Course Summary
The MA in Social Work prepares you for a meaningful and fulfilling career empowering individuals, families and communities. Through a dynamic integration of theory with practice and commitments to rights and social justice, you will develop the critical thinking and values-driven skills needed to tackle social challenges.
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
Level 8 undergraduate degree with a minimum Second Class Honours, Grade 2 (2.2) or BSc in Social Sciences or other relevant qualifications deemed equivalent by the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. Prior relevant work experience is compulsory.
All applicants to the MA in Social Work are required to have completed?three months (approx. 480 hours)?of work experience relevant to the social work profession either in a voluntary or paid or a combination of both capacities prior to their application. Relevant supervised placement learning will normally count for up to a maximum of 120 hours (3 weeks).
Application Details
How to apply
We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.
Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)
For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specified closing date. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.
Online Application
Applications to most postgraduate programmes at University of Galway are made online via www.universityofgalway.ie/apply (see "Application Weblink").
Next start date September 2026
Fees
Fees: EU
8,640 p.a. (including levy) 2024/25
Fees: Tuition
8,500 p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Student levy
140 p.a. 2024/25
Fees: Non EU
19,000 p.a. (19,140 including levy) 2024/25
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay 4,000 towards your tuition (2024/25). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of 6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of 140.
Postgraduate fee breakdown = Tuition (EU or NON EU) + Student levy as outlined above.
Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa
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
You will be well-equipped to work in diverse environments, from healthcare and social services to criminal justice and community organisations. With experience, you can progress into specialist roles or leadership positions and there are also opportunities for further academic study and research. Registration with CORU is essential for social work practice in Ireland, and this course fully meets those professional standards.