A new Masters in Social Work, developed to address the growing need for relevant specialised skills in the Mid-West, was launched today at a sold-out Trauma Informed Conference in the Millennium Theatre, TUS Moylish Campus organised by Tusla – Child and Family Agency and the Technological University.
The new Masters was developed by the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) following consultation with Tusla – Child and Family Agency, who provided insight into industry needs in an area of work shortages.
This new programme will prepare students to successfully engage in social work practice in an ever-increasing complex world and is open to all graduates or professionals currently working in the area.
Addressing the Trauma Informed Conference this morning, Friday, May 17, 2024, guest speaker Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Niall Collins TD highlighted the importance of the technological university’s commitment to serve the Mid-West by engaging with industry and local organisations such as Tusla.
“This event is an example of the central role the technological university provides for the development of the regions and access to education. By engaging with Tusla, TUS is providing industry informed programmes to address a growing need in the area of social work. More importantly, it is bringing this essential educational need to the Mid-West so that professionals who wish to upskill and expand their education can do so while continuing to live and work in the region.”
Launching the Masters, President of TUS Professor Vincent Cunnane said, “This new Masters in Social Work is not only a key achievement in addressing a skills shortage in the Mid West and nationally, but is an example of what continues to be achieved when TUS works in partnership with industry to provide research led, industry informed, relevant programmes.”
Meanwhile the Trauma Informed Conference which brought together professionals, educators and students, was addressed by internationally renowned expert guest speakers Suzanne Zeedyk, Brian Pennie, Siobhan Greene and Kelly Pratt who provided invaluable insight to Trauma Informed Practice and its benefits in social work.
Dr Caroline Cullen, Regional Chief Officer Tusla Mid-West said, “We at Tusla are incredibly proud of our continued collaboration and partnership with TUS. This partnership has led to an improved process and supply of social care practice placements; identified opportunities for joint continuing professional development and joint hosting of the Trauma Informed Practice Conference taking place today. Perhaps one of the most important developments is that of a Master of Arts in Social Work Programme for the region, which was officially launched today. It is a testament to our continued endeavours to support practitioners, children, families, students, graduates, and communities across the Mid-West. I would like to extend my thanks to our colleagues in TUS and guest speakers who have made this conference possible.”
Dr Maura Clancy, Dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, TUS Mid-West said, “TUS is committed to sectoral engagement, to bridging the gap that can exist between practitioners and academia. Today’s conference ensures we learn from each other and that our students continue to receive a research-informed education. Sincere thanks to the TUS team, led by Dr Melinda Gushwa, whose hard work and determination made this event a reality. This conference was a joint offering between TUSLA Midwest and TUS. Since its establishment in 2022, the TUS-TUSLA Midwest Liaison Group has truly typified the value of partnership. We are immensely proud of what we have achieved to date and look forward to further collaborative successes in the future. We sincerely thank the TUSLA Midwest team, led by Dr Caroline Cullen, for their continuous engagement and commitment.”
Over the last number of years, both organisations have worked closely together to identify opportunities for enhanced collaboration to enable them to better support students, graduates, practitioners, children, families, and communities more effectively in the Mid-West.
Further information on the Masters of Arts in Social Work, applications for which is now open, can be found here: Social Work – MA – TUS
