Applied Social Studies Track 1 - Mature Students

This is a one-year course for students over the age of 21 years who wish to enter the fields of Social Care and Social Studies. The course offers a broad introduction – both academic and practical – to the area and will suit a range of applicants. The qualification and training offered is appropriate for a person who wishes to work as a social care practitioner. As an access programme this course meets the needs of students who wish to apply for mature entry to Higher Education.

Course Open

Course Number

11

Duration

1 Year full-time

Certification

FETAC Level 5 Community Care DCHCC

Entry

Students should be aged 21 or over on entry.

Employment

Care Workers employed in the Statutory and Voluntary Sector with progression.

Number of places available

Twenty Two

Principal Areas of Study

• Human Growth and Development 
• Care Provision and Practice 
• Addiction Studies 
• Social Analysis 
• Criminology
• Work Experience 
• Safety and Health at Work 
• Communications/ Study Skills 
• English Literature

Features of the course

• Block work placement in a variety of social care settings 
• Skills in social studies research methods developed through structured assignments 
• Work with others in an adult learning environment 
• Career Guidance and Counselling 
• Study support – workshops in study skills Teachers experienced in working with the adult learner 
• A theoretical approach to social studies complemented by practical experience
• Teambuilding days/outdoor education 
• Garda vetting for work experience
• First Aid, Child Protection

Progression

Higher Education

Community Development Studies – (Advanced)
Social Studies & Social Care – Track 2 (Advanced Studies)

Almost all Higher Education institutions have a distinct entry route for mature applicants. Examples of HE Social Studies programmes:
Trinity College Dublin Social Studies/Social Work TR084
Blanchardstown Institute of Technology Applied Social Studies in Social Care BN011
DIT Social Care DT 571
NUI Maynooth Social Services MH 107
UCD Social Science DN00 7
Tallaght I.T.