Education Partner

Introduction

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) is a 4 year part-time programme delivered through blended learning. The course aim is to provide students with a professional education and training in the principles and practice of social care. It also provides the teaching of theoretical concepts applied to social care practise. It has been designed to meet the needs of adult learners returning to education and to enable those working in the social care field to further develop and enhance their understanding, knowledge and skills.

Who is the course intended for?

These Social Care Programmes are intended for those working in the social care field in a formal or informal capacity, in either residential or community settings and with various client groups such as older people and people with disability.

Programme Structure

This programme is provided on a modular basis over four years through a blended learning programme combining open learning through distance education, workshops, seminars and work placements. Each module will carry a number of European Credit Transfers (ECTS) with Students undertaking 45 credits per year.

Students will receive interactive material for home study and attend workshops for each module. These are scheduled throughout the academic year, from September to May. A work placement is part of the programme in years 1, 2 and 3. In the first and second year of the programme, students will also be required to attend one weekend seminar in NUI Galway.

Programme Content

Year One: Certificate in Social Care

Redefining Health and Well Being
Personal Care
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

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. Entry to the second year is open to those who have successfully completed the 1st year and obtained a mark of, or in excess of, 60%.

Year Two: Diploma in Social Care

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

Students who successfully complete year two can exit and be awarded a Diploma in Arts (Social Care), or have the option to continue to year 3.

Year 3: Bachelor of Arts Social Care

Health and Social Care Services
Equality and Diversity
Social Care Theory and Practise 1
Research Methods in the Social Sciences
Work placements 3

Those who successfully pass year 3 can continue to the final year of the BA.

Year 4: Bachelor of Arts (Social Care)

Social Care Theory and Practise 2
Promoting Health in Social Care
Working with Older People*
Working with People with Disabilities*
Working with Children/Young People*
Research Project
*Options modules – students must choose one.

Assessment

Assessment of course modules, seminars and work Placements will be based on written assignments, practical work, presentations and examinations, or a combination of these.

Award

Exit year 1: Certificate in Social Care

Exit year 2: Diploma in Arts (Social Care)

Completion year 4: BA in Social Care

Entry Requirements

Formal academic qualifications are not required to commence this BA. While there are no formal educational requirements candidates will be expected to have good reading and writing skills as independent home study is required. Applicants must have experience in care work which can either be in a formal or informal capacity. In addition applicants must meet the University’s requirements for mature students.

Fees

E.U. Students: €2,740

Non E.U. Students: €3,240

Students must submit a non-refundable administration fee of €30 by bank giro or postal order with the application. The fee of €1370 can be paid online or by bank giro by September 2010 with the final instalment to be paid by January 2011.

Course Venue: Laois Third Level Centre, Bracklone Street, Portarlington , for the delivery of Year 1, Year 2 & Year 3. Presently Year 4 is to be delivered at NUIG.