Postgraduate Diploma(Social Work Practice Teaching, Supervision & Management)

Course details

This course is designed for social workers who are interested in advancing their professional training. It develops the skills and knowledge of social workers who teach student social workers in the agency/placement setting. It is also relevant for those professional social workers currently taking or giving supervision. In addition the management section of the course will offer the opportunity to explore management models and practices within varied social work settings.

The programme is offered in a blended learning format, taking in traditional and technological concepts of teaching and learning. This will lead to participants acquiring an excellent academic theoretical framework on relevant theories, policies and practices. New perspectives will also be achieved on computer-based distance learning techniques and practical competence while supervising a student on placement.

Key facts

Entry requirements

Appropriate primary degree (Level 8 www.nfq.ie/nfql/eul ) and hold a professional social work qualification NQSW or equivalent. A minimum of three years post qualifying experience in social work is required with a recommendation that the last six months work experience be spent in the current work setting. An active interest in social work education and in particular student social work education is necessary. All participants will be required to travel to NUI Galway for teaching and have adequate broad band connection, use of a computer and basic computer skills to carry out the e-learning section of the course. Acceptance of a student on placement for 14 weeks January to April is a pre-condition of gaining entry to this programme. Therefore approval with the management of the Social Workers’ Agency will be required prior to accepting a place on the course.

Course outline

The programme content for this Post Graduate Diploma in Practice Teaching, Supervision and Management is pided into two main categories: The taught and e-learning component of the course in Semester 1 and the supervised placement and portfolio component in Semester 2.

Semester 1 

• Advanced Practice Teaching
• Advanced Supervision

Semester 2

• MSW Student supervision Jan.–April
• Portfolio presentations. Evaluating outcomes and identifying research opportunities
• Management and Social Work

Requirements and assessment

Assessment is based on module assignments, class presentations, online activities, a groupwork project and the presentation of a Portfolio following on from the MSW student placement  January to April.