Social Care (Degree)

Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) leading to the CORU approved qualification of Honours Bachelor of Arts (Social Care)

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Course Overview
Key Facts
Course Outline
Why Choose This Course?
Course Fees
Find Out More

Course Overview

If you are currently working in social care or have one year's full-time (or equivalent) social care experience, then the Honours Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) may be the course for you!

The Honours Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) provides teaching of theoretical concepts applied to social care practice. It was developed in response to the continuing educational needs of social care workers in the context of the professionalisation of social care work and includes both theoretical and practice components.

Completion of the programme leads to the qualification of the Honours Bachelor of Arts (Social Care). This qualification is approved by CORU - the Health and Social Care Regulator.

The Honours Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) reflects the depth and breadth of social care work both in terms of service users groups, such as children, individuals with disabilities, adults or older people and in terms of service diversity, such as residential, community or independent living services. Current students and graduates of this BA work in a vast array of statutory, voluntary and private services and settings including independent and residential services for individuals with disabilities, residential and aftercare services for children, homeless services, services for older people and community support services.

SUSI Funding
This course is now eligible for funding under the SUSI grants scheme. You can find more information regarding the SUSI funding here.

Applications and Selections

Applications open for this course on the 21st April 2025.

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Applications System. This course is listed under Adult Learning Undergraduate\Postgraduate, CPD, Micro-credentials & Summer School Applications.

Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information.

Applications will be assessed solely on the information provided within the online application form and interviews do not form part of the selection process. Applicants are therefore advised to complete the application form fully and thoroughly, as incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please contact the course administrator for further information.

Practice Placement
Practice placement is an integral component of the Honours Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) and provides the opportunity for learners to integrate theory and practice. In line with current CORU guidance, the practice placement component of this course is comprised of 800hrs of placement in a variety of settings over the 4 years of the course. All students must complete 200 hours of practice placement per year of the Honours Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) course. The practice placement is undertaken in a setting outside of your normal workplace and this is the case for all students, regardless of previous social care experience. As this course has been designed to meet the needs of adult learners, students are expected to source appropriate practice placements themselves, with the support and guidance of the practice placement team. Additional support and guidance will be offered to 1st year students in sourcing their practice placement. Practice placements commonly operate on a continuous rather than ‘block’ basis, nonetheless, block placements can be accommodated where preferred and possible.

Vaccinations
The HSE, the School of Health Sciences and the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, require students to produce evidence that they have received the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and the Hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccinations. In line with this requirement, University of Galway Social Care Programme recommends that student’s evidence both the MMR and Hepatitis B before the commencement of placement. Evidence of these vaccinations must be provided in the first year of the course.

Exemptions
Applicants with existing academic qualifications can apply for exemptions from modules (post-registration only), where direct comparability can be demonstrated. An exemption can only be applied for in relation to an academic module or modules in year one and/or year two of the Honours Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) course.

Please note, applications for academic module exemptions will be assessed solely on the information provided in the application documentation and applicants are therefore advised to complete the documentation fully and thoroughly. Late or incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please contact the course administrator for further information.

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Assessment of course modules and work placements is based on a combination of written assignments, practical work, work placement supervisor’s reports, online work, project work and examination (or any combination of these) in each year of the course.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Formal academic qualifications are not required to commence this Honours Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) course. Candidates are expected to have good reading and writing skills, as well as basic IT skills, as independent home study is required. Candidates must also have a minimum of one year’s experience in care work, which has been gained in either a formal (i.e. employed as a care assistant) or informal capacity (i.e. caring for a family member, voluntary work in a caring capacity). The age requirement for those wishing to commence this BA is 21 years of age on the 1st of January in the year that a candidate is applying. The matriculation requirements for University of Galway for those under 21 years of age do not apply for the Social Care course.

Additional Requirements

Students must satisfy Garda/Police clearance requirements. Garda clearance must be applied for through University of Galway, regardless of whether an individual currently holds Garda clearance with another organisation.

Vaccinations: The HSE, the School of Health Sciences and the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, require students to produce evidence that they have received the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and the Hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccinations. In line with this requirement, University of Galway Social Care Programme recommends that student’s evidence both the MMR and Hepatitis B before the commencement of placement. Evidence of these vaccinations must be provided in the first year of the course.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

4 years, part-time

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

180

Award

CAO

Course code

Course Outline

Year 1: The first year of the course provides a general introduction to the field of social and health studies through two course components: course modules and work placement. Students attend a workshop for each module. In addition, students complete supervised work placement in a social care setting. Students who successfully complete these course components may continue to the second year of the programme.

Year 2: This second year develops the skills and understanding gained in year 1 as well as developing on the theoretical ideas that underpin social care practice and service provision. On successful completion of year 2 students may continue to the third year of the programme.

Year 3: This year builds on years 1 and 2 with further theoretical exploration of social care work and service provision through interactive distance education materials, workshops and work placement. The core competencies required for working in the social care field are further developed and linked to their application in a workplace setting.

Year 4: This final year of the Honours Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) is comprised of workshops, work placement and self-directed study components. In addition, learners complete a dissertation on a particular area of social care work, with the support of a named individual supervisor.

Classes days and times
Workshops take place on Fridays and will run generally from 10am to 4pm. All workshops will be held at University of Galway, unless otherwise advised. Provisional timetables for year one will be available in due course and can be requested from the course administrator.

Mandatory induction for 1st years for 2025/26 will be held in early September 2025 (dates to be confirmed).

Modules

Year One: Honours Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) Programme

Introduction to integrated and experiential learning for Social Care
Introduction to social care practice and care skills
Introduction to legal, ethical and professional practice in social care
Introduction to Health and Health Promotion
Introduction to communication skills for social care
Sociology: An Introduction
Practice Placement 1

Year Two: Honours Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) Programme

Psychology across the lifespan: An Introduction
Health Promotion Models & Frameworks
Introduction to care planning for social care
Care Planning in Social Care Practice
Communication and relationship skills
Legal, ethical and professional practice in social care
Social and Health Services; Systems History and Context
Introduction to Research
Practice Placement 2

Year Three: Honours Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) Programme

Experiential learning and evidenced-based practice
Working with People with Disabilities - a Social Care Perspective
Professional autonomy and accountability
Social care across the lifespan - working with children and young people
Health promotion strategies and approaches
Research methods and methodology
Practice Placement 3

Year Four: Honours Bachelor of Arts (Social Care) Programme

Social care across the lifespan - working with older people
Management and leadership in social care settings
Research Strategy
Health Promotion Practice
Practice Placement 4

Please note that this outline is for guidance only and alterations may be made as required.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the course are employed by statutory, private and voluntary bodies and work with a variety of groups including young children, young people, older people and individuals with disabilities. In addition, graduates of the course have gone on to pursue study on both taught and research postgraduate courses.

Who’s Suited to This Course

It is designed to meet the needs of adult students returning to education and to enable those working in the social care field to further develop and enhance their understanding, knowledge and skills. The course aim is to provide students with a professional education and training in the principles and practice of social care.

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€3,105 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€3,000 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€105 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Non EU

€4,355 p.a. 2025/26

This course is now eligible for funding under the SUSI grants scheme. You can find more information regarding the SUSI funding here.

Find out More

Social Care Course Administrator
Room 204 Aras Moyola
University of Galway

Tel: 091 493874
Email: enquiriessocialcare@universityofgalway.ie
Website: www.universityofgalway.ie/hpr

What Our Students Say

Geraldine Spellman | Student

I am delighted that I chose to undertake the BA (Hons) degree in Social Care at the University of Galway. As an already busy working mother, l was nervous that perhaps l may have taken on too much, but throughout the entire course l received fantastic support which was excellent. The team of tutors were fantastic and are highly qualified and extremely knowledgeable with years of experience in the field of Social Care. Across the four years l had the opportunity to go on practice placement which gave me the opportunity to broaden my understanding and knowledge of the Social Care sector. On my final placement this year l got the opportunity to work at a training centre which is funded by the probation service and was very lucky to be offered a job from my placement teacher. I would highly recommend this course especially to working mothers who wish to pursue a career in Social Care.

Emmanuel Nana | Graduate

My decision to pursue a career in social care is a very personal one and one that brings me a lot of fulfilment, especially working with vulnerable & marginalised individuals in our society. To explore this career path, I chose University of Galway because it is an accredited, renowned, and prestigious University with lively, friendly, and excellent amenities. In addition, it offers one of the most flexible learning courses for social care in Ireland. While completing the course I was still able to work and take care of a family of five due to the flexible nature of the course. The course involved a mixture of theoretical & practical experience. Work placements formed an integral part of the course, this helped me to develop practical skills & reflective capacity while also gaining invaluable work experience in the social care profession and the opportunity to network with other social care professionals & organisations. The supportive nature of the lecturers, the culture of the University and the flexible learning approach has inspired me to further pursue a master’s with the University of Galway. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in a career in social care.

Jennifer Carpenter | Graduate

Completing the BA Social Care changed the trajectory of my career completely. The support and feedback from my tutors and the shared ideas and experiences of my peers on the course were invaluable. During my practice placement, I worked within a residential service for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Before the degree was completed, I was offered a permanent role with the organisation where I continue to work happily today. I was already in my 50's when starting the course so it is never too late to learn or to start afresh in your career.

Rob Partridge | Graduate

I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge, not just from the lectures I attend, but from speaking with the other students on the course who come from different personal and professional backgrounds, and share their experience during class discussions. The learning from the course is transferable and interchangeable with my personal and professional life, and will be invaluable in my current role at work, and in any future positions.

Dearbhla Ní Dhroighneáin | Graduate

Returning to full-time education to study social care was always a dream of mine, but the cost of full-time education had always been a major obstacle. Thankfully, I discovered this course that allowed me to continue working full-time as a community link worker while also progressing in my career. The modules were incredibly beneficial to my day-to-day role, and the lecturers were always supportive and accommodating. In my final year, I secured employment as a social care worker and then decided to continue my education by pursuing an MA in Social Work at the University of Galway. The BA course was an excellent foundation that allowed me to gain relevant experience while completing placements and working in various sectors. To my surprise, it also developed my passion for academia. Today, I am a Clinical Researcher and a PhD candidate at the University of Galway's Psychiatry department. I am working on developing an educational support intervention to enhance the care of people admitted involuntarily with psychosis. Completing the BA course has opened many doors and opportunities that I never thought possible, and I am truly grateful for it!

Ruth Morvin | Graduate

The combination of interactive teaching methods and frequent practice placement make this course both enjoyable and practical. Much of the theory and learnings are directly applicable to my current role in homeless services. I would highly recommend this degree to any student interested in social care.