Social Care Practice

Social Care Practice is a three-year degree that prepares you to support individuals and families facing challenges such as disability, homelessness, addiction, mental health difficulties, and family breakdown. You study human development, social policy, psychology, and law alongside practical skills in care planning and therapeutic communication. A significant portion of each year is spent on supervised placement in settings such as residential care homes, disability services, family resource centres, and youth projects. A typical week combines lectures and tutorials on campus with reflective practice seminars where you discuss your placement experiences. You develop skills in needs assessment, report writing, advocacy, and safeguarding. The programme is designed to meet CORU registration requirements for Social Care Workers.

Entry is normally through the CAO with a minimum of six Leaving Certificate subjects including English at Ordinary level; Higher-level subjects in English, Psychology (if offered), SPHE-related subjects, or Biology are useful but not mandatory. CAO points requirements are generally moderate and tend to be more accessible than nursing or social work programmes. QQI Level 5 awards in Community Care, Health Service Skills, or Early Childhood Care and Education offer a strong progression route onto the programme, often through reserved places. Mature applicants aged 23 or over may apply directly and are typically interviewed rather than assessed solely on points. HEAR and DARE access schemes are widely accepted at the technological universities offering this programme.

Demand for qualified social care workers in Ireland remains strong, driven by an ageing population, expanded disability services under the UNCRPD framework, and ongoing investment in child and family services through TUSLA. CORU registration as a Social Care Worker became a legal requirement, meaning employers increasingly require graduates with recognised qualifications. Starting salaries in HSE and Section 38 organisations typically range from approximately €32,000 to €38,000 per annum, with senior and management roles reaching €45,000 to €55,000. Job security is generally good, particularly in residential and disability services where vacancies are consistent across all regions of Ireland.