Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Design
The Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Design offered by TUS Midwest...
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care Practice
Athlone
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care Practice program at the Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest is designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in the field of social care. This program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to support and empower individuals and communities facing social challenges. Through a combination of theoretical learning, practical placements, and reflective practice, students develop a deep understanding of social care principles, ethical frameworks, and intervention strategies. Graduates emerge as compassionate, competent, and reflective practitioners ready to make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable populations.
Theoretical Foundations of Social Care: The program provides students with a solid grounding in the theoretical foundations of social care, including theories of human development, social psychology, sociology, and social policy. Students explore key concepts such as social justice, equality, diversity, and inclusion, and learn how to apply theoretical frameworks to understand and address the complex social issues facing individuals and communities.
Professional Skills Development: Students develop a range of professional skills essential for effective social care practice. These skills include communication skills, interpersonal skills, empathy, active listening, problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. Through role-play, case studies, and experiential learning activities, students enhance their ability to engage with clients, build therapeutic relationships, assess needs, and implement person-centered care plans.
Ethical and Legal Considerations: The program emphasizes the importance of ethical and legal considerations in social care practice. Students learn about ethical principles, codes of conduct, and professional standards governing social care practice. They explore ethical dilemmas and ethical decision-making frameworks, developing the ability to navigate complex ethical issues while upholding the rights, dignity, and autonomy of service users.
Intervention Strategies and Approaches: Students study a variety of intervention strategies and approaches used in social care practice. They learn about strengths-based approaches, empowerment models, crisis intervention techniques, and group work facilitation. Students also explore specialized interventions for specific client populations, such as children and families, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and people experiencing mental health challenges.
Placement and Practical Experience: The program includes supervised placements in social care settings, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts under the guidance of experienced practitioners. Placements provide students with valuable hands-on experience working with diverse client groups, addressing real-life social care challenges, and applying theoretical concepts to practice. Through placement experiences, students develop confidence, competence, and professionalism as emerging social care practitioners.
Reflective Practice and Professional Development: Reflective practice is a core component of the program, and students are encouraged to engage in ongoing self-reflection and critical analysis of their practice. They learn how to reflect on their experiences, values, and assumptions, identify areas for growth and development, and engage in lifelong learning to enhance their professional practice. Reflective practice fosters personal and professional growth, resilience, and continuous improvement as social care practitioners.
Location
Athlone
Score
IELTS: 6
Tuition Fee
€ 12500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 with a minimum of 17 in each section.
- PTE: Overall score of 52 with a minimum of 50 in each section.
- DET: Overall score of 105.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.
TUS: Midlands Midwest, situated in Ireland, provides various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support the academic aspirations of international students seeking to pursue their education at the institution.
Merit-Based Scholarships: The university offers merit-based scholarships for outstanding academic achievers. These scholarships often consider students' academic records, achievements, and potential contributions to the academic community.
Country-Specific Scholarships: TUS may offer scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions, encouraging diversity and inclusivity within the student body.
Financial Need-Based Scholarships: In addition to merit-based scholarships, the institution may provide financial need-based scholarships to students facing economic hardships, ensuring access to quality education irrespective of financial constraints.
Sports and Art Scholarships: TUS recognizes talents beyond academics and may offer scholarships to students excelling in sports, arts, or other extracurricular activities. These scholarships aim to support and nurture students' diverse talents.
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care Practice program at the Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest prepares graduates for diverse and rewarding careers in the field of social care. With its focus on theoretical foundations, practical skills development, ethical principles, and reflective practice, the program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to make a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable populations and contribute to the advancement of social justice and well-being in society.
Social Care Worker/Counselor: Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care Practice program are well-equipped to pursue careers as social care workers or counselors. They work in various settings, including residential care facilities, community centers, schools, and hospitals, providing support and assistance to individuals and families facing social challenges. Social care workers/counselors offer counseling, advocacy, crisis intervention, and practical assistance to help clients overcome obstacles, build resilience, and improve their quality of life.
Community Development Officer: Graduates can work as community development officers, collaborating with local communities, organizations, and government agencies to address social issues and promote community well-being. Community development officers facilitate community initiatives, programs, and projects aimed at improving access to social services, fostering social inclusion, and enhancing community cohesion. They work closely with community members to identify needs, develop action plans, mobilize resources, and implement strategies for positive social change.
Child and Family Support Worker: Graduates can specialize in child and family support work, providing assistance and advocacy to children and families in need. They work in child protection services, family support centers, foster care agencies, and adoption agencies, supporting families through challenging circumstances such as abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or parental substance abuse. Child and family support workers provide emotional support, parenting education, practical assistance, and referrals to other services to help families navigate complex systems and build safe and nurturing environments for children.
Youth Worker: Graduates can pursue careers as youth workers, supporting young people in their personal, social, and educational development. Youth workers work in youth clubs, community centers, schools, and youth-focused organizations, engaging young people in positive activities, building meaningful relationships, and providing guidance and mentorship. They facilitate youth programs, workshops, and events that promote leadership skills, resilience, and positive youth development, empowering young people to reach their full potential and become active and engaged members of society.
Disability Support Worker: Graduates can work as disability support workers, providing assistance and care to individuals with disabilities in residential, day, or community settings. Disability support workers help clients with daily living tasks, personal care, mobility, and social integration, enabling them to live independently and participate fully in their communities. They collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and social service providers to develop individualized care plans and support strategies that meet the unique needs and preferences of clients with disabilities.
Substance Abuse Counselor: Graduates can specialize in substance abuse counseling, working with individuals struggling with addiction and substance misuse issues. Substance abuse counselors provide assessment, counseling, and support services to help clients overcome addiction, manage cravings, and develop coping skills for relapse prevention. They facilitate individual and group counseling sessions, deliver psychoeducation on substance abuse and recovery, and collaborate with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive treatment plans for clients seeking to achieve and maintain sobriety.
Social Policy Analyst/Researcher: Graduates can pursue careers in social policy analysis and research, working for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or research institutions. Social policy analysts/researchers conduct research, analyze data, and evaluate social programs and policies aimed at addressing social issues such as poverty, homelessness, unemployment, and inequality. They contribute to the development of evidence-based policies and interventions that promote social justice, equity, and human rights, advocating for systemic changes that improve the well-being of individuals and communities.
