Applicants must normally hold a second class honours bachelor degree, lower division (2.2) or higher in the area of social care, early education, social sciences, psychology, sociology, youth and community studies or cognate discipline. Applicants who do not meet the minimum academic requirements, but who have significant professional or vocational experience in child, family and community services shall also be considered. In addition to an application form, this latter category of applicants may also be asked to present for interview. The Program Committee will work to ensure a balance of recent graduates and professionals among the student intake.

The following English language proficiency tests and scores are acceptable:

• ETAPP: C1 (or higher)
• TOEFL Paper Based Test (DIT Code 0281): 550
• TOEFL Computer Based Test (DIT Code 0281): 213
• TOEFL Internet Based Test: 92
• IELTS (Academic Version): 6
• GCE O Level English: Grade C
• GCSE English: Grade C
• Irish Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level: Grade D
• Norwegian Vitnemal: Grade Average 4
• Pearson PTE Academic 62
• Cambridge English Language Examinations: 180+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 175 in each skill and use of English i.e.
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): Grade C (CEFR Level C1 or C2)
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): Grade C (CEFR Level C1 or C2)
• Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE): Grade A (CEFR Level C1)