Course Summary
The main focus of Family Support is on early intervention and prevention in order to promote and protect the health, well-being and rights of all children, young people and their families, paying particular attention to those who are vulnerable or at risk.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
A third-level qualification or a recognised professional qualification in a field broadly related to Family Support service delivery. Participants must have a minimum of one year work experience in health or and social services areas. Applicants with relevant professional experience who do not meet the formal qualifications requirement may be considered for entry into the PDip in the first instance.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Applicants with relevant professional experience who do not meet the formal qualifications requirement may be considered for entry into the PDip in the first instance.
Application Details
Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.
An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).
Next start date: September 2025
Fees
Fees: EU
€2,105 p.a. (including levy) 2024/25
Fees: Tuition
€2,000 p.a.2024/25
Fees: Student levy
€105 p.a. 2024/25
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
Graduates of the PDip/MA in Family Support Studies will have enhanced career prospects in a wide range of service areas, at practitioner and manager level, working in state and voluntary services on behalf of children and families. Areas where family support is applicable include social work, social care, community work, public health nursing, disability, education, justice, social welfare, early years, gerontology, and other related fields.
Duration
PDip: 1 year, part-time