Course Summary
The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies (NFQ Level 9) is a two-year full-time course that combines academic study with fieldwork placements. This programme is approved by CORU.
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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
Admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies (CKC06) is confined to students holding a BSocSc (Hons) Degree with an overall result of at least a Third Class Honours or its equivalent, such as (but not limited to) the BA in Early Years and Childhood Studies, BA Hons in Applied Social Studies in Social Care, or graduates with a conversion course, i.e. the Higher Diploma in Social Policy (or its equivalent)?A full list of other programmes that have been deemed to be equivalent to the BSocSc is available here.
And
5) Have 420 hours of social work-related experience by interview date. See our FAQ here for further information.
6) Be able to secure Garda Vetting (police).
Students/apprentices on the PDSWS who pass each module and achieve an aggregate of?at least 50% across all modules?and have passed the Fieldwork Placement I, may be permitted to transfer into the second year of the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.
There is a selection process based on the following combined elements: academic performance and research capacity; certified social work-related experience and initiative; knowledge of social work and motivation, commitment and suitability.
Important Note:
1. Applicants should NOT apply for both the Masters and Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies options as there is ONE selection procedure for both options.?
2. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Pathway
For those interested in studying social work at UCC who do not meet these eligibility criteria, you may be able to apply to the PDSWS under our new recognition of prior learning (RPL) pathway. Entry requirements differ under RPL, depending on your level of education and experience:
Hold an honours primary degree (NFQ, Level 8) in any discipline, and have completed a minimum of twelve months relevant work experience in a social work or social work-related field or
Hold a primary ordinary degree (NFQ, Level 7) in social science or its equivalent with an overall result of at least a Second Class Honours Grade 1 and have completed at least three years experience in a social work or social work-related field?or
Non-graduates with at least five years of professional experience in a social work or social work-related field may also be considered for admission.
The responsibility rests with the applicant to ensure that they apply for the correct pathway from the outset of their application and provide all required information and documentation to support their RPL application. Applications will not be considered under RPL without the required RPL information provided as part of the application.
Garda Vetting
Please note that as part of this programme students will require Garda Vetting as they will take part in a placement or UCC-related activity where they will be working in an unsupervised capacity with children and/or vulnerable adults. For more information on this process please read the UCC Student Garda Vetting Policy
Fitness to Practise
This programme is subject to the University's Fitness to Practise Policy.
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
• In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
• Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements.
Application Details
Closing Date: 10 February 2025
Non-EU Closing Date: 10 February 2025
Start Date 8 September 2025
Fees
The EU fee for this course is €6,965 (Year 1); €6,965 (Year 2).
The Non-EU fee for this course is €18,800 per year.
Deposits
If your course required a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second semester fee payment in January.
EU student fee payment
Fees for EU students are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration in August and the second in January.
International student fee payment
International Students can pay in two equal instalments once they have paid the appropriate deposit. The initial payment is due on registration and the balance usually by the end of January.
How can I pay?
You can pay by Credit/Debit card online or by credit transfer.
Questions?
If you have any questions on fee payment email our Fees Office at [email protected].
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
On graduation, you will have been prepared for professional registration and be in a position to demonstrate the core social work practice proficiencies (CORU) in the areas of: professional autonomy and accountability, interpersonal and professional relationships, effective communication, personal and professional development, provision of quality services, knowledge, understanding and skills. You will be able to exhibit a good knowledge of theory, legislation, policy, official inquiry reports and international conventions, and apply it to assessment and intervention planning in social work practice.
Consequentially, you will be well prepared to respond reflectively and reflexively to a variety of social work situations in a diversity of social work settings, including multi-disciplinary contexts. Fields of social work that have attracted and employed our graduates to date include medical, mental health, child protection, probation, physical and intellectual disability, community social work, and primary care.