Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies

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. The course leads to an academic qualification and you will be eligible to register as a social worker with regulatory bodies in Ireland (CORU) and internationally.

On completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies course, you will be able to:

apply knowledge of social systems and human behaviour to promote social change, problem-solving in human relationships and the empowerment of people to enhance their well-being,
apply knowledge of social policy to critically examine and respond to the impact of social and political contexts on service users and social work - promote principles of social justice, human rights, and anti-oppressive practice as intrinsic elements of social work practice,
demonstrate core social work practice proficiencies 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,
demonstrate knowledge of theory, legislation, policy, official inquiry reports, and international conventions, and apply it to assessment and intervention planning in social work practice to illustrate a reflective approach to learning that is self-directed, strengths-based, and reflective.

Admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies (CKC06) is confined to a limited number of 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)

Candidates 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 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.


IELTS - 6.5 Overall with 6.0 Individual Skills (academic version).
TOEFL iBT - 90 Overall with (Listening 20, Reading 19, Speaking 21, Writing 20)