Course Summary
The programme is designed to provide advanced professional and research skills to qualified, experienced practitioners in lead roles in youth work, community work, social work, rights and social change focused organisations.
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
Applicants should hold a minimum of a Second Class Honours Grade 1 (2:1) in a Masters degree or equivalent level 9 academic qualification, ideally in a social science discipline. They should have significant professional experience in youth work, community work, social work, social policy or rights and social change work. Applicant should also have a proven ability in academic writing.
We particularly welcome applications from social professions practitioners working in higher education.
Applicants who meet the above criteria will be invited to attend an interview.
Minimum English language requirements:
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores go to https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/how-apply/english-language-requirements. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants..
Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850
Application Details
Closing Date : 30 April 2026
Online application only.
Please note: All research applicants should contact the respective department before applying to ensure their research proposal aligns with departmental interests and criteria.
To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, please ensure you have the following documents to make an application:
Full academic transcripts of results
Graduation Certificate if you have graduated/conferred
A copy of your passport
Example of academic writing
A personal statement
An academic letter of recommendation
A professional letter of recommendation
Your CV
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.
September 2023
Fees
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.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.