Course Summary
The MSc in Child and Family Health and Wellbeing (Level 9 NFQ, 90 ECTS) is a two-year, part-time, blended-learning programme that provides students with an opportunity to complete an interdisciplinary programme of study focused on the theories and practice of promoting holistic child and family health and wellbeing in an integrated way.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically hold a (NFQ) Level 8 Honours Degree with a H2.1 or equivalent. Candidates will generally hold a primary degree in a relevant discipline, for example:
• children’s nursing or other nursing disciplines; allied health and social care; education; child, youth and family support work; or a cognate discipline.
Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details above
In line with DCU policy, candidates who do not have the appropriate level of academic attainment for direct entry may apply for access via the Recognition of Prior Learning process (RPL).
In line with DCU’s (2019) Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, candidates who do not have the appropriate level of academic attainment for direct entry may apply for access via the Recognition of Prior Learning process (RPL) (the policy is available at: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) , Dublin City University , recognition-prior-learning (dcu.ie)
Prior learning may be formal accredited learning or experiential/uncertified learning which includes the knowledge, skills and personal qualities acquired through life, work experience and study which are not formally attested. Prospective students may apply through the RPL route if they meet one or more of the following entry 5 requirements:
• Relevant learning, qualifications and experience within their RPL application
• Holding a position or role related to health or social care, health and social inclusion promotion, or a related area
• Holding an appointment or professional position in the domain
• Professional qualifications in the domain, with clear articulation of intention to progress to work in the domain.
Application Details
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal.
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until:
Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025.
Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2025.
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU are advised to apply as early as possible.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email [email protected]
For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email [email protected]
The programme commences in September 2025
Fees
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
The programme is designed to provide continuous professional development for a wide range of professionals working with children, young people and their families to significantly positively impact employability and career prospects. Graduates of this programme will progress into leadership roles, or continue into a research or education capacity.