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Master of Social Work (MSW) / PGDSWS

Study for your MSW / PDSWS / Apprenticeship at UCC

UCC has three programmes providing social work training: Master of Social Work (2H1 or higher degree), Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies (2H2/pass degree), and the Bachelor of Social Work (undergraduate degree - this page does not provide info on the BSW). UCC is the first provider of apprenticeships in social work which will allow you to study for your MSW or PDSWS while working with your employer. For 2025, the MSW / PDSWS (level 9) are partnering with three employers: the Health Service Executive, the Probation Service and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Please read all of the information below before you make an application. The MSW, PDSWS and social work apprenticeship at UCC offer a new recognition of prior learning pathway which facilitates a much wider range of applicants to be eligible to apply (see information below).

About the Master of Social Work (MSW) / PDSWS Programmes

The Master of Social Work (MSW) and the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies (PDSWS) are two-year, full-time, level 9 programmes that combine academic study with fieldwork placements. These programmes are approved by CORU. Successful completion of the programme leads to an academic qualification and will make you eligible to register as a social worker with regulatory bodies in Ireland and Internationally. Social workers practice in exciting contexts that make a difference to people's lives, such as probation, hospitals, child protection and welfare (Tusla) and community services), family support, community and voluntary groups, hospices, fostering, adoption, older adult safeguarding, and many more! Our application process usually opens in November and closes the following Jan/Feb.

What is an apprenticeship?

The Apprenticeship in Social Work is an exciting dual programme that will allow you to gain both fully paid on-the-job practical experience and skills, and a level 9 Master of Social Work (MSW) / Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies (PDSWS). Earn while you learn model, with a formal contract of employment. If you apply for an apprenticeship with an employer and you are successful, you will be automatically enrolled on the MSW / PDSWS at UCC. See the UCC Apprenticeship in Social Work website for comprehensive information and FAQs on how the apprenticeship works.

You can study social work at UCC by directly applying to either the MSW or PDSWS, OR by applying and being selected for an apprenticeship with an approved employer. It is also open to applicants to apply for both the direct AND apprenticeship pathway in the same year. If you are successful in applying through both pathways, you can decide which one suits you.

Frequently asked questions about the MSW & PDSWS programmes

Click below to get answers to the questions that we are most frequently asked by applicants. Please read all of the information on this webpage before you apply. If you still have questions, and the answer if not on this website, scroll down for contact information. 

Selection process, eligibility, fees and recognition of prior learning

Selection process

The selection process for the MSW/PDSWS is a multi-part process involving the following elements: (a) application form, (b) two references, (c) written pieces, (d) evaluation of practice experience, (e) individual online interview, and (f) Garda vetting. Selection decisions are based on the following combined criteria: academic performance and research capacity; social work-related experience and initiative; knowledge of social work and motivation, commitment and suitability. Please note that all students and apprentices will be subject to the UCC's fitness to practise policy and procedures. The selection process for the apprenticeship in social work is run by individual employers and they will advise you directly on their recruitment and selection processes.

Eligibility

The course is open to graduates with a minimum second-class honours grade 1 (2H1) Bachelor of Social Science (B.Soc.Sc) level 8 degree or equivalent (e.g. Level 8 BA in Social Care/H. Dip. in Social Policy/Early Years and Childhood Studies etc.). A full list of approved programmes equivalent to the Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSc) at UCC is available here: List of Equivalent Courses to UCC BSocSc (Oct 2024) (check your downloads folder). Students with a 3H or 2H2 standard degree can apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies. PDSWS students who achieve an aggregate grade of 50% in year one and pass their placement, can choose to proceed to year two of the Master of Social Work programme. 

I am in the final year of my degree - can I apply?

Yes. Current final year students should apply for the Masters of Social Work (MSW) option only, pending their final results.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

If your course is not listed above, you can still apply under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway to the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies (PDSWS) if you meet the following criteria. Entry requirements differ under RPL, depending on your level of education and experience:

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.

All students who complete year one of the PDSWS programme with a grade average of 50%+, can choose to progress to year two of the MSW.

Fee information and further information on eligibility criteria

Information on fees, further information on eligibility criteria and the programme application links, are available through the buttons below. 

Contact us

Direct your enquiries to the programme team (MSW / PDSWS) or to the apprenticeship team:

School of Applied Social Studies

Staidéar Sóisialta Feidhmeach

William Thompson House, Donovan's Road, Cork, Ireland.,

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