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ATU’s BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care Receives CORU Approval
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has announced that its Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Health and Social Care has been formally approved by CORU, Ireland’s multi-profession health regulator.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has announced that its Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Health and Social Care has been formally approved by CORU, Ireland’s multi-profession health regulator. The course based in ATU Donegal is the third course at ATU to be approved by CORU in recent years and marks its commitment to providing high-quality education in the field of Health and Social Care Practice.
The approval ensures that graduates of this programme meet the Social Care Standards of Proficiencies (SOP) as set out by CORU, allowing them to apply for registration and use the protected title of “Social Care Worker” once registered.
Dr Joanne Gallagher, Head of the Faculty of Science and Health at ATU Donegal, welcomed the approval, stating:“We are delighted to have a successful outcome to the CORU programme approval application process for the BSc Honours in Health and Social Care on the Donegal campus of ATU. The programme approval is a collaborative achievement for our programme team, led by Dr. Nigel McKelvey, our practice educators and our students. Upon graduation, students can now apply to register with CORU and use the protected title of ‘Social Care Worker.’ This programme, along with similar CORU-accredited programmes delivered on the Sligo and Mayo campuses, ensures that ATU leads the way in the provision of social care education in the West-Northwest region of the country.”
The BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care is designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, equipping them with the skills required for a career in Social Care Work. As part of the course, students undertake two 12-week block placements (totalling 840 hours) in their second and third years, working under the guidance of experienced professionals. These placements play a crucial role in helping students develop their competencies and gain hands-on experience in real-world settings.
Dr Nigel McKelvey, Head of the Department of Early Education and Social Studies at ATU Donegal, said the CORU approval is a significant achievement for the university: “The BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care in ATU Donegal has been approved by the Social Care Workers Registration Board as attesting to the standard of proficiency required for registration for Social Care Workers. Social Care Practice is a dynamic and evolving field that is now a professionally regulated career under CORU alongside other health and social care professions. Throughout this degree, students develop their critical thinking skills, have a greater understanding of human interaction and how to respond in a professional and informed way to the needs of people who use support services. The programme is a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience that equips learners to be a skilled, reflective and responsible practitioner in the field of Social Care Work. Having CORU accreditation allows our students to go out into the workplace with a professionally recognised qualification and the highest standards of Social Care education.”
The Joint Programme Co-Ordinators, Denise O’Boyle and David Friel, said the approval from CORU will mean a real difference to graduates; “The Department of Early Education and Social Studies are delighted to announce that the BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care programme has received CORU approval. Graduates of the programme will now be eligible to apply for entry to the Social Care Workers Register, and once registered, can use the protected title of ‘Social Care Worker.’ The programme is underpinned by excellence in professional practice, and its approval is a testament to the dedication of our programme team, practice educators, and our students.”
This achievement further strengthens ATU’s position as a leader in health and social care education. Although this is the first programme to be approved by CORU in ATU Donegal, the university has been previously approved by CORU in other programmes in ATU Sligo and Galway including; Applied Social Care, Social Care Practice, MA in Social Work and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Science, Higher Diploma in Science in Medical Science.
With the demand for qualified Social Care Workers growing, this approval ensures that ATU graduates are fully prepared to enter the profession with the highest standards of education and professional recognition.
As CAO deadline looms, students interested in learning more about this course can visit: https://www.atu.ie/courses/bachelor-of-science-honours-health-and-social-care
