Bachelor of Arts (Social Care)
Diploma in Social Care
Certificate in Social Care
Course overview
The Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) provides teaching of theoretical concepts applied to social care practice. It was developed in response to the continuing educational needs of social care workers in the context of the professionalisation of social care work and includes both theoretical and practice components.
Who is the course intended for?
It is designed 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 programme aim is to provide students with a professional education and training in the principles and practice of social care.
Key facts
Entry requirements
Formal academic qualifications are not required to commence this BA. Candidates are, however, expected to have good reading and writing skills, as independent home study is required. Candidates should also have experience in care work, which has been gained in either formal or informal capacity. Candidates under 21 years should meet the University’s minimum matriculation entry requirements. Those for whom English is not the first language should check the university requirements at: http://www.nuigalway.ie/international/english.html
Additional requirements
Students must satisfy Garda/Police clearance requirements
Duration:
4 years, part-time
Next start date: Early September 2013
ECTS weighting: 180
Average intake: There is no set limit on overall programme numbers, nonetheless class sizes are limited to ensure personal tuition and early application is therefore advised.
Closing date: 12 noon Monday, August 26th 2013. Submissions after this time cannot be considered.
NFQ level: 8
Course outline
Year 1 of the programme is offered in various centres supported by local tutors. These centres are Galway and Portarlington (Centre availability is subject to sufficient numbers of students registering). In Galway, subject to sufficient numbers, two class options are expected to be available – during the day (Saturdays, 10am to 4pm) or in the evening (Tuesdays, 6pm to 9pm). In Portarlington, subject to sufficient numbers, an evening class is expected to be available (Tuesdays, 6pm to 9pm). Evening classes run approximately fortnightly, while day classes operate approximately once every 4th weekend, throughout the academic year (September to May). The first year provides a general introduction to the field of social and health studies through three course components: course modules, a seminar and work placement. Students receive interactive materials for home study and attend a workshop for each module. Students also attend one weekend seminar in NUI Galway, which normally takes place in mid-November. In addition, students complete supervised work placement in a social care setting. Students who successfully complete these course components may leave the programme at the end of this first year and be awarded a Certificate in Social Care or they may continue to the second year of the programme.
Year 2 is delivered through interactive distance education materials for home study, a seminar and workplacement. Local workshops are provided in Galway (Saturdays, 10am to 4pm) and Portarlington (Mondays, 10am to 4pm) (Centre availability is subject to sufficient numbers of students registering). Classes take place approximately every second week throughout the academic year. This second year develops the skills gained in year 1as well as developing on the theoretical ideas that underpin social care practice and service provision. On successful completion of year 2 students may leave the programme and graduate with a Diploma in Arts (Social Care). Students who attain an overall average for year 2 of 60% or more can progress to year 3.
Year 3 builds on years 1 and 2 with further theoretical exploration of social care work and service provision through interactive distance education materials, workshops and work placement. The core competencies required for working in the social care field are further developed and linked to their application in a workplace setting. This year is currently offered at NUI Galway only (day workshops, 10am to 4pm). Years 3 and 4 form the degree cycle of the programme.
The final year, Year 4, is currently offered at NUI Galway only (day workshops, 10am to 4pm). This final year of the BA in Social Care is comprised of workshops, work placement and self-directed study components. In addition, learners complete a dissertation on a particular area of social care work, with the support of a named individual supervisor.
Year One: Certificate in Social Care
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Modules |
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Introduction to integrated and experiential learning |
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Introduction to social care practice and care skills |
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Seminar 1 (at NUI Galway) |
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Introduction to legal, ethical and professional practice in social care |
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Health and health promotion in the social care context |
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Introduction to communication skills for social care |
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Social and health services: history, systems and context |
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Work-placement 1 |
Year Two: Diploma in Arts (Social Care)
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Modules |
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Sociology: social care in context |
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Psychology across the lifespan in the social care context |
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Seminar 2 (at NUI Galway) |
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Health promotion model of social care |
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Introduction to care planning for social care |
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Communication and relationship skills for social care |
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Legal, ethical and professional practice in social care |
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Introduction to research for social care |
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Work-placement 2 |
Year 3: Bachelor of Arts Social Care
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Modules |
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Experiential learning and evidenced based practice in social care |
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Care planning in social care practice |
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Professional autonomy and accountability in social care practice |
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Social care across the lifespan - working with children and young people |
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Health promotion strategies and approaches in social care |
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Research methods and methodology for social care |
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Work-placement 3 |
Year 4: Bachelor of Arts Social Care
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Modules |
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Social care across the lifespan - working with adults and older people |
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Management and leadership in social care settings |
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Research project |
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Social care and health promotion - national and international professional perspectives |
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Work-placement 4 |
Please note that this outline is for guidance only and alterations may be made as required.
Applications and selections
Apply here
Please note that a key component of the application process is the completion of the relevant sections of the application form in relation to previous care experience. Applicants will be assessed solely on the information provided in their application and interviews do not form part of the selection process.
Successful applicants will be contacted at the email address provided in their application regarding location/class preference.
Requirements and assessment
Assessment of course modules, seminars and work placements is based on a combination of written assignments, practical work, project work and examination (or any combination of these) in each year of the programme.
Work placement/practice placement.
Work placement is an integral component of the BA Social Care and provides the opportunity for learners to integrate theory and practice. In line with current CORU guidance, the workplacement component of the BA Social Care is comprised of 800hrs of placement in a variety of settings over the 4 years of the programme. As the BA Social Care has been designed to meet the needs of adult learners, workplacements are organised in partnership with students and commonly operate on a continuous rather than ‘block’ basis. Nonetheless, block placements can be accommodated where preferred.
Recognition of prior learning.
Applicants may apply for recognition of prior learning in relation both to the academic and workplacement components of the BA Social Care. Applications in relation to the academic components of the BA Social Care can take the form of an application for exemption from a module or modules or application for advanced entry. Successful applications for advanced entry enable entry directly into year 2 or 3 of the BA Social Care. It is not possible to enroll directly into year 4 of the programme. In addition, applicants can apply for recognition of prior learning in relation to the workplacement component of the BA Social Care. If you would like to apply for recognition of prior learning, please contact Ms Yvonne Forde at yvonne.forde@nuigalway.ie or at 091-493874.
Find out more
Yvonne Forde, Course Secretary, Social Care Programmes
16 Distillery Road
National University of Ireland Galway
T: 091 493874
F: 091 494577
E: yvonne.forde@nuigalway.ie
Fees for this course
EU (Total): €Fees are reviewed annually. 2012-2013 fees per year were 2,740
Non-EU (Total): €Fees are reviewed annually. 2012-2013 non-EU fees per year were 3,240
Past Students
Social Care
Michael Quinn
"This course has been the greatest experience in my adventure, back to education as a mature student. It has given me new perspectives in which I view people and the world. It has been very challenging and rewarding. I am excited and nervous about my dissertation – but I see this as a springboard to more adventure. My tutors are very supportive and I would personally recommend this course to any prospective care worker"