Bachelor of Arts (Social Care)
Certificate in Social Care
Diploma in 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: September 2012
ECTS weighting: 180
Average intake: Overall unlimited, nonetheless class sizes are limited to ensure personal tuition and early application is therefore advised
Closing date: 5pm, Monday, July 16th 2012
NFQ level: 8
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 .
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
Course outline
Year 1 of the programme is offered in various centres around the country supported by local tutors. The centres are Galway, Portarlington and Carlow. (Centre availability is subject to sufficient numbers) The first year provides a general introduction to the field of 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 and complete a 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 the Certificate in Social Care.
As with the first year the course is provided through interactive distance education materials for home study with local workshops, a seminar and work placement. The second year is offered through various centres with local tutor support. This second year provides students with further skills as well as developing on the theoretical ideas that underpin social care work and service provision. On the 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 will be examined and linked to their application in a workplace setting. This year is currently offered at NUI Galway only.
Similarly the final year is currently offered at NUI Galway only. This final year of the BA in Social Care includes a dissertation on a particular area of social care work, which will be undertaken supported by a named individual supervisor.
Y ear One: Certificate in Social Care
|
Module |
|
Introduction to integrated and experiential learning |
|
Introduction to social care practice and care skills |
|
Seminar 1 (at NUI Galway) |
|
Introduction to legal, ethical and professional practice in social care |
|
Health and health promotion in the social care context |
|
Introduction to communication skills for social care |
|
Social and health services: history, systems and context |
|
Work-placement 1 |
Year Two: Diploma in Arts (Social Care)
|
Module |
|
Sociology: social care in context |
|
Psychology across the lifespan in the social care context |
|
Seminar 2 (at NUI Galway) |
|
Health promotion model of social care |
|
Introduction to care planning for social care |
|
Communication and relationship skills for social care |
|
Legal, ethical and professional practice in social care |
|
Introduction to research for social care |
|
Work-placement 2 |
Year 3: Bachelor of Arts Social Care
|
Module |
|
Experiental learning and evidenced based practice in social care |
|
Care planning in social care practice |
|
Professional autonomy and accountability in social care practice |
|
Social care across the lifespan - working with children and young people |
|
Health promotion strategies and approaches in social care |
|
Research methods and methodology for social care |
|
Work-placement 3 |
Year 4: Bachelor of Arts Social Care
|
Module |
|
Social care across the lifespan - working with adults and older people |
|
Management and leadership in social care settings |
|
Research project |
|
Social care and health promotion - national and international professional perspectives |
|
Work-placement 4 |
Please note that this outline is for guidance only and alterations may be made as required.
Applications and selections
The application process is an online one and application can be made here (select Social Care BA)
As part of the application process applicants are required to submit a typed statement of their care experience. This statement should provide as much detail as possible, as selection is based on this statement rather than interview. Previous graduates of the Social Care programme or those who wish to apply for advance entry should contact the Social Care office directly at the details below:
Requirements and assessment
Find out more
16 Distillery Road
National University of Ireland Galway
T 091 493874
F 091 494577
E Yvonne.Forde@nuigalway.ie
www.nuigalway.ie/hpr
Fees for this course
EU (Total): €The fee per year for 2011-2012 was 2,740. Fees are reviewed annually.
Non-EU (Total): €The fee per year for 2011-2012 was 3,250. Fees are reviewed annually.
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"