Social Care Practice – BA (Hons)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

The Social Care Practice – BA (Hons) at the Technological University of The Shannon is designed for individuals passionate about making a tangible difference in people's lives and who are drawn to the complex, rewarding field of social support. You will explore the historical evolution and contemporary frameworks of social care, understanding the critical role of professional social care workers across diverse settings. This undergraduate degree equips you with essential knowledge in areas such as child protection policies, psychology, and Irish law, providing a robust foundation for ethical and effective practice. It is ideal for those seeking a recognised professional qualification to embark on a career dedicated to promoting wellbeing and social justice.

This full-time, on-campus BA (Hons) programme is studied over four years, integrating academic learning with practical experience through assessed placements. You will develop crucial skills in professional social care practice, creative approaches, and applied sociology, alongside modules in social policy and mental health psychology. The curriculum emphasises a strengths-based perspective and the importance of the "use of self" in building therapeutic relationships. You will graduate with the competencies and critical thinking abilities required for a fulfilling career as a registered social care professional, prepared to support individuals and communities effectively.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Care Practice equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for professional social care roles. The curriculum covers foundational principles in psychology, sociology, and law, alongside practical applications in professional social care practice, group dynamics, and creative approaches. Students will engage in placements and develop research, management, and specialized skills relevant to diverse social care settings.

1 YEAR 1 - SEMESTER 1

Professional Social Care Practice 1.1
Developing Academic Practice and Autonomy
Group Dynamics and Collaborative Practice
Introduction to Psychology
Fundamentals of Irish Law

2 YEAR 1 - SEMESTER 2

Professional Social Care Practice 1.2
Applied Child Development Psychology
Creative Approaches to Social Care 1.2
Principles of Sociology
Placement Preparation 1

3 YEAR 2 - SEMESTER 1

Professional Social Care Practice 2.1
Social Policy Perspectives
Creative Approaches to Social Care 2.1 – Art, Drama or Recreation
Disability: Concepts and Practice
Placement 1

4 YEAR 2 - SEMESTER 2

Professional Social Care Practice 2.2
Psychology of Mental Health and Mental Illness
Applied Sociology
Introduction to Management
Placement Preparation 2

5 YEAR 3 - SEMESTER 1

Placement 2

6 YEAR 3 - SEMESTER 2

Introduction to Research Methods
Creative Approaches to Social Care – Art, Drama or Recreation 3.2
Professional Social Care Practice 3
Social Psychology (Elective)
Children’s Rights and Family Law (Elective)
Conflict Resolution (Elective)

7 YEAR 4 - SEMESTER 1

Professional Social Care Practice 4.1
Sociology and Social Policy
Applied Research Project
Rights Based Law
Introduction to Addiction Studies (Elective)
Managing Social Care Environments (Elective)

8 YEAR 4 - SEMESTER 2

Professional Social Care Practice 4.2
Therapeutic Theories and Skills for Social Care Practice
Social Care Practice Law
Disability: Promoting Citizenship
Introduction to International Development and Global Justice (Elective)
Professional Practice with Older People (Elective)

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 15,881.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 15,881.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 15,881.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 15,881.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 63,523.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,807.00 - USD 4,210.00
Transport USD 562.00 - USD 1,123.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,404.00 - USD 2,105.00
Estimated Total USD 4,773.00 - USD 7,438.00

Living cost estimates are based on Athlone Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Clinical & Medical ServicesCorporate & Commercial LawCriminal LawEarly Childhood & Primary EducationFamily & Civil LawHome Health & Long‑Term CareNursing & Allied HealthReal Estate & Property LawSpecial & Inclusive EducationVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Department of Education and Youth

Health Service Executive (HSE)

St. Vincent's University Hospital

Technological University Dublin

Technological University of the Shannon

Tusla - Child and Family Agency

University of Limerick

Why Study Social Care Practice – BA (Hons) at Technological University of The Shannon

What makes this program stand out

Top 20 in UK For Computer Science

Exeter's Computer Science department consistently ranks among the top 20 in the UK for both teaching quality and research output.

Fast Offers Quick turnaround

Exeter typically responds to applications within 2-3 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Flexible Intakes September start

Primary intake in September with January start available for some pathways through the INTO foundation program.

Accredited Industry recognized

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, meeting requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

Life at Technological University of The Shannon in Ireland

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Social Care Practice – BA (Hons) at Technological University of The Shannon

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours during designated breaks. No separate work permit is needed, but students must be enrolled full-time in a one-year program or longer.

What English language score do I need for this course?

English test requirements include a Duolingo overall score of 105, IELTS overall score of 6.0, or TOEFL overall score of 60, among other specific section scores. Each test has different scoring criteria, so be sure to check the details.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue roles such as Social Care Worker, Support Worker, Case Manager, Youth Worker, and Community Development Worker.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program is approved by CORU and combines academic study with practical learning opportunities in social care. Students will gain the essential knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a social care worker.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Social Care Practice – BA (Hons) program has an intake in September each year, allowing students to begin their journey in social care at that time.
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