Course Summary
Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) tertiary degree will be eligible to apply to be registered as a social worker with regulatory bodies in Ireland and internationally. This full-time four-year undergraduate degree integrates theory and practice through further education, university and agency-based learning. Successful completion of this tertiary degree leads to an academic qualification (BSW) and it is approved by the Health and Social Care Professional Council (CORU) as a social work 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 need to be registered to practise.
Incorporating the Level 5 Applied Social Studies with the BSc (Hons) Social Work will give learners the opportunity to start their degree in Social Work in the Further Education and Training (FET) sector leading to direct access to the University College Cork (UCC).
The BSW Degree is a professional training programme approved by the Health and Social Care Professionals Council (CORU). As a professional training programme, social work students are required to attend every class of each module (including fieldwork placements) unless unavoidably prevented from doing so. If a student’s attendance falls below 80% in any module, they will be required to repeat that module before being allowed to proceed with their training. Students will be required to undergo Garda Vetting and to adhere to UCC’s Fitness to Practice policy.
Provider Locations and Structure
Students will spend the first year of this programme at the College of Further Education, Morrison’s Island Campus, in Cork City as well as taking weekly lectures in UCC.
Year 2 of the course is university-based, and lectures take place over two 12-week semesters.
In Years 3 and 4, students undertake one semester in the University and another on a 14-week professional placement.
Year 1 – Cork College of Further Education, Morrison’s Island Campus & University College Cork. Apply to Morrison's Island Campus, Cork
Years 2-4 – University College Cork.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Language Options
* Time abroad utilising this language
Disclaimer: Details subject to change - always check with the college.
Entry Requirements
Disclaimer: Details subject to change - If this is a course you are considering applying for you should check on the Colleges' website to ensure you have the latest entry requirements information.
To view Mature Entry requirements, or alternative requirements, please visit Qualifax or the Colleges' website
If you believe the data above to be incorrect, please let us know at [email protected] - thank you.
QQI / FET Links
Points Calculator for QQI Awards:
Details of the QQI scoring system and a points calculator can be found HERE
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
This course is approved by the Health and Social Care Professional Council (CORU) as a social work 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 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; Mental health settings; Primary care services; Probation and welfare service; Family support agencies; Disability organisations; Youth settings; Community organisations.
Further Research
DISCLAIMER: These links are to official sources of information for this course - we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
