Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

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:

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

Year 1 – UCC

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.