Social Care Work – 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 Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social Care Work at the Technological University of The Shannon is designed for individuals passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable people. You will explore the core principles of social care, focusing on relationship-based practice, advocacy, and the promotion of social justice and human rights for individuals and groups facing marginalisation. This course is ideal if you are driven by a desire to support others and are seeking a comprehensive understanding of the values, policies, and practical skills essential for ethical and effective social care practice. You will develop a strong foundation in key areas such as health, equality, safety, and psychosocial support, preparing you for a rewarding career.

This full-time, on-campus undergraduate degree is studied over four years, integrating theoretical knowledge with extensive practical experience. You will engage in hands-on learning through modules covering digital literacy, sociology, psychology, and law, alongside crucial personal development and reflective practice. A significant component of your degree involves two professional practice placements, totalling 800 hours, where you will work alongside experienced professionals in diverse social care settings. You will graduate with the skills and confidence to pursue roles in statutory, voluntary, and community organisations, contributing to the well-being of individuals and society.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Care Work equips students with essential knowledge and skills for professional practice. Across four years, the curriculum covers foundational topics like digital literacy, sociology, psychology, and health and safety, progressing to more advanced areas such as child and family law, ethics, research methods, and specialized practice areas like disability studies and mental health. The program emphasizes personal development, teamwork, and practical experience through placements, preparing graduates for diverse roles in the social care sector.

1 YEAR 1

Digital Literacy, Research and Writing Skills Compulsory
Health, Advocacy, Equality & Safety in Social Care Practice 1 Compulsory
Health, Safety & Risk in Social Care Practice 2 Compulsory
Introduction to Creative and Recreational Skills Compulsory
Introduction to Social Care: Policy, Provision and Practice Compulsory
Introduction to Sociology Stage 1 Sem 1 Compulsory
Personal Development for Social Care Practice: Beginning Experiential Group Work Compulsory
Personal Development for Social Care Work – Exploring Personal Identity Compulsory
Psychology, Identity and Development Compulsory
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Child Protection Compulsory
Sociology & Diversity in a Policy Context Compulsory
Teamwork and Communication in Practice Settings Compulsory

2 YEAR 2

Assessment, Intervention and Challenging Behaviour Compulsory
Introduction to Child and Family Law Compulsory
Key Issues in Contemporary Sociology Compulsory
Personal Development for Social Care Practice Compulsory
Practice Education Placement 1 Compulsory
Professional Development 1: Preparation for Practice Compulsory
Social Psychology: interactions and groups Compulsory

3 YEAR 3

Ethics and Leadership for Social Care Practice Compulsory
Law and Social Care Regulation Compulsory
Personal Development for Social Care Practice: Managing Mental Health & Well Being Compulsory
Practice Education Placement 2 Compulsory
Professional Development 2: The Reflective Practitioner Compulsory
Research Methods Compulsory
Social Policy: Theory & Practice Compulsory

4 YEAR 4

Advanced Legal Studies Compulsory
Advancing Social Care Practice: Disability Studies Compulsory
Advancing Social Care Practice: Housing and Homelessness Compulsory
Advancing Social Care Practice: Positive Ageing Compulsory
Advancing Social Care Practice: Residential Child Care Compulsory
Advancing Social Care Practice: Working with vulnerable young people Compulsory
Advancing Theories of Psychology in Practice: Approaches to Challenging Behaviour Compulsory
Advancing theories of psychology in practice: approaches to mental health Compulsory
Advancing theories of psychology in practice: examining therapeutic interventions Compulsory
Advancing Theories of Psychology: Approaches to Addiction Compulsory
Management for Quality Social Care Practice Compulsory
Personal Development for Social Care Practice – Assertiveness Compulsory
Personal Development: Advanced Group Work Skills for Social Care Practice Compulsory
Research & Evaluation Compulsory
Social Policy: Critical Debates in Social Care Compulsory
Sociology in Practice Compulsory

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

Accommodation
USD 864.00 - USD 1,080.00
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 Limerick City campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

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

Common Graduate Roles

Amusement & Recreation ServicesCorporate & Commercial LawHealth Technology & Digital HealthLive Events & ConcertsMental Health & CounselingReal Estate & Property LawSpecial & Inclusive EducationSports & AthleticsTax & Financial LawVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Department of Education and Youth

GAA

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 Work – 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 Work – 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 breaks. No separate work permit is needed, but students must be enrolled in a full-time program of at least one year.

Is this qualification recognised internationally?

Yes. This course is accredited by Health and Social Care Professionals Council.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English proficiency requirements, you can submit scores from tests like Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. For instance, Duolingo requires a total score of 105 among other specific scores in comprehension, conversation, and production.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can find roles such as Social Care Worker, Family Support Worker, Addiction Services Counselor, and Youth Worker.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course focuses on relationship-based care, psychosocial support, and advocacy for marginalized groups. Students will participate in two semesters of professional placement, gaining hands-on experience in various social care settings.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Social Care Work – BA (Hons) program has an intake in September each year. Make sure to prepare your application ahead of time to secure your spot.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
 
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️