Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social Care Practice – Tertiary Degrees

Course Overview

Starting their first year with CMETB in Cavan Institute, students study modules such as Introduction to Sociology, Social Care and Social Policy, Introduction to Law, Creative Practice for Social Care 1, Health Safety and Wellbeing in Social Care Practice.

Students will then progress to ATU, Sligo Campus for years 2, 3, and 4.

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.

Course Details

Students on this programme must be Fit to Practice. 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. 

Please note: 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.

Entry Requirements

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.

• In the event of over subscription priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate that they 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.

Fees

There are no fees attached to the first year of these courses in the Education and Training Boards.  Normal registration fees will apply upon progression to ATU.  

You will be eligible to apply for a SUSI grant. Further information can be found here: https://www.susi.ie/

Careers

As social care practitioners qualified under the professional regulator CORU,[EK1]  graduates are sought after by employers in a range of areas.

Social Care Workers are professional practitioners engaged in the practice of social care work. Social care work is a relationship-based approach to the purposeful planning and provision of care, protection, psychosocial support and advocacy in partnership with vulnerable individuals and groups who experience marginalisation, disadvantage or special needs. Principles of social justice and human rights are central to the practice of Social Care Workers.

Social Care Ireland & CORU.

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. Many graduates complete their master’s at ATU to become a social worker.

Social Care Practice is a dynamic field to work in, and past graduates have graduated with job prospects awaiting them due to the integral professional practice placement modules in Year 2 and Year 3.

Testimonials

Moving from Cavan Institute on to progressing on to ATU in social care, it did benefit me a lot as my first semester within ATU was very similar to what would have done here in Cavan Institute. I had a good insight of what each module entailed of. So yeah, got a little step forward to everyone else which was very helpful. My advice for a student going on or wanting to progress more in social care practice is to keep going. You gain a lot more experience throughout your practical. Don’t give up on it. If anyone is thinking of the tertiary education program, I would highly recommend it.

– Sorcha McCormack.

Further Information

Contact Us

ATU Tertiary- tertiary@atu.ie

CMETB/ Cavan Institute: nto@cmetb.ie

Apply Now

Apply Now

Apply to Cavan Institute