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    • LATEST NEWS
      • 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
      • 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

BA in Social Care – Level 7

THIS COURSE IS APPROVED BY CORU.

  • Next commencement: Sept 18th, 2023
  • BASC 2023-24: Now open for applications via the Online Application Centre.
  • Application Deadline: July 20th, 2023
  • Informal Interviews/Information Day for Applicants (Summer cohort) : July 27th starting 9.30am via Zoom
  • For more information, contact Conor on cmurray@opentrainingcollege.com/086-0756580 (Business hours 9am-5pm).

GENERAL INFORMATION

COURSE CODE

PG24094

LOCATION

Online/Marino Institute of Education

AWARD

BA in Social Care

APPLY BY

20-07-2023

AWARD TYPE / LEVEL

QQI HET Major / 7

START DATE

18-09-2023

AUDIENCE

Any person interested in becoming a social care worker; persons with a relevant Level 5 qualification

DURATION

3 Years

CREDITS

180

APPLICATION FEE

€95

FORMAT

Blended

FEES 

€4992 *

*The annual fee amount is inclusive of:

  • The Tuition Fees (€3,995) inc. 17 workshop/webinar days in Year 1
  • 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

This programme is approved by CORU.  This course is designed for people who want to attain the standards of proficiency for social care workers as defined by CORU.

The learner will engage with 18 modules that explore social care practice and how it applies in various social care settings. Students will complete 800 hours of supervised practice placement, in a social care setting. (Note any student working within a social care area cannot complete either placement with their employer). This qualification is designed to lead to social care registration.

 

CORU Update
Senior,Man,With,Teacher,In,Pottery,Class
Smiling,Girl,With,Down,Syndrome,Is,Uses,A,Laptop,With
managing indvidualised services
 

"Social Care Workers plan and provide professional care to vulnerable individuals and groups of all ages who experience marginalisation, disadvantage or special needs. As well as protecting and advocating for such individuals and groups, Social Care Workers professionally guide, challenge and support those entrusted to their care toward achieving their fullest potential."

(Social Care Ireland 2018)

Further Information on Social Care

WHAT WILL YOU 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

Getting the Most from Tutorials
BA in Social Care: Course Brochure
Course Aim/Objectives Expand

This course aims to:

  1. Equip students with the range of skills and knowledge to enable them fulfil the role of Social Care Worker across a variety of sectors within the broad social care field.
  2. Embed the values of human rights, inclusiveness, empowerment, advocacy, social justice and person-centred services and supports so that graduates can bring these values to their work across the social care sector.
  3. Ensure competence to practice as a skilled and professional Social Care Worker in a variety of settings by provision of high quality practice placements.
Course Learning Outcomes Expand
  • The aim of the Level 7 B.A. in Social Care programme is to provide a qualification which is recognised nationally and internationally in the area of Social Care.
  • The programme aims to provide participants with in-depth key knowledge, skills and competencies based on the five domains and 80 standards of proficiency for social care workers as defined by CORU.
  • In addition, the programme aims to provide the student with the clear values of empowerment, advocacy, person-centredness, inclusion and social justice to support their practice in the future.
  • The programme will provide the student with two supervised practice placements in social care agencies that will measure the student’s understanding and application of the standards of proficiency in a real world setting.
  • The programme, which has been approved by CORU, is designed to ensure that the student will be able to access registration.

COURSE CONTENT

 Year One

The first year of this course introduces the novice learner to a broad understanding and the context of social care. Key values are explored along with the relevant legislation and policies. The student starts to develop their skills in the areas of communication and responding to challenging behaviour. In relation to practice, the student commences to develop their personal and professional boundaries and develop their autonomy and accountability as a social care worker.

Year One Modules (60 Credits)

Module 1: Learning and Development in Higher Education (5 credits) Expand

This module introduces the learner to learning at higher level.

Module 2: Introduction to Social Care (10 credits) Expand

This module explores the role of the social care worker, its many facets, and key things to consider in a rapidly changing sector.

Module 3: Contemporary Issues in Social Care (10 credits) Expand

The purpose of this module is to introduce the reader to the varied field of social care, to introduce them to the context within which social care services are delivered and to identify the primary groups who are the users of social care services in Ireland today.

 

Module 4: Legal and Policy Framework in Social Care 1 (10 credits) Expand

The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the processes of legislative and social policy development in Ireland and some of the core legislative and policy provisions which directly impact on the role of the Social Care practitioner.

Module 5: Communication in Social Care (10 credits) Expand

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the theories of communication that will allow them to understand and analyse communication between people and to consider the importance of effective communication in a social care environment.

Module 6: Creative Approaches to Social Care (10 credits) Expand

The aim of this module is to support students to unearth their creativity and imagination and become appreciative of how these attributes will support them as a social care practitioner.

Module 7: Responding to Behaviours that Challenge (5 credits) Expand

This module provides an understanding of the various approaches and strategies available when responding to behaviours that challenge. The module defines behaviours that challenge, looks at types of behaviour that the student may witness and looks at the concept as a product of wellbeing and context.

OTC Workshop Sign-in
1st Year Calendar 2022-23 (provisional)
1st Year Calendar 2023-24 (provisional)

 Year Two

Second year develops the learner's understanding of social care and practice supported by a supervised practice placement. The student displays safe and effective practices and the ability to use theory in practice. Regular guidance and support are provided to the student through the supervision process with the practice educator.

Year Two Modules (60 Credits)

Module 1: Psychology and Human Development across the Lifespan (5 credits) Expand

This module introduces the student to some of the basic principles and methods of psychology with specific attention to some selected topics of relevance to social care.

Module 2: Collaborative Practice and Teamwork in Social Care (5 credits) Expand

This module focuses on crucial topics such as management, leadership, workplace conflict, team/group work and working collaboratively with families and key stakeholders in order to develop the skills necessary to be a person-centred, effective social care worker.

Module 3: Legal and Policy Framework in Social Care 2 (10 credits) Expand

This Legal and Policy Framework in Social Care (2) module focuses on Social Policy and Legislation.

Module 4: Professional Development for Social Care (10 credits) Expand

This module will outline key requirements of the social care worker in ensuring professional practice.

Module 5: Social Care Assessment and Planning (10 credits) Expand

The aim of this module is to provide learners with the tools, skill set and knowledge necessary to safely plan for and undertake an assessment of need with a vulnerable person in a number of health and social care settings.

Module 6: Supervised Practice Placement 1 (20 credits) Expand

The placement aspect of the BA in Social Care is vital in providing the student with rich opportunities to apply their learning to practice in a variety of social care settings.

2nd Year Calendar 2023-24 (provisional)
Students Sharing at a Workshop

Work Placement - Part one - Patrick's First Day

Year 2 and Year 3 include a mandatory Work Placement element of 400 hours each year. You can learn more about Work Placement by following Patrick Kiernan's journey on this series of short videos:

 Year Three

The programme's final year offers the opportunity for the learner to acquire advanced social care knowledge and skills for their practice supported by a supervised practice placement. The student is skilled in the use of evidence-informed practice. They have integrated responsibility for their practice actions, engage in reflective practice, seeking assistance and advice when necessary. The student engages in supervision, demonstrating a growth in practice confidence and openness to Continuing Professional Development.

Year Three Modules (60 Credits)

Module 1: Wellbeing, Health and Behaviour (10 credits) Expand

This module aims to introduce students to the concept of well-being and how this can impact an individual with an intellectual disability.

Module 2: Social Research (10 credits) Expand

This is an exciting and dynamic field of study that will provide the student with the mindset, tools and techniques needed to explore the field of disability – and any aspect of the social world – in a systematic and reliable way.

Module 3: Advocacy and Rights in Social Care (10 credits) Expand

The aim of this module is to provide students with a thorough knowledge and skills to critically review the area of human rights and advocacy in social care.

Module 4: Quality Interventions in Social Care (10 credits) Expand

This module focuses on quality interventions in social care. The assessment for this module is by assignment and exam.

Module 5: Supervised Practice Placement 2 (20 credits) Expand

The placement aspect of the BA in Social Care is vital in providing the student with rich opportunities to apply their learning to practice in a variety of social care settings.

Care Assistant
3rd Year Calendar 2023-24 (provisional)

 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.

CIDP image

ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

 Supports Provided

What supports are provided on the Social Care degree?

We Are All Part of a 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
  • Supervised practice placement

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

OTC Supported Open Learning (SOL) Mode

Support 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.

foi
OTC Supported Open Learning (SOL) Model
Blog: How Will I fit a Social Care degree into my busy life?
Find out more about OTC Student Support Services

 Hear more from the Course Director and a Social Care Graduate

Meet Dr Noelín Fox – Course Director

Making the decision to embark on a degree, particularly when you are an adult learner, can be a difficult one. What concerns do people generally have? Expand

From talking to our students, their concerns usually come down to one, or more, of three things:

  • They worry about the value of starting a course. Courses have to be practically relevant to their current role but it also has to provide a platform for future developments.
  • They have concerns about the level of support they will receive when they go to college and that doesn’t mean just academic support either. They want to know they will have the personal support that is particularly important for adults to get though a course.
  • They worry about being able to balance work, life and learning commitments because it can seem overwhelming.
How do you help deal with this? Expand

The OTC encourages students to take control of their education. The course materials are designed to allow people to 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.

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 work with.

Noelín Fox, Course Director

Meet Michelle Coe – Social Care Graduate

Why did you choose to study with the College? Expand

The College was recommended to me by a colleague so I attended the Open Day event. I immediately knew the College’s approach to social care education was for me; it has been designed specifically around social care services and the teaching is current and relevant.

What has your experience of the College been like? Expand

It has been pleasantly surprising in how much I have embraced learning and, right from the beginning, I’ve found it useful in my day to day work. The tutors are extremely knowledgeable and they also have direct experience within the field.

I would definitely recommend the College’s social care programmes to anyone who is considering furthering their education.

Alumni Testimonials
Long_thirteen_Michelle

HOW THE COURSE WILL IMPACT YOUR CAREER

Qualification Expand

Successful completion of the 3-year course will lead to a BA in Social Care. This is a QQI approved major award at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

Apply to Register as a Social Care Worker with CORU Expand

Successful completion of this course will allow you to apply to register as a Social Care Worker with CORU.

The registration board has been formed for Social Care and the consultation over the processes and mechanisms for registration as a social care worker are at an advanced stage.

Career Prospects with this Degree Expand

Career Prospects

 

student social for

COURSE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

 

  • All potential applicants who are aged at least 23 years at time of application OR have successfully completed a FET (120 credits) /QQI Level 5 Certificate or Leaving Certificate* OR HET (60 credits)/QQI Level 6 Certificate.
  • All applicants must also satisfactorily pass an entry interview
  • All applicants must be able to gain Garda Clearance.
  • 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 Or can evidence successful completion of any Level 7 qualification studied through English.

*Leaving Certificate applicants will require a grade O6/H7 in five subjects; these subjects must include Maths and English or Irish. (Foundation level mathematics will meet the minimum entry requirement where a grade F2 or higher is achieved.)

Please note: the BA Social Care do not offer advanced entry pathways to Years 2 or 3 of the programme. Therefore the accreditation of prior or experiential learning will not be considered.

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

All candidates must meet the requisite criteria of the Garda/Police Vetting process. 

Students will be required to undergo Garda Vetting.  Students must complete the required documentation, including a full list of all previous addresses, in order for clearance checks to be made.  Currently Irish addresses are vetted by the Garda Vetting Bureau at no cost to the student.

...

HOW TO APPLY

 

Applications for this course are accepted through our Online Application Centre. To apply for the 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 a non-refundable 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

Common examples include scanned copies of a driving license or passport (for international applicants).

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.

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
Garda Vetting (NVB1) Form: Expand
  • Students must complete the required documentation, such as the NVB1 Form, and provide a copy of a recent utility bill dated within the last six months with their name and current address clearly shown, in order for clearance checks to be made at a later date by a third party vetting organisation. Download the NVB1 form via the link below to start the process.
 NVB1 (Garda Vetting) Form
English Proficiency 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
Activity Consent Form Expand

 

 

 Application Checklist

 

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
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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

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