MA (Family Support Studies)

Programme Description

In recent times, there has been a shift towards a more proactive stance in relation to social services for children and their families. Early intervention and prevention is viewed, both nationally and internationally as best practice in working with children and their families who are experiencing difficulty. Family Support represents an important framework within this overall trend and in essence, can be described as efforts which develop, compensate for, enable, and strengthen family functioning. In this regard, the overriding purpose of this programme is to further the education, training and skill enhancement of professionals with a common interest in Family Support. Family Support is an approach advocated and promoted across a wide variety of disciplines working with or on behalf of children. Reflecting the inter-disciplinary natureof the area, the course is geared those working in social work, social care, community work, education, justice, social welfare, and other related fields.

The MA (Family Support Studies) is a two-year part-time programme and students are required to attend college two days every second week over four semesters with the agreement of their employers.

Quick Facts

PAC Code:  GYA07

Entry Requirements:  Participants will have a third-level qualification or a recognised professional qualification in a field related to Family Support service delivery. In addition, as the programme is not geared towards individuals coming out of undergraduate programmes, a minimum of three year’s work experience in the health and social services area will be required of candidates. As there currently exists a set of practitioners working with children and families in community settings who despite a wealth of skill, have not attained a formal recognised undergraduate qualification, two places may be offered on the programme at the PGDip in Family Support Studies level.

NUIG code:  1FS2

ECTS weighting: 90

Duration:  two years

Mode of study:  part time

Available places:  15

Next start date:  06/09/10

EU fee: €1600 (approx)

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this programme will have the opportunity to enhance their careers in a wide range of services areas at both practitioner and manager level working in state and voluntary services on behalf of children and families. In the main, graduates will come from the health and social services sector including Social Workers, Residential and Community Social Care Workers, Public Health Nurses, and Early Years Workers among others. Reflecting the inter-disciplinary nature of the area, the course will also include those working in community work, education, justice, social welfare, and other fields.

Further Information:

MA (Family Support Studies)

Download our Higher Diploma/Masterof Arts Programme in Family Support Studiesleaflet here.