Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care Practice

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Overview

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 a 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 equip 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

Entrants to this programme will be required to undergo vetting by An Garda Síochána.

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

Course Content – for all years

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.

Accreditation and Embedded Awards

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, tertiary degrees include an embedded award at the end of year threes. Embedded awards formally recognise learning achieved during time in 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

The final NQF level 8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care Practice is awarded by ATU

Planned intake (number of places)

20 places

Entry requirements and eligibility

• Leaving Certificate- Grade O6/H7 or better in five Leaving Certificate subjects. Leaving Certificate must include English or Irish (O6/H7) and Mathematics. (Maths at F2 is acceptable)
OR
• A Full level 5/6 QQI award
OR
• Mature applicants – (aged 23 on or before 1st January of the course commencement year). These applicants do not have to meet the minimum entry requirements listed here and are considered on an individual basis (previous education, work experience, and demonstration of competence to undertake the programme)
OR
• Access programme (LCA students can gain access to this programme following completion of an access programme)
OR
• An applicant who is a minimum of 17 years of age with at least 2 years post Junior Certificate relevant experience. All applicants must demonstrate that they would qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant under the Student Grant Scheme (SUSI) and/or are in receipt of a Department of Social Protection (DSP) long-term means-tested social welfare payment and/or be from one or more of the priority groups or from any priority group identified as part of the next National Access Plan (2022-2028).

• Applicants must demonstrate competence to undertake the programme.

Onward pathways

As social care graduates are sought after by employers in a range of areas. Graduates from this programme have the skills and competencies to work with people, who, for a variety of reasons, may require assistance and support. Social care practitioners work in health services, voluntary organisations, community-based bodies and the private sector. Social care practitioners work in health services, voluntary organisations, community-based bodies and the private sector.

Graduates may also engage in further specialised study, work in policy or research areas or establish their own business in a relevant area.

Graduates are eligible to undertake further studies at Masters and PhD levels. Graduates of this programme can progress to Masters Programmes in social work, addiction studies, equality studies, social research practice and other areas.

We have many Postgraduate options in these areas at ATU, Sligo Campus, including our CORU-approved Master of Arts in Social Work

Special features (optional)

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 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.

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.