorkThe annual intake on the Trinity MSW course is limited to under 30 places. Students are guaranteed small group teaching, individual attention from lecturers and tutors, and a manageable peer group and class environment, and also access to a world-class library and a famous historic campus.
Course StructureThis course is full-time and consists of both academic and fieldwork components. Academic modules include:
social policy/social work practice theories/ethics and skills/critical perspectives/equality studies/social research methods and processes/life span psychology/social work and the law/child and family work/criminology/mental health and addictions/health-related social work
