Programmes: Blended Learning: Bachelor of Arts (social Care) Certificate/Diploma in social care

The Bachelor of Arts (Social Care)

is a 4 year, part-time level 8 honours degree programme delivered through distance learning. This programme is offered by the Department of Health Promotion and provides teaching of theoretical concepts applied to social care practice. It aims to meet the needs of adult students returning to education and to enable those working in the social care field to further develop and enhance their understanding, knowledge and skills. The course aim is to provide students with a professional education and training in the principles and practice of social care.

  Who is the programme intended for?

This programme was developed in response to the continuing educational needs of social care workers. It is intended for those working in the social care field in both residential and community settings, with various client groups such as older people and people with a disability. These social care programmes are suitable for participants who are actively involved in social care work and who wish to obtain formal qualifications in the area. They also provide an opportunity for adults returning to education.

  Programme Structure

This Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) will be provided on a modular basis over four years.

The programme will be delivered through blended learning; which includes a combination of contact workshops, seminars and distance learning and work placements. Students will receive interactive materials for home study and attend a workshop in a local venue for each module. In the 1st and 2nd year of the programme, students will also be required to attend one weekend seminar in the National University of Ireland, Galway.

  Programme Content

The following outlines the key modules for the Bachelor of Arts (Social Care). Each module will carry a specific number of European Credit Transfers (ECTS) with students undertaking 45 credits per year.

  Year One - Certificate in Social Care           (Total 45 ECTS)

• Redefining Health and Well Being
• Seminar 1
• Basic Care Skills         
• Health Services and Policy Context
• Work Placement 1
• Introduction to Information Technology for Social Care Practice 
• Introduction to the Legal and Ethical Context of Social Care

  Year Two - Diploma in Arts Social Care           (Total 45 ECTS)

• Skills in Practice for Social Care
• Seminar 2
• Psychology for Social Care Workers 
• Sociology for Social Care Workers
• Work Placement 2
• Introduction to Social Research Skills   
• Independent Research Project 1          

  Degree Cycle - Year 3 (Total 45 ECTS)

• Health and Social Care Services          
• Equality and Diversity  
• Social Care Theory and Practice 1       
• Research Methodology in the Social Sciences  
• Work Placement 3       

      Degree Cycle - Year 4 (Total 45 ECTS)

• Social Care Theory and Practice 2       
• Promoting Health in Social Care           
• Working with Older People     
• Working with People with Disabilities   
• Working with Children/Young People  
• Research Project

 Assessment

Assessment of course modules, seminars and work placements will be based on written assignments, practical work, project work and examinations, or any combination of these.

  Awards

 The Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) will be awarded on the successful completion of the four years and with the attainment of a total of 180 (ECTS).  The opportunity exists for students to exit the social care programme at the end of year one, having successfully completed the course requirements and be awarded a Certificate in Social Care. Students who successfully complete year two can exit the programme and be awarded a Diploma in Arts Social Care.  The BA is a (level 8) Major award within the National Framework of Qualifications, as set out by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland and, the Certificate and Diploma are the associated (level 7/8) Minor awards that are awarded in recognition of partial completion of the outcomes for a Major award. 

  Progression

 Entry to the second year is open to those who have successfully completed the first year and obtained a mark of or in excess of 60%.

  Entry requirements

Formal academic qualifications are not required to commence this Bachelor of Arts (Social Care), however applicants must have previous experience in care work which can be in a paid or voluntary capacity.

Application procedure

See: http://www.nuigalway.ie/health_promotion/courses/undergrad.html

Application forms are available from and should be returned to:

Secretary of the Social Care Programmes Department of Health Promotion

National University of Ireland

Galway

  Annual fee

The EU fee is €2,740.
 This fee is subject to a yearly review.

  Previous Social Care Graduates

 Past graduates of the Diploma in Social Care from NUI Galway are credited with 60 (ECTS) credits; 30 for the Certificate and 30 for the Diploma year. It is necessary for past diploma graduates who wish to progress onto the Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) to undertake an additional year to gain entry to the degree cycle. On successful completion of this additional year, students will be eligible to progress to the last two years (year three & four) of the Bachelor of Arts (Social Care).

  Intended for

People who are actively involved in social care work and who have already successfully completed a Certificate or Diploma in Social Care.

  Programme structure

The additional material required by past graduates will be delivered  through a combination of home study and workshops. Students undertake the following modules totalling 30 credits.

 Additional Material (30 ECTS)

• Introduction to Social Research Skills
• Introduction to Information Technology for Social Care Practice
• Introduction to the Legal and Ethical Context of Social Care
• Independent Research Project

 On successful completion of this programme, students progress onto years 3 and 4 of the BA Social Care.

  Enquiries

 Yvonne Forde
Secretary Social Care Programmes
Department of Health Promotion
NUI Galway

Phone: 091 493874 or 493956

Email: yvonne.fordenuigalway.ie

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