Courses
Social Care Practice
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Course Details
| CAO Code | AU918 |
|---|---|
| Level | 8 |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| CAO Points | 300 (2026) |
| Method of Delivery | On-campus |
| Campus Locations | Sligo |
| Mode of Delivery | Full Time |
| Work placement | Yes |
Non-EU Applicants
Non-EU applications are currently closed. Register to be notified when applications reopen
Course Overview
This Programme is Accredited by CORU
The BA (Hons) in Social Care Practice in ATU Sligo has been approved by the Social Care Workers Registration Board as attesting to the standard of proficiency required for registration for Social Care Workers.
Ireland, amongst other countries, continues to face many social challenges. A career in social care practice is challenging and uniquely rewarding, as graduates can make a real difference in people’s lives. Social Care Practice is a dynamic and continuously developing field that is now a professionally regulated career under CORU, along with other health and social care professions. Throughout this honours degree, students develop their critical thinking skills, have a greater understanding of human interaction and how to respond professionally and informally to the needs of people who use support services.
Professional practice placement is integral to this programme, where students complete two 13-week blocks in professional social care practice settings. We support our students in applying and developing their skills and competencies in the field, thus allowing them to emerge as confident, self-aware, experienced, and professional social care practitioners. Placements are dispersed all over Ireland and students are allocated to these based on the learning needs and requirements of the programme. Students are expected to commute distances and/or relocate for this learning experience. This is normal and to be expected in professional training programmes.
Role-play is an active and engaging learning strategy within the ATU Sligo Social Care Practice programme in teaching, learning and assessment opportunities. It forms an essential learning activity in this approved programme.
Students complete a 13-week professional practice placement in Year 2 and Year 3and a research project on a topic of interest to them in their final 4th year.
A mixture of practical, theory and work placement equips students with key skills that employers want.
A thorough understanding of critical social sciences such as sociology, law, psychology, and social policy
Creativity and communication
Ability to apply ethical and legal principles to complex situations
Ability to reflect on their knowledge and understanding
Research and analysis
Professional practice
Embedded Awards
Students who meet the required grades can choose to exit early after three years with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Care Practice. Please note that all four years of successful study are required for a Level 8 award and CORU accreditation.
Tertiary Education Pathway
A tertiary education pathway is available into this programme where students can study Year 1 in Cavan Institute before progressing to ATU for Years 2, 3 and 4. Click here for more information.
Progression
Graduates are eligible to undertake further studies at Masters and PhD levels. Graduates of this programme can progress to Masters Programmes in social work, addiction studies, equality studies, social research practice and other areas.
We have many Postgraduate options in these areas at ATU Sligo, including our CORU-approved Master of Arts in Social Work
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Entry Requirements
| Leaving Certificate Entry Requirement | 6 subjects at O6/H7 which must include: – 2 subjects at H5 – English or Irish at O6/H7 – Maths not required |
|---|---|
| QQI/FET Major Award Required | Any |
| Additional QQI/FET/ Requirements | Three Distinctions |
| GCE/ A-level/ GCSE Entry Requirement | 6 distinct recognised GCSE/A-level subjects which must include: 2 A-levels at Grade C and 4 other subjects at GCSE-level Grade C which must include: – English or Irish |
| Garda Vetting | Entrants to this programme may be required to undergo vetting by An Garda Síochána. |
| Medical Evaluation | Successful applicants for this degree may be required to undergo a medical evaluation, be Fit to Practice, and certain vaccinations may also be required, depending on the work placement. |
Fees
Total Fees EU: €2,500
This annual student contribution charge is subject to change by Government. Additional tuition fees may apply. Click on the link below for more information on fees, grants and scholarships.
Total Fees Non-EU: €13,000
Fees shown are per annum.
Further information on feesProfessional Accreditation
This Programme is Accredited by CORU
The BA (Hons) in Social Care Practice in ATU Sligo has been approved by the Social Care Workers Registration Board as attesting to the standard of proficiency required for registration for Social Care Workers.
Careers
As social care practitioners qualified under the professional regulator CORU, graduates are sought after by employers in a range of areas.
Social Care Workers are professional practitioners engaged in the practice of social care work. Social care work is a relationship based approach to the purposeful planning and provision of care, protection, psychosocial support and advocacy in partnership with vulnerable individuals and groups who experience marginalisation, disadvantage or special needs. Principles of social justice and human rights are central to the practice of Social Care Workers.
Social Care Ireland & CORU.
Graduates from this programme have the skills and competencies to work with people, who, for a variety of reasons, may require assistance and support. Social care practitioners work in health services, voluntary organisations, community-based bodies and the private sector. Social care practitioners work in health services, voluntary organisations, community-based bodies and the private sector.
Graduates may also engage in further specialised study, work in policy or research areas or establish their own business in a relevant area. Many graduates complete their masters at ATU to become a social worker.
Social Care Practice is a dynamic field to work in, and past graduates have graduated with job prospects awaiting them due to the integral professional practice placement modules in Year 2 and Year 3.
Further Information
Contact Information
Contact cao@atu.ie to find out more about the programme or campus you plan to join.
Contact admissions@atu.ie for enquiries about your application.
For International (Non-EU) enquiries, please contact international.sligo@atu.ie
Contact admissions@atu.ie for enquiries about your application.
For International (Non-EU) enquiries, please contact international.sligo@atu.ie
