Skip to content
E-mail: info@opentrainingcollege.com
Login to MyOTC | YourOTC
FacebookGoogleYoutubeInstagram
Open Training College - OTC

Boost your knowledge and career

Apply Online Now
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • ABOUT US
    • MEET OUR STAFF
    • CLIENT AGENCIES
    • QUALITY ASSURANCE
      • CORE QA DOCUMENTATION
      • ACADEMIC COUNCIL
      • ANNUAL INSTITUTIONAL QUALITY REPORTS
    • COVID-19: OTC Contingency Arrangements
  • COURSES
    • SOCIAL CARE
      • QQI HET: BA (Hons) in Applied Social Studies (Disability Service Management) – Level 8
      • QQI HET: BA in Social Care – Level 7 – CORU approved
      • NEW QQI FET: Certificate in Intellectual Disability Practice – Level 5 (Major Award)
    • MANAGEMENT
      • QQI HET: BA (Hons) in Applied Social Studies (Disability Service Management) – Level 8
      • QQI HET: Cert in Human Service Manager Skills – SP Level 6
    • CPD IN SOCIAL CARE
      • SOCIAL CARE
        • OTC Cert: Empowerment and Advocacy
        • OTC Cert: Exploring Disability
        • OTC Cert: Supporting and Working with Families
      • MANAGEMENT
        • QQI HET: Cert in Human Service Manager Skills – SP Level 6
        • OTC Cert: Essential Employment Law
        • OTC Cert: Managing for Regulation and Inspection
        • OTC Cert: The Manager as Coach and Mentor
        • OTC Cert: Human Resource Management and Supervision
        • OTC Cert: Supervision for Persons in Charge (PICs)
    • ADDITIONAL CPD
      • QQI HET: Cert in Patient Safety Complaints Advocacy – SP Level 7
      • QQI FET Cert in Training and Development – SP Level 6
      • QQI HET: Cert in Supported Employment – SP Level 7
  • STUDENT VIEW
    • Student Support Services
  • APPLY ONLINE
    • APPLICATION HELP
  • STAFF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
    • OTC PARTNERSHIPS WITH AGENCIES
    • CASE STUDIES OF OTC PROJECTS
      • EFFECTIVE TRAINING OPTIONS FOR STAFF
      • CHANGING SERVICE DELIVERY
      • GETTING READY FOR HIQA
    • OTC COLLABORATION WITH AGENCIES
  • NEWS
    • Newsletter: OTC TIMES
    • LATEST NEWS
      • Social Care Ireland Conference 2025: Claire Hopkins to introduce Lego® Serious Play®
      • Interviews for Social Care applicants on May 16th, 2025
      • Launch of CDNT Online Resources for Children and Families..
      • Congratulations to all of our 2024 graduates!
      • Applicants Day Information Session for Cert in Applied Management (Online) – December 18th:
      • Open Training College Conferring of Awards 2024
      • Applicants Day Information Session for Cert in Applied Management (Online) – Oct 24th:
      • Interviews for Social Care applicants on May 16th, 2025
      • Applicants Day Information Session for Cert in Applied Management (Online) – Oct 24th:
      • Informal Interviews for Social Care applicants on May 24th, 2024
      • Congratulations to Eimear Ryan, new Programme Director of OTC Social Care courses
      • Congratulations to all OTC graduates in 2023!
      • Informal Interviews for Cert in Applied Management (Jan2024) applicants (Online) – Dec 18th:
      • Informal Interviews for Social Care applicants on July 27th, 2023
      • OTC Social Care Open Day event on 27th April 2023: Social Care Workers – what they do, and how to become one.
      • Important Upcoming Dates – Social Care Short Courses – Spring 2023
      • Important Upcoming Dates – Management Courses – Spring 2023
      • QQI Level 5: Using Lámh in a Total Communication Approach
      • Informal Interviews for Cert in Applied Management applicants on December 20th, 2022 (Online)
      • Open Information Event: Managing in Challenging Times – Dec 6th 2022 – Register now!
      • OTC Seeks Head of Quality and Academic Affairs
      • OTC Seeks a Programme Co-Ordinator – Intellectual Disability Practice Level 5
      • Patient Safety Complaints Advocacy – Early Bird offer extended to Jan 10th..
    • COLLEGE BLOGS
      • A Career In Social Care? What to expect – part 3
      • A Career In Social Care? What to expect – part 2
      • A Career In Social Care? What to expect.
      • Human rights is in the small places.
      • From the ‘Heart to the Head’: The benefits of OTC (face to face) workshops – a key part of the blended learning experience.
      • What is the role of law and policy in promoting the rights of people with disabilities in Ireland?
      • Social Care Workers – Transformers of the World
      • Managing in Challenging Times
      • How Managers Improve Team Performance Through Leadership Learning
      • Working through Change: A Leadership Focus
      • Five Questions to Improve your Leadership Skills
      • OTC Student Support Service – A Student’s Perspective
      • How will I fit a Social Care degree into my busy life?
      • The Gorilla in the Room! The Complexity of Communication.
      • Quality is a habit!
  • CONTACT

QQI HET: BA (Hons) in Applied Social Studies (Disability Service Management) – Level 8

  • Next Commencement: September 2025
  • Applications: the Online Application Centre is now open for applications.
  • Interviews: will take place online - date to be announced
  • Find out more about Applicants' Day Interviews
  • For more information, contact Conor on cmurray@opentrainingcollege.com/086-0756580 (9am-5pm please).

GENERAL INFORMATION

COURSE CODE

PG24966

LOCATION

Online/Marino Institute of Education, Dublin

AWARD

BA (Honours) in Applied Social Studies (Disability Service Management) *

APPLY BY

The application centre is now open for the Autumn 2025 intake

AWARD TYPE / LEVEL

QQI HET Major / 8

START DATE

September 2025

AUDIENCE

Social care workers, PICs, PPIMs, social care leaders, service managers, disability service managers, anyone involved in systems change.

NUMBER OF WORKSHOP DAYS / TIME

14 / 9.30am - 4.00pm

CREDITS

60

APPLICATION FEE

€95

FORMAT / DURATION 

Blended / One Year (Add-on Course)

FEES

€5696* (published 12-2-2025)

*The course fee amount is inclusive of:

  • The Tuition Fees (€4,699) inc. 14 workshop/webinar days
  • Administration/Online Subscription fee - €847
  • QQI Registration Fee - €150

A fees instalment plan is available where students may pay up to 8 instalments spread throughout the academic year.

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE

The BA (Honours) in Applied Social Studies (Disability Service Management) provides qualified Social Care Workers and other professionals  with the knowledge and skills to make substantive, positive changes to organisations. The one year, part time course will help you to become an advanced social care practitioner and drive the development and delivery of quality, rights driven services to people with disability.

It also satisfies the educational requirements for anyone looking to pursue postgraduate studies in the disability and broader social care field.

This programme is aimed at managers in disability services in Ireland or those wishing to progress their career in management in the sector. This  focuses on frontline managers to service managers within disability services. In addition, the programme is relevant to any person within disability services who is involved in systems change.

Please note:  The requirement for social care registration is a Level 7 approved Social Care degree. This Level 8 qualification is not being put forward for CORU approval.

26. shutterstock_1463201225
Care Assistant
Portrait young boy with disability

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

The course content is based on:

  • Our expertise in the disability and broader social care area
  • International best practice
  • Current legislation and policy
  • Ongoing feedback from course participants
  • Input from graduates, professional bodies, regulatory bodies and service users

This is reflected in the choice of learning objectives, course materials and the award winning approach that has been developed to deliver the course.

Image 25-07-2019 at 14.32

Course Aim/Objectives/Learning Outcomes

The programme aims to provide learners with specialised knowledge and understanding that enables them to manage and lead effectively in the context of ongoing and future developments in the services and supports offered to people with disabilities in Ireland.

Students will be empowered to become more knowledgeable, skilled and autonomous managers who can critically evaluate and reflect on current practice and are committed to active and supportive team leadership and management to achieve positive outcomes for all stakeholders. The programme aims to nurture students’ personal, social and professional development to produce a highly competent professional innovator who strives towards achieving person-centred, human rights-based practice within the disability sector.

Course Aim Expand

The programme aims to provide learners with specialised knowledge and understanding that enables them to manage and lead effectively in the context of ongoing and future developments in the services and supports offered to people with disabilities in Ireland.

Students will be empowered to become more knowledgeable, skilled and autonomous managers who can critically evaluate and reflect on current practice and are committed to active and supportive team leadership and management to achieve positive outcomes for all stakeholders. The programme aims to nurture students’ personal, social and professional development to produce a highly competent professional innovator who strives towards achieving person-centred, human rights-based practice within the disability sector.

Course Objectives Expand

The objective of the B.A. (Hons.) Applied Social Studies (Disability Service Management) programme is to facilitate the student in acquiring understanding and knowledge of management and leadership theories and skills and their associated application in the area of disability service management. A key feature of the overall programme will be to facilitate the student to consider their role as manager within ethical and safeguarding contexts and within the overall systems of their organisation. The student will also consider the current challenges of service provision impacting upon their team including the constraints of budgets, the demands of legislation and regulation and protecting the rights of service users.

The student will study three key demographic groups within disability services to deliver the standards designed and developed for people availing of these services. Apart from contributing to people's quality of life, the learning experienced through study will assist students in managing projects to design programmes that aim to provide services that are built on human rights and moving towards individualisation. This knowledge will also contribute to the effective management of a team operating within a regulatory environment with a view to total quality management. The student will also learn of the importance of participation, collaboration and contributing effectively within a disability service.

As well as developing key management competencies, the student will also be facilitated to develop key academic skills and approaches. The student will implement a small research study in the area and through the process identify the key skills and competencies required to develop research within the area. Such learning will assist the student in considering ways in which to progress the work undertaken within their area of responsibility and to consider future associated developments as well as enhancing their own academic skills.

Throughout the key learning experienced over the course of the overall programme the student will be presented with novel and acknowledged best practice approaches that will further support individual team members and teams to perform to their best abilities. Such approaches will include team building strategies, conflict management, risk assessment, budget management and auditing skills. The overall learning experience will be underscored by the student further developing the capacity for independent, self-managed learning while recognising their current limitations in respect to their knowledge, skills and competence.

 

 

 

Course Learning Outcomes Expand

Delivered over a single year, after completing the course you will be able to:

  • Examine the theories, concepts and methods pertaining to the field of social studies as they relate to managing and leading teams and other key stakeholders in delivering health and social care services, with a focus on people with a disability.
  • Manage, analyse and determine priorities for service provision in partnership with service users and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Effectively perform those aspects of their role relating to the management and delivery of a quality user centred service, emphasising skills for effective self and people management.
  • Undertake continuous professional and personal development whereby students review, identify and plan to address their CPD needs as managers and leaders in this sector.
  • Manage work and projects effectively in a self-directed manner within a multi-disciplinary environment.
  • Apply specialist strategies in conflict management, change management and enacting policy change in human services.
  • Design a research project and organise the data collection based on an appropriate methodology effectively and ethically.
  • Think critically, analyse, and solve problems in developing and managing individualised social care services for people with disabilities.
  • Exercise appropriate judgment in the selection, planning and design of strategies required to deliver a quality individualized service in a range of human service contexts in relation to human rights, risk and quality assurance.
  • Lead multiple, complex and heterogeneous groups (including families, service users, community groups and associations) in the provision of quality services in innovative and creative ways

COURSE CONTENT

Programme Modules

The course is made up of five modules:

Module 1: Applied Research Methods (15 Credits) Expand

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the process of applied research. It focuses on the practical skills needed in order to conduct effective research. This module will build on the student’s undergraduate studies of social research through the further application of this knowledge in the development of a practical research project. It will provide the student with an opportunity to systematically research a topic of interest, in consultation with the course tutor.

During this module, the student will be introduced to the practical skills involved in conducting research such as formulating research questions, developing data collection instruments, sampling, data collection techniques and analysis. The module will equip the student with the knowledge and skills needed to design a research project and to organise the data collection for this project based on an appropriate methodology. The critical skills needed in order to be an effective, ethical researcher will be explored and practised.

Module 2: Current Issues in Social Care Management: Elderly, Children and Dual Diagnosis (10 Credits) Expand

The aim of this module is to explore the prescient issues arising for specific demographic groups within the disability population. As part of this students will develop an understanding of how the historical conceptions of people with disabilities within these cohorts, and the current day portrayal of disabled people in the media influence how services are configured today.

Whether supporting children, older people or people with dual diagnosis, there are issues that arise in ensuring the person you are supporting achieves the optimal outcomes in relation to their quality of life. These issues can be caused by the specific characteristics of being within that group; or externally by specific policy or political developments. This module sets out to identify some of these key issues and to examine the solutions put forward and the role the social care worker and managers can take in identifying innovative and effective solutions themselves. The module also aims to enable students to explore the learnings from mainstream and specialist provisions for each of the identified cohorts and for mainstream services.

Module 3: Innovation, Leadership and Change in Disability Services (10 Credits) Expand

The aim of this module ‘Innovation, Leadership and Change in Disability Services’ is to equip the learner with a thorough understanding on the topics of creativity, innovation, management, leadership and change management within the context of delivering individualised supports and alternative disability services.

The current context demands leaders who are innovative and understand the key strategies and actions that ensure all stakeholders within a disability service have optimum outcomes. In addition, the leaders have a clear vision of how services should be delivered to maximise human rights and the individualisation of services.

Module 4: Legislation and Policy Context for Disability Services (10 Credits) Expand

The aim of this module is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the legislative framework relevant to disability. The module will support learners to understand the context they practice in and/or the context of current and future developments in the services offered to people with disabilities in Ireland. It will begin by exploring the development of legislation and policy in Ireland within the context of national and international influences and the many social, economic and political factors.

It will examine the broad spectrum of international and national based human rights legislation, policy, and practice, focusing on disability. It will allow learners to analyse the key pieces of legislation and policy pertinent to disability and how to apply these at the local level as managers and leaders in the sector.

 

Module 5: Disability Service Management Skills (15 Credits) Expand

The Disability Service Management Skills module is the capstone for this programme. The capstone as defined by QQI (2018) states that ‘A capstone module is one that provides an opportunity for a learner to integrate accumulated learning and make the necessary connections in the context of a particular discipline’. This module provides the learner with an opportunity to start to integrate the learning from the previous 4 modules into a project that focuses on their development as a manager within the context of disability services.

This module provides students with the knowledge, skills and competencies to effectively perform those aspects of their role relating to the management and delivery of a quality user-centred service with a particular emphasis on skills for effective self and people management. The focus is on skills required to function effectively as a manager in disability services that have multiple demands in relation to regulation, legislative changes, service user need, and multiple stakeholders from families to clinicians. These skills include the ability to complete effective audit cycles, manage conflict, understand budgets and risk assess to allow for quality outcomes for service users and value the safeguarding of team health.

View the 2024-25 provisional Course Calendar here

 Assessment

The course is assessed through a combination of continuous assessments, projects and written examinations. Continuous assessments may consist of assignments (i.e. essays), project work, group activities, online activities, in-class assessments, reflection and placement.

ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

 Support Provided

The following supports are provided on this Honours degree programme:

Supports from our Learning Community: Expand
  • Dedicated tutor throughout
  • Online international award winning learning resources developed for online learning
  • Access to learning technologies such as a virtual environment
  • Tools to support virtual learning and off campus learning
  • Online activities to support assessment
  • Face to face lectures, seminars, tutorials
  • Assessment submitted, marked and returned to learners with feedback through electronic or other media

For more information on our unique and award winning learner supports, click on the Link below:

OTC Supported Open Learning (SOL) Mode

Supports for Students with a Disability/Specific Learning Difficulty Expand

Students with specific learning support requirements because of a disability or medical condition will be provided with accommodations to support them through their studies. This may include a Learner Support Plan agreed with the student and the College. Please note that in order to avail of these supports, verification of support requirements by an educational/health professional is needed.

Student Support Service Expand

The College Student Support Service includes:

  1. Student Support Officer who provides individual support with issues that may be impacting on a student’s studies;
  2. Online access to Spectrum Life Student Assistance Programme.

Find out more about OTC Student Support Services.

Serious,Indian,Mentor,Teacher,Worker,Talk,To,Female,Colleague,Teach

 The Course Director View

Meet Dr Tracy Warner – Course Tutor

How do you think taking the course changes people? Expand

As students work through the modules, you can see their confidence grow in their own abilities and work practices. For example, you see them become more powerful advocates for people with disabilities as their knowledge of legislation and human rights developments becomes more detailed and nuanced. The course’s focus on inclusion, equality and individualised practices definitely also put them in a position to drive person-centred services, so taking part in the course should help contribute to the improvement the quality of life of people with disabilities.

On personal level, it also provides them with the skills and confidence to improve their work practices and progress in their career. During the course they develop a range of skills like managing stress, time management and research skills that are directly transferable to the workplace and increase their value to the organisation.

How do you help deal with this? Expand

From day one, our goal is to encourage people to apply what they learn in their work, as they work. We place particular emphasis on helping people to develop the ability to analyse and learn from their own experiences and to work out ways to do things better, for themselves, by applying what they learn. As well as demonstrating the practical relevance of the course, this is a really important step in building their confidence and you can see the changes as people realise just what they are capable of.

Encouraging students to take control of their education is one of the fundamental principles we embraced when we created the course materials. They are designed to allow people organise and plan their study around their work and life commitments. That doesn’t mean it’s easy (!) but we do make a real effort to make it as simple as possible to balance work, life and learning.

We are obviously there to support our students every step of their academic journey but I believe understanding and helping with the personal challenges of taking on a course are in many ways as important as the academic support. That is why we believe so passionately in our learning being student-centred and put so much effort into building a learning community for our students. We support and learn from each other.

More details on our innovative learning model that supports the student are available at the link below.

How do you think students benefit most? Expand

They become more aware of their critical importance to delivering a person centred service. They become more innovative in meeting the individual needs of people they support which leads to a better quality of life for the people they are working with.

Dr Tracy Warner
OTC Learner Support

 The Student View

Meet Naoya Hyodo, OTC Graduate

Why did you choose to study with the College? Expand

I wanted to improve myself both professionally and personally and because this course focuses solely on disability, I thought it was my best option. I was truly impressed by the support from the College. I never expected such flexible and person centred support from a conventional academic degree course.

What impact has your decision to study with the OTC have? Expand

I cannot fully know or evaluate impacts I made or make on my colleagues but what I can clearly say is that I have developed myself as a person and as a practitioner who values and respects people with person centredness and I now have holistic views on individual and organisational matters. I believe who and how I am will be reflected in what I do.

I think that people working in human services should take this course. It’s not because of the paper/degree we would get at the end of the course but because of the process of learning.

Our society needs more people who can share values, assume the attitude and act in a way the OTC tries to deliver to us. The OTC supports practice by building a theoretical foundation for practitioners. Theory enlightens/illuminates practice, and vice versa.

Alumni Testimonials
Naoya Hyodo - Hons Social Care Graduate

HOW THE COURSE WILL IMPACT YOUR CAREER

Holding the Level 8 qualification can significantly enhance your promotion prospects. Past graduates have been promoted to a variety of roles including social care leaders, person in charge, service managers and area directors. A number of them have used the qualification as a basis to create new innovative services.

Other graduates have specialised in areas of interest including supporting people within the autistic spectrum, positive behaviour supports, supported employment and quality inspections of disability services. Successful completion of this course is also essential for

Successful completion of this course is also essential for post-graduate study. Past graduates have gone on to a variety of postgraduate courses in areas including training and education, social work, advanced social care, mental health, community studies and addiction studies.

Other Career & Educational Opportunities

Once you have successfully completed the course you will be eligible to apply for relevant postgraduate courses, e.g. Masters Degree in Disability Studies (Trinity College Dublin) or Masters in Advanced Social Care Practice (Technological University of the Shannon) both at Level 9 (NFQ).

Qualification

Successful completion of the 1-year course will lead to a:

BA Hons in Applied Social Studies (Disability Service Management).

This is a QQI approved major award at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

OTC graduate

COURSE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be 23 years at time of application and hold a social care NFQ Level 7 qualification (180 credits, level 7 degree). All other applicants must hold a cognate* qualification. All applicants must be employed or volunteering in a service for people with disabilities for at least 10 hours a week. International Applicants whose first language is not English must provide appropriate documentary evidence of proficiency in English, i.e. Minimum CEFRL B2+ (=IELTS 6.0) or equivalent.

 

 

Transferring from Another Course

People who want to take advantage of our advanced entry system, which allows you use previously gained academic qualifications to gain specific exemptions, must have completed a Level 6/7 cognate* qualification to 60 credits (NFQ) or more in Social Care or Social Studies within the last 10 years.

Visit the advanced entry page to find out more about the process.

* A cognate qualification is one that is similar in nature, content and quality to the course being applied for.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for this course are accepted through our Online Application Centre.

To apply for this Honours degree, you will need to:

  • Satisfy the entry requirements for the programme
  • Provide a range of documents to support your application
  • Submit a personal statement explaining why you want to apply
  • Pay an application fee of €95.
Supporting Documents and Forms to Download

You will need to provide us with a range of documents as part of your application. These are:

Proof of Identity Expand

Photo ID is necessary and only a valid passport photo page will be accepted.

Educational Transcripts Expand

These are copies of previous educational achievements that confirm you satisfy the course entry requirements. They could, for example, include a copy of your leaving certificate or a scan of a level 5 certificate. It is particularly important that applicants wishing to transfer from another course, or be considered for Advanced Entry, provide transcripts confirming they have completed a Level 6/7 course worth at least 60 credits (NFQ) or more in Social Care or Social Studies within the last 10 years.

Employment Validation Expand

Formal confirmation that you are working for more than 10 hours a week in a qualifying service is required. Please use the employer validation form we have provided for download below.

 Employment Validation Form
Personal Statement Expand

This document essentially explains why you want to take the course and how you see it helping you achieve your professional and personal goals.

You can learn more about  What is a Personal Statement and Why is it Important and download a simple document that will help you write it.

 Personal Statement
Volunteer Form Expand

You will need to complete a Volunteer Form if you are currently working as a volunteer.

 Volunteer Form

 

International Applicants Expand

International applicants are required to provide documentary evidence of proficiency in English and eligibility to study in Ireland before beginning an accredited course. A document explaining why it is necessary and what documents are required for a successful application can be found below.

 English Proficiency Form
Application Checklist Expand

We generally recommend you gather together all the documents you will require to support your application before you begin but our online application system will allow you add documents as and when you have them once you've begun submitting your application. You can learn more by visiting the Online Application Centre.

 Application Checklist

iStock-913688550

Protecting Enrolled Users

The Open Training College (OTC) has approval to offer students learner protection insurance in respect of Protection of Enrolled Learners (PEL) for this course. Find out more about PEL by using the link below.

Protection of Enrolled Learners (PEL)

Start Making your Application

All applications are processed through our application centre where you can:

  • Submit your application
  • Learn about what happens after you’ve made your application
  • Monitor the progress of your application

To visit the Online Application Centre, click on the link below.

Online Application Centre

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Contact us if you want to know more about the course.

Call: (+353) 86 0756580 (Business hours 9am-5pm)
Mail: Please use the contact form below

Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email.
Please enter a message.
Please check the captcha to verify you are not a robot.
Send
Message Sent! Message failed. Please try again.
← QQI HET: BA in Social Care – Level 7NEW QQI FET: Certificate in Intellectual Disability Practice – Level 5 (Major Award) →

QUICK LINKS

Home
About
Courses
Agency Services
Latest News
Contact Us

Facebook Google Youtube Instagram

CONTACT

Willowfield Park, Goatstown, Dublin 14, Ireland


+353-1-298 8544
info@opentrainingcollege.com
www.opentrainingcollege.com

ABOUT US

The Open Training College exists to provide learning opportunities to the human services and non-profit sector.
Learn More...
All Rights Reserved: The Open Training College | Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy
Scroll To Top