Cork College of FET Morrison's Island Campus
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Cork College of FET Morrison's Island Campus
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Cork College of FET Morrison's Island Campus
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Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

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INTRODUCTION:

The BSW Degree is a professional training programme accredited by the Health and Social Care Professionals Council (CORU) as a social work training course which ensures graduates are eligible to apply to be registered as social workers with regulatory bodies in Ireland and internationally. Successful graduates can use their qualification to apply to CORU to be placed on the register of social workers. In Ireland, all social workers need to be registered to practise.

Students will spend the first year of this programme in the College of Further Education, Morrison’s Island Campus, in Cork City as well as taking weekly lectures (one day a week) in UCC. Year 2 of the course is UCC based, and lectures take place over two 12-week semesters. In Years 3 and 4, students undertake one semester in UCC and another on a 14-week professional placement.

As a professional training programme, social work students are required to attend every class of each module (including fieldwork placements) unless unavoidably prevented from doing so. If a student’s attendance falls below 80% in any module, he/she will be required to repeat that module before being allowed to proceed with their training.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Learner Age:

  • Standard Age – 17 on the 1st January on the year they commence studies in Further Education.
  • Mature Age – 23 years on the 1st of January on the year of entry into Further Education.
  • This course requires all students to be Garda vetted.
  • Shortlisting for interview may apply.

Learner’s Desirable competencies and experience:

Learners considering the tertiary BSW degree should want to be part of an active and changing dynamic environment. They should also enjoy working with other people and value caring for people. In this environment, excellent problem-solving, critical and reflective thinking skills are a strength. Potential students may have a special interest in social justice, human rights, and anti-oppressive practices.

Candidates seeking entry into this programme require:

  • Leaving Certificate with five subjects at a minimum of grade O6 or
  • Leaving Certificate with four subjects at a minimum of grade O6 plus LCVP with distinction or
  • QQI Level 4 award with a minimum of an overall distinction grade or
  • Be mature applicants. Mature applicants – (i.e. those aged 23 on or before 1st January of the course commencement year).  These applicants do not have to meet the minimum entry requirements listed here and are considered on an individual basis (previous education, work experience, and demonstration of competence to undertake the programme)

Applicants from the United Kingdom and overseas would need to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the minimum entry requirements above in a General Certificate in Education (GCE), such as the GCE A Level.

Candidates who are non-native speakers of the English language must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language, as follows:

Examination
Irish Leaving Certificate English
GCE A-Level English
English Language Requirement
Level Required
Ordinary Level Grade O6
Grade D
All applicants whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through the medium of English must demonstrate CEFR proficiency at B2 for access. Evidence of English Language Proficiency must be provided through one of the following mechanisms: 1. A valid certificate in English language from one of the institutions listed below. 2. English language proficiency assessment conducted by relevant ETB during the enrolment process. Minimum B2 in all skills on entry. List of institutions: International Examinations: Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE), Minimum Grade - Grade B or higher International Examinations: Cambridge Advanced (CAE), Minimum Grade - Borderline Fail Min 170 points International Examinations: Cambridge Proficiency (CPE), Minimum Grade- Unsuccessful With min. 170 points International Examinations, IELTS, Minimum Grade 6 Duolingo English Test DET 120 with a minimum score of 110 in each individual section Note: IELTS certificates are only valid two years from the date of assessment. It is recommended that the same validity duration is applied to all other examinations.

Both the College of Further Education and the Higher Education Institution will be represented on the interview panel. Students will be invited to write their personal statement prior to the interview, as part of the interview process.

Places are awarded on the course subject to personal statement and successful interview.

DURATION:

September to May in Year 1.

FEES:

No fees apply for Year 1.

CERTIFICATION:

QQI Level 5 Certificate in Applied Social Studies 5M1281 in Year 1.

COURSE CONTENT:

Psychology - 5N0754

Explore a variety of theorists / practitioners / therapists e.g Freud and Rogers, look at the brain as well as memory and how it works.  Learn specifics about addiction, schizophrenia, depression, eating disorders, stress, emotional behavioural disorders and learning disabilities, phobias, OCD  etc. Understand sleep and dreams as well as disorders in this area, social psychology experiments and research in this area, behaviour in groups, helping behaviours, peer pressure, advertising etc. Investigate research methods, ethics and their importance as well as experimental psychology- here students get to partake in experiments and learn how to write up experimental reports. A number of therapeutic approaches are covered e.g. CBT, gestalt , person centred etc… when dealing with people who have mental health issues.

Social Studies - 5N1370

Understand your position as an individual, family member and as part of a community and wider society. Examine critically contemporary social issues, learn how some sociological theories can be applied to Irish society, increase your effectiveness in life and work through understanding social issues e.g the impact of discrimination on individuals and groups in society.

Human Growth & Development - 5N1279

Learn  psychology throughout the lifespan, how we grow, learn, develop and change throughout our lives. Understand factors that affect development throughout the lifespan. Develop interpersonal/interactive skills appropriate to responding to the needs of others.

Intercultural Studies - 5N0765

This module encourages students to appreciate diversity and multiculturalism in 21st century Ireland. Looks at Irish and International examples of cultural diversity – and both the positive and negative outcomes that can arise from these.

Legal Practices & Procedures - 5N1394

Understand the role of the constitution in the Irish legal system, legal terminology and the structure of the Irish court system. Describe proceedings in a court of law. Explore the impact of European law on the Irish system. Evaluate documents and legislation in your relevant area. Identify main categories of remedies e.g compensation etc.

Applied Economics - 5N1350

Analyse the role of the key players in the Irish economy such as government, industry and consumers. Identify a range of barriers to free trade. Calculate national income from given data using each of the main measures. Analyse the impact of a variety of changes in supply, demand and market equilibrium.

Communications - 5N0690

Acquire writing skills, learn to speak fluently and coherently in a professional setting, develop interpersonal skills and have an understanding of the impact of ICT on society.

Work Experience - 5N1356

Planning, preparation and reflection on work placement. Job finding strategies, CV and personal statement preparation, interview skills. Practise employability skills with a view to future planning.

Year 1 – UCC:

Module Code
SS1202
Component Name
Introduction to Social Work Theory, Methods, and Skills.
+ 6 X 2 hour Social Policy Seminars delivered in UCC in semester 1.
+ 2 X 1 hour Economics Seminar in semester 2.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING / WORKSHOP:

  • Mindfulness (online) – This Mindfulness workshop will introduce the learner to the practice of Mindfulness as a personal resource. The topics include a better understanding of what mindfulness is, understanding how mindfulness can help us to manage stress and anxiety and learning practical tools to incorporate mindfulness into everyday life. A Certificate of Completion is issued on completion.
  • Introduction to GDPR – This course gives learners an overview of GDPR. The workshop examines what GDPR stands for and gives an understanding of the current data protection rules and obligations. The learners also receive information on the types of data, the terminology associated with GDPR, the penalties with breaches, storage of data and general do’s and don’ts regarding data. A Certificate of Completion is issued on completion. 

WORK PLACEMENT / EXPERIENCE:

Students will undertake a two week block work placement. Placement can be sourced in a variety of community based settings e.g. social and voluntary services, family and community services, residential services etc. Garda Vetting is an integral part of the application procedure for Work Experience.

Students are encouraged to source their own Work Placement but you will be supported by the Work Placement team should you need assistance to do this.

EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES:

On successful completion of the full QQI Level 5 Applied Social Studies award with a minimum of 3 distinctions (a distinction in Work Experience will not be counted as one of the required distinctions) plus a pass in the UCC module Introduction to Social Work Theory, Methods and Skills students will progress to year 2 of the BSW degree in UCC.

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