Apprentices enter through either a Master of Social Work (MSW) or a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies (PDSWS).  There is opportunity to move to the MSW in Year 2 if specified criteria are met.  Both the MSW and PDSWS are approved by CORU for registration as a Social Worker on successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Entry Requirements to Master of Social Work (MSW)

Applicants must have at least a Second-Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in social science or its equivalent, or have an approved Level 8 conversion programme i.e. the Higher Diploma in Social Policy with at least a Second-Class Honours Grade I, and have completed a minimum of three-months’ relevant work experience in a social work or social work-related field.

Entry Requirements to Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies (PDSWS)

If you have not met the grade requirements for the MSW, you can apply for entry to the PDSWS if you have at least an honours primary degree (NFQ, Level 8) in social science or its equivalent, or hold an approved Level 8 conversion programme i.e. the Higher Diploma in Social Policy, and have completed a minimum of three-months’ relevant work experience in a social work or social work-related field. 

Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who:

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’ professional experience in a social work or social work-related field may also be considered for admission.

Note:  Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information

To become an apprentice in social work you must firstly secure an apprenticeship position with an approved Solas employer in a relevant area.  

Apprenticeship vacancies for 2024 are now closed.

Apprenticeship vacancies for 2025 entry will be advertised on this website and on the apprenticeship jobs page where you can search for vacancies by location and by apprenticeship. 

If you have any queries, please contact the Apprenticeship Team at apprenticeship@ucc.ie .

You can also call the Apprenticeship team at 086 2041057.