About This Course
A career in social care practice is challenging and uniquely rewarding, as graduates can make a real difference in people’s lives. Social Care Practice is a dynamic and continuously developing field that is now professionally regulated.
Throughout this honours degree, students develop their critical thinking skills, have a greater understanding of human interaction and how to respond professionally and informally to the needs of people who use support services.
Professional practice placement is integral to this programme, where students complete two 13-week blocks in professional social care practice settings.
Key Skills Students Acquire
A mixture of practical, theory and work placement equips students with the skills employers want.
A thorough understanding of critical social sciences such as sociology, law, psychology, and social policy
Creativity and communication
Ability to apply ethical and legal principles to complex situations
Ability to reflect on their knowledge and understanding
Research and analysis
Professional practice
Provider Locations and Structure
Year 1 based in:
Cavan Institute, Cathedral Road, Cavan
Year 2, 3 & 4 based in:
Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Sligo Campus, Ash Lane, Sligo
Certification:
This tertiary degree is a comprehensive 4-year programme. The programme is designed to support academic success despite challenges that may arise. If a student has to leave the programme before completing the final year, this tertiary degree includes an embedded award at the end of year three. Embedded awards formally recognise learning achieved during the time the learner has spent on the programme. For this degree, the embedded awards are:
After successfully completing Year 3: NQF level 7 Bachelor of Arts in Social Care Practice from ATU.
After successfully completing Year 4: the NFQ level 8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care Practice is awarded from ATU.
This programme is not CORU approved. An application has been made for approval, and the status of this process will be reflected on our website and promotional material.
Course Content
Year 1
Students study modules such as Introduction to Sociology, Social Care and Social Policy, Introduction to Law, Introduction to Lifespan Development, Creative Practice for Social Care 1, Health Safety and Wellbeing in Social Care Practice and Interdisciplinary Care.
Year 2
Modules include Creative Practice for Social Care, Adult Mental Health and Sociology 2: Making Sense of Society. In Year 2, students also complete a 13-week professional practice placement.
Year 3
Modules include Child and Family Law, Sociology 3: An Intersectional Approach and Child and Adolescent Mental Health. In Year 3, students also complete a 13-week professional practice placement.
Year 4
In the final year, students can choose from several elective options. Students also complete a research project on a topic of interest to them.
Additional Information:
Placement Information - Year 2
Placements are dispersed all over Ireland, and students are allocated to these based on the learning needs and requirements of the programme. Students are expected to commute distances and/or relocate for this learning experience. This is normal and to be expected in professional training programmes.
Entrants to this programme will be required to undergo vetting by An Garda Síochána.
Students on this programme must be Fit to Practice. Guidance on which can be found within the relevant policy. Students will be required to read this policy and acknowledge that they have read and understood this requirement. Certain vaccinations may also be required for work placement.
Note: Use the white arrow buttons below to see more information about this course such as Progression and Fees.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please get in touch. You can apply online through our website. We have a FAQ page and course fees are easily accessed.
Student Testimonials
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