The module is suited to people working with international protection applicants and other people of refugee background in a variety of settings, for example, people working in direct provision and other IPAS centres; people working with separated children in residential centres; employees of local authority integration teams; people working and volunteering with NGOs and community groups. It is also suited to members of the community who simply wish to have a better understanding of people of refugee background.
Working with People of Refugee Background
Overview
| Module Title | Working with People of Refugee Background |
| Subject Area | Social Work |
| Credits | 5 |
| NFQ | 8 |
| EFQ | |
| Start Date | 4th September 2025 |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Time | Full day at the beginning and end. Otherwise Thursdays 3-5pm |
| Mode of Delivery | Hybrid |
| Lead Academic | Associate Professor Muireann Ní Raghallaigh |
| Fee | €650 |
| Application Deadline | 11th August 2025 |
This is an introductory module, developed as a partnership between UCD and the Irish Refugee Council, aimed at people who are relatively new to working with people of refugee background. Underpinned by human rights and social justice perspectives, it aims to help those working with refugees and international protection applicants to better understand the experiences and circumstances of people of a refugee background. It also aims to better equip those working in this area with relevant knowledge and skills, in order to ensure individualized person-centred practice and rights-based approaches in this area of work.
On completion of this micro credential you will have an introductory understanding of:
- Key social justice principles that are relevant in working with people of refugee background
- A range of pre-migration, migration and post migration experiences and challenges faced by people of refugee background, including international protection applicants separated children (unaccompanied minors) and reunified refugees
- Refugee law and the international protection application process
- The rights of international protection applicants and refugees in Ireland
- Key practice skills, including working in a culturally conscious manner, anti-racist practice, reflective practice & self care
The module will include content on:
- The global and national context in relation to forced displacement
- Key social justice and human rights principles
- Pre-migration, migration and transit experiences of refugees
- Post-migration experiences and challenges
- Refugee law and the international protection process
- The situation of unaccompanied refugee children
- Refugee families and family reunification
- Culturally conscious and anti-racist practice
The module will provide learners with knowledge and skills that will facilitate good practice in working with people of refugee background.
This micro-credential is delivered in a hybrid format consisting of live lectures, some of which will be online and some of while will be in person in UCD, with the choice of joining the class on line if preferred. As the module is a collaboration between the Irish Refugee Council and UCD, learners will benefit from the expertise of researchers, practitioners and people of refugee.
Learners will have access to UCD’s online learning platform (Brightspace) where a repository of resources will be available to support your learning. As a UCD student, you will have full access to the library.
This is a 5 ECTS micro-credential and involves approximately 100 hours of learner effort.
Applicants will generally hold a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification in the social sciences or in related disciplines.
Applications will also be accepted from those with relevant, practical experience.
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proof of English proficiency as per UCD's minimum English language requirements.
All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
There will be small number of fee waivers available for people of refugee background who themselves would like to take the module.
Two Multiple Choice Question tests – worth 25% each
One reflective assignment, submitted in written, audio or video format – worth 50%
Written feedback will be provided on the reflective assignment
On successful completion of this micro-credential, you will receive credits as per the European Credit and Transfer System. These credits are recognised by the awarding institution as credits aligned to learning completed at undergraduate level.
If you have any questions about this micro-credential, or would like to speak to a UCD staff member, please contact (opens in a new window)microcredentials@ucd.ie.