Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Care

Whether your interest is in progressing towards a career in the field of social care or in working with those in a care setting, with mental or physical disability, the homeless, or those dealing with the challenge of addiction, the BA in Applied Social Care is the degree for you.

The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Care provides teaching of theoretical concepts applied to social care practice, along with intensive training by experienced professionals in the practical skills required to work in the caring professions (e.g. in first aid, manual handling, hygiene/Infection control, child protection training and therapeutic crisis intervention). It was developed in response to the needs of the social care sector in the context of the professionalization of social care work and includes both theoretical and practice components. The hallmark of the programme is to provide the intellectual rigour of the disciplines and to emphasise the practical aspects of working in a social care environment.

From social skills and social policy, learners will be challenged to think in a rigorous and scientific way about social processes, institutions, policies. From the first to the final year of the programme there is a consistent emphasis on theory and practical skills that puts the client at the centre of all practice. All learners will complete supervised practice placements in years 2 and 3.

Aims & Objectives

The aims of the BA in Applied Social Care are:

• To provide a programme which combines academic depth with appropriately rigorous skills training in the area of social care management.
• To facilitate learner knowledge of professional social care practice and the management roles in the social care profession.
• To enable learners to integrate their practical skills and theoretical knowledge with advanced management training specifically in a social care context.
• Provide graduates with the underpinning academic knowledge to enhance their educational and employment opportunities and provide social care management skills that will be of lasting value to them.

Please note that all learners will be required to submit to vetting by An Garda Siochana. A criminal conviction in Ireland or abroad may impact on securing of a placement and on the ability to secure employment in the social care profession. Vetting will need to be undertaken for each placement setting.