Health and Social Care
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Sonraí an Chúrsa
| Cód CAO | AU391 | 
|---|---|
| Céim | 8 | 
| Fad ama | 4 Years | 
| Pointí CAO | 306 (2025) | 
| Modh Seachadta | On-campus | 
| Suímh campais | Donegal – Letterkenny | 
| Modh Seachadta | Lánaimseartha | 
| Socrúchán oibre | Tá | 
Applicants outside the EU
Help for international students
Forbhreathnú Cúrsa
This programme is approved by CORU.
Social Care is defined by CORU as 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 Practice is a dynamic and evolving field that is now a professionally regulated career under CORU alongside with other health and social care professions. Throughout this honour’s degree, students develop their critical thinking skills, have a greater understanding of human interaction and how to respond in a professional and informed way to the needs of people who use support services. This program is a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. It equips you to be a skilled, reflective and responsible practitioner in the field of Social Care Work.
Practical skills are developed through two 12-week block placements in the second and third years (840 hours in total), under the guidance of experienced professionals. Practice placement is where a social care student demonstrates their achievement of the Social Care Standards of Proficiencies (SOP) as set out by CORU. This programme is responsive to changing landscape of practice and is designed to provide you with the comprehensive knowledge, skills and competencies for a rewarding career in Social Care.
The placement modules on this programme are an integral part of the course and students may be placed anywhere within the Republic of Ireland. The aim of the placement is to provide learners with an opportunity to gain skills, experience and competence. Travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the learner. Students will be required to undertake mandatory training as outlined by the course schedule prior to going on placement.
Click here to view the student handbook for this programme.
Dul chun cinn
Follow up programmes elsewhere include:
- Gerontology Practice 
- Master of Science in Advancing Health & Social Care 
- Master of Science in Therapeutic Interventions for Alcohol & Other Drugs 
- Masters in Social Care and Social Justice (ATU Sligo) 
- Masters in Social Work (ATU Sligo) 
- Masters in Trauma Studies (UCC Cork) 
- MSc in Psychology- Conversion Programme (DCU Dublin) 
Download a prospectus
Riachtanais Iontrála
| Leaving Certificate Entry Requirement | 6 subjects at O6/H7 2 subjects at H5 English or Irish at O6/H7 Maths at O6/H7 or Foundation Maths at F2 | 
| QQI/FET Major Award Required | Any | 
| Additional QQI/FET/ Requirements | 3 Distinctions | 
| Garda Vetting | Entrants to this programme will be required to undergo vetting by An Garda Síochána. | 
| Fitness to Practice | Applicants wishing to join this programme must complete a Health Declaration. Applicants must be deemed fit to practice in order to continue on the programme. | 
| Admissions | Applications for advanced entry, exemptions or recognition of prior learning are not considered for this programme. | 
Táillí
Total Fees EU: €3,000
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: €12,000
Fees shown are per annum.
Tuilleadh eolais faoi tháillíGairmeacha
Career Pathways
The main employers are:
- Health Service Executive 
- Private Social Care Sector 
- TUSLA 
- Youth and Community Services 
Graduate Careers
Graduate careers typically include:
- Community Access Facilitator 
- Drugs and Alcohol Worker 
- Family Respite Support Worker 
- Family Support Worker 
- Residential Social Care Worker 
- School Completion Officer 
- Social Care Worker 
Further Information
Eolas Teagmhála
Department of Early Education & Social Studies 
Dr Nigel McKelvey 
Head of Department 
T: +353 (0)74 9186309
E: nigel.mckelvey@atu.ie 
 
                    Early Education & Social Studies