A discussion of international, national, discipline and institution contextual factors that impact on the design /redesign of a Post Graduate Social Work Programme in Ireland

The purpose of the paper is to examine what international, national and institutional influences need to be considered in appraising the need and design of a post-qualifying training in therapeutic or counselling social work. It is my view that such a programme could augment both the existing social work counselling skill base and could provide a mechanism whereby social workers identity and work opportunities in the therapeutic and counselling roles would be enhanced. This paper will examine the feasibility of the programme and the issues/ influences that need to be considered in the design of the curriculum.