BSW Hons Social Work

at University College Cork

Years 1 and 2 of the course are college-based and lectures take place over two 12-week semesters.
 

In Years 3 and 4, you undertake one semester in college and another on a 14-week professional placement.
 

Year 1 Modules:

All modules 5 credits unless otherwise stated.

AP1022 Social Psychology

AP1023 Lifespan Development

EC1121 Markets, Governments and the Economics of Social Issues (Semester 1)

EC1122 Markets, Governments and the Economics of Social Issues (Semester 2)

SS1017 Politics and Social Policy (Part 1) (10 credits)

SS1018 Politics and Social Policy (Part 2)

SS1202 Introduction to Social Work Theory, Methods and Skills (10 credits)

SC1012 Introduction to Sociology (Part A)

SC1013 Key Issues in Sociology (Part B) (10 credits)

Year 2 Modules: 
 

Social Policy: Child Care Policy; Mixed Economy of Welfare and Personal Social Services; Social Policy and Social Work; Introduction to Social Work Practice
 

Social Work: Skills Laboratory; Social Work Methods; Social Work Practice Contexts; Social Recovery Approaches to Mental Health; Social Research
 

Year 3 Modules:

Law: Legal Studies
 

Social Work: Placement; Placement Portfolio; Life Courses, Biographies and Reflective Learning; Child Care and Protection Practice; Deviance; Welfare and Justice; Social Work Methods
 

Year 4 Modules:

Law: Legal Studies
 

Social Work: Placement; Placement Portfolio; Anti-Racism and Anti-Discriminatory Practice; Contemporary Issues in Social Work; Action Research Study
 

As a professionally validated course, the BSW has a mandatory attendance policy. In order to have a clear record of attendance, class attendance records are kept.

This programme is open to Mature Students only (i.e. those who are 23 years of age by 1 January of the year of proposed entry).  Application is made through the CAO and the closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1 February of the year of proposed entry.  
 

Selection for the programme is based on:

• MSAP results

• Statement of Interest in CAO form: this should outline your motivation and interest in pursuing this course and readiness to undertake professional training in social work.

• CV (included in your CAO application)

• Evidence of interest and/or knowledge in social issues and social work; evidence of required academic potential; evidence of relevant life and/or work exepreince; readiness to undertake professional training.
   

Shortlisted candidates attend the selection day in the School of Applied Social Studies. The selection process includes group and individual interviews. There are no official qualifications required to gain entry to the BSW. You will be judged on your:
 

• relevant experience (both work and life experience)

• potential to complete a demanding undergraduate programme of study

• demonstrated commitment to social work interest in and knowledge of social issues

• commitment to this field of activity.
   

All qualifying candidates are welcome to apply.
 

In recent years, the BSW has included students from many different backgrounds, from a variety of nationalities, and a wide range of interests and lifestyles. We encourage this diversity. The BSW is committed to positively contributing to social work. Our vision is to provide a critical educational experience for our students that will contribute to them becoming a positive force in society. 
 

Information for International Students.
 

Fitness to Practise
Commencing with the 2013/2014 intake, this programme will be subject to UCC's Fitness to Practise Policy – here.
 

Student Garda Vetting

All students on this programme will come into contact with the public and assume positions of trust through educational and training opportunities. To ensure the protection of the public, and to justify public trust and confidence, UCC is committed to ensuring that only suitable candidates are allowed to undertake this programme.
 

Student Garda vetting is carried out by the Admissions Office in UCC once a student has accepted their place on the programme. It involves a police check to establish whether the individual being vetted has had criminal convictions in the past or whether any criminal proceedings are pending. The Garda Siochána provide this information for students who have resided in Ireland for a period of six months or more (including permanent residence).


All students who have resided outside Ireland for a period of six months or more must furnish a Police Clearance Certificate from their country or countries of residence. This certificate should state that the student has had no convictions recorded against them while residing there.
 

Minimum Requirements and Accepted English Language Tests & Examinations

The minimum English language entry requirements for admission onto a postgraduate programme at UCC are outlined below. These requirements are for postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English. If Gaeilge (Irish) is your first language these requirements do not apply to you.
 

There are a small number of programmes with a higher minimum English language entry requirement and we list these below under Programmes with a Higher Minimum English Language Requirement.

IELTS*    

• 6.5 Overall

• 6.0 Individual Skills (academic version)
   

TOEFL iBT    
 

• 90 Overall

• Listening 20

• Reading 19

• Speaking 21

• Writing 20

 The fees for BSW - Bachelor of Social Work  may vary from  - €10,000 to €25,000 anually for tuition fees. The fee's prices may get higher for international students.

This course is approved by the Health and Social Care Professional Council (CORU) as a socialwork training course. Successful graduates can use their qualification to apply to CORU to be placed on the register of social workers. In Ireland, all social workers will need to be registered in order to practise.
 

International accreditation bodies also recognise the BSW for registration purposes. Social workers are employed in a wide variety of contexts including:
 

• hospitals

• child protection teams

• the probation and welfare service

• family support agencies

• disability organisations

• youth settings

• community organisations