The Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Fieldwork Practice and Supervision (Social Work) was set up in 2001 as a one-year Postgraduate Diploma award and it represents a very important programme in terms of the School’s mission of creating and sustaining community outreach and partnerships within the context of on-going professional development and CPD.  The programme provides social work practitioners with an important opportunity to engage part-time in a major level 9 post qualifying social work program in Practice Teaching and Professional Supervision. Specifically, the programme is designed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to become competent Social Work Supervisors and Practice Teachers.  With the establishment of CORU in 2005, the statutory regulatory body for social work, and the setting up of the social work Registration Board in 2010 we are in an age where participating in CPD and flexible post-qualifying social work education is gathering momentum. This program responds to an identified need for the provision of more flexible dedicated post-qualifying training and professional development opportunities for social workers.

 

In 2014 The option to progress to year 2 of the MA was developed.  The introduction of the MA represents an innovative and timely option for graduates of the of the Postgraduate Diploma to extend their Postgraduate Award and to further advance their academic qualifications. The MA provides an opportunity to participants to engage in research in the areas of practice teaching and supervision.  Participants interested in applying for the MA should indicate their preference to do so to the Programme Director prior to completion of the second semester. 

 

The Postgraduate Diploma programme is designed for individuals who are employed as social workers and who wish to study part-time.   It requires participants to incorporate their working experience into the learning process by agreeing to take a student on placement during their attendance on the programme. The reflective design, delivery and assessment of the course will ensure that participants can simultaneously develop their competencies academically and experientially.