Can I transfer files from microsoft word onto an IPad and if so how?

You can, but first you need an app on the iPad that supports the type of document/file that you want to copy to it - the iPad doesn't have a file system like a 'normal' computer, everything has to be associated with an app. As to how you then get the documents to your chosen app will depend upon what the app supports - different apps will have different ways of copying their content to/from a computer e.g. via the file sharing section at the bottom of the device's apps tab when connected to iTunes, via wifi, email, dropbox etc.

Apps that support word documents include Apple's Pages app, and third-party apps such as Documents To Go and QuickOffice HD