Apprentice in Social Work Programme – Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

1. Professional Qualifications/Experience

Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date competition:

(a) Entry Requirements to Master of Social Work (MSW) (QQI- Level 9)
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.

Or

(b) Entry requirements to Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies (PDSWS) (QQI-Level 9)
Applicants must have at east an honours primary degree (NFQ, Level 8) in Social Science or its equivalent, or hold an approved Leve 8 conversion programme i.e. the Higher Diploma in Social Policy, and have completed a minimum of there-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:
i. 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

ii. hold a primary ordinary degree (MFQ, 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

iii. non-graduates with at least five years’ professional experience in a social work or social work-related field may also be considered for admission.

2. Health
Candidates for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3. Character
Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
Other requirements specific to the post:
Have access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role including mandatory attendance at UCC for completion of academic programme.
Proficiency in the English language is a requirement and candidates must meet the UCC requirement: PG English Language Entry Requirements | UCC | University College Cork | Ireland