Professor Michelle Norris:

I actually inquired with our second year students on this issue this year. Some students estimated that where they were required to use their car for their job to visit clients etc, they spent between €120 and €260 on petrol. For a person reliant on a third level grant, that is a substantial amount. They do 35 hours a week on placement and then there is a study component allowed during the working week to complete the assignments required for university. As it is a full-time course, it is difficult for our students to take part-time employment.

University College Dublin is accredited to run a part-time professional masters in social work degree. We find that the demand for the part-time programme is affected by the fact that part-time students are not eligible for third level grants. That is another practical suggestion.