BA (Hons) Social Care Practice
Course Summary:
Social Care Practice is emerging as a key professional field for those who wish to work actively in the areas of social justice, social care and social policy. Ireland, among other countries, continues to face many social challenges, for example, in the areas of providing care for children and young people; developing a genuinely inclusive multicultural society; responding to its ageing population; and addressing issues related to addiction, unemployment, family breakdown and social inequality.
Do you want to address and respond to these challenges? Are you interested in the future of our society and those who live within it? Do you want to become an active, informed, reflective and confident social professional with a broad range of skills, knowledge and competencies at your disposal?
If the answer is yes, then this may be the course for you. Social care practitioners work to address these challenges. This course is challenging and diverse. From day one you will be involved in questioning and creating knowledge: about Irish and other societies; about how people relate to one another; and about yourself. You will be encouraged to take active responsibility for your own learning and to explore fields such as psychology, sociology and law that will allow you to critically understand the social world.
There is a strong focus on the use of creative tools to develop your own imaginative responses to social
problems and issues.
Key modules include professional practice, social research, sociology, psychology and social policy, as well as law and ethics. In the second half of the programme you will be able to select a sequence of modules related to a specialised area of study, such as children and young people, diversity, or global perspectives. All students engage in a structured process of personal development throughout the programme in order to support their learning and professional capacities.
Key skills:
- A thorough understanding of key social sciences such as sociology, psychology and social policy
- Creativity and communication
- Ability to apply ethical and legal principles to complex situations
- Ability to reflect on your own knowledge and understanding
- Research and analysis
- Professional practice
- Entrepreneurship and leadership
| Department | Code | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences | SG243 | Honours Degree Abinitio |
300*
8
4
*New Common Points Scale
The new Leaving Certificate Common Points Scale from 2017 is not directly comparable with the scale that was in existence from 1992 to 2016.
Download the Grading Scale from www.transition.ie.
Applicants should list their CAO course choices in genuine order of preference and they will be offered the course highest up on their list that they are deemed eligible for, if any.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for CAO 2017 courses at ITSligo are available for download below:
- Download Entry requirements for just Level 8 programmes
- Download Entry requirements for all programmes
Garda vetting:
You should note that all entrants to this course will be required to undergo vetting by the Garda Síochána. If you have a criminal conviction in Ireland or elsewhere, this may adversely impact on your ability to undertake a professional placement or to secure employment in the field of social care practice.
Career Opportunities
As a social care practitioner you will be sought after by employers in a range of areas. You will have the skills, competencies and confidence to work with marginalised and excluded people, such as those in out-of-home care, those who are unemployed, disabled, homeless, experiencing addictions or whom, for a variety of reasons, may require advocacy and support. You may also engage in further specialised study, work in policy or research areas or establish your own business in a relevant area.
Social care practitioners may be employed in the health services, statutory or voluntary organisations, in community-based bodies and the private sector. A career in social care practice is always challenging and also uniquely rewarding – you can make a real difference!
What are my further study opportunities?
You will be eligible to undertake further studies at Masters and PhD level. Graduates of this programme can progress to Masters Programmes in social work, addiction studies, equality studies, social research practice and other areas.
What subjects will I study?
Semester 1
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introductory Sociology | 05 |
| Creative Practice 1: Introduction to Creative Practice | 10 |
| Professional Studies 1 | 05 |
| Research Based Study Skills | 05 |
| Introduction to Lifespan Development | 05 |
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Interdisciplinary Care | 10 |
| Sociology 2: Making Sense of Society | 05 |
| Research Based Study Skills 2 | 05 |
| Communicative Practice in Professional Care | 05 |
| Introduction to social policy | 05 |
Semester 3
Semester 5
Semester 6
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Social Care Practice Placement 2 (year 3) | 30 |
Semester 7
Semester 8
[E] = Elective Module. Modules subject to availability.
Who do I contact?
Admissions Office
T: 353 (0) 71 931 8510
E: admissions@itsligo.ie