University of Limerick to address ‘significant’ shortage of social workers with new programme
University of Limerick has launched a new programme to help address a ‘significant shortage’ of social workers in Ireland, while also preparing graduates to support some of society’s most vulnerable people.
The MA in Social Work has been developed in response to growing workforce demand across Ireland, where social workers play a vital role in supporting children and families, people experiencing mental health difficulties, older people and marginalised communities.
Course Director Dr Melinda Gushwa said the programme was established in direct response to the shortage of professionally qualified social workers and the impact this can have on essential services.
"Ireland has a significant shortage of social workers and the primary driving force behind establishing this programme is to help address that workforce gap as each year, agencies and organisations have positions that go unfilled," said Dr Gushwa.
“When there aren’t enough social workers, the consequences can include delays and long waits for mental health, child and family and community-based services, as well as challenges around medical discharge planning and supporting people to transition back home.
“It also means there are fewer social workers available to advocate for people who may not otherwise have a voice.”
UL President Professor Shane Kilcommins said universities have a responsibility not only to educate, but to respond to the evolving needs of society.
"This new programme reflects the vital role of lifelong learning in enabling people to develop new skills, pursue meaningful careers, and most of all, contribute to the public good," Professor Kilcommins said.
"Social workers make an extraordinary difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities, often supporting people at their most vulnerable. By expanding opportunities for graduates and career changers to enter the profession, we are helping to address an important national need while reaffirming our commitment to social justice, inclusion and human dignity.
"At University of Limerick, we are committed to creating educational pathways that empower people to make a positive impact in the world. This programme is an exemplar of how higher education, and our institution, can serve society, strengthen communities and help shape a more compassionate and equitable future."
The programme will prepare students to respond to some of the most significant social challenges facing Ireland, including the housing crisis, interpersonal and relationship-based violence, pressures on mental health services, and the experiences of marginalised groups.
Dr Gushwa’s own decision to pursue social work followed her experience working for a public child welfare agency in the United States, where she saw first-hand the impact social workers could have.
“I noticed that the social workers had better outcomes with their clients. There seemed to be a greater focus on engagement, they saw strengths when others might have been focused on deficits, and they were able to empower their clients to work towards growth and change,” she said.
“Seeing social workers in action made me want to become a social worker. It’s been the best decision of my life.”
The master’s programme is aimed at graduates from social science and related disciplines, individuals with experience in voluntary or social service settings, and career changers seeking a rewarding profession centred on human rights, advocacy and social justice.
Dr Gushwa encouraged prospective students interested in making a tangible difference in people’s lives to consider a career in the profession.
“If you are looking for a career that challenges you to be the best version of yourself and gives you the opportunity to empower people facing significant life challenges, social work is the right career for you,” she said.
“The mission of this programme is to prepare graduates for a rewarding and challenging lifelong career in social work. Our graduates will be equipped to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities.”
Applications are now open for the two-year Master of Arts in Social Work, with the first cohort of students due to commence their studies in January 2027.
Further information on the MA in Social Work and application details are available at: www.ul.ie/study/postgraduate/social-work-ma.
