Course Summary
The B.A. in Applied Social Studies is a 3 Year Level 7 Programme (with an option of progression to a Level 8 (Honours) year). This degree enables students to engage with a wide range of topics, social care practice approaches and decision-making processes. This programme provides students with the knowledge, practice-learning experience and skills to enable them to function as competent, reflective and accountable workers in the Social Care field.
We will work with you as you explore theory and develop your understanding of Social Care practice. You will also gain practical social care skills when working with experienced professionals during the two mandatory 13-week block placements in Year 2 and 3 and this will ensure a balance of theory and practice. The range of subjects including psychology, ethics and communication and creative skills ensure that the knowledge you gain along with the practical skills you develop will provide you the building blocks needed to embark on a rewarding career. Social Care Workers are vital in our increasingly complex society, and you will be part of a valued and important profession.
Students are expected to achieve a minimum 200 CAO points to be successful on this course.
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.
Note: It may also be possible to do an Erasmus+ Programme allowing you to study abroad for a
period of at least 2 months to 12 months. This study can be through English or through your
language of choice � please check with your course coordinator to see if this is possible
for this course.
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.
If you believe the data above to be incorrect, please let us know at [email protected] - thank you.
PLC Progression Links
PLC courses leading to the following QQI Major Awards may be used for entry into this course.
Search for PLC Courses offering these awards (Click on the Codes)
| PLC Codes | Award Title |
| 5M1761 | Intellectual Disability Practice |
| 5M2009 | Early Childhood Care and Education |
| 5M21473 | Early Learning & Care |
| 5M2181 | Applied Social Studies |
| 5M2786 | Community Care |
| 5M3050 | Community Development |
| 5M3782 | Health Service Skills |
| 5M3789 | Legal Studies |
| 5M4339 | Healthcare Support |
| 5M4349 | Nursing Studies |
| 5M4468 | Community Health Services |
| 5M4732 | Youth Work |
| 6M2007 | Early Childhood Care and Education |
| 6M21471 | Early Learning & Care |
| 6M2218 | Social and Vocational Integration |
| 6M2263 | Inclusive Education and Training |
| 6M3674 | Community Development |
| 6M4978 | Health Services Supervisory Management Skills |
This Information is Correct for 2025 Entry
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.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Career Progression
The BA in Applied Social Studies (Professional Social Care) equips students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to work in a variety of social care contexts. There is a growing demand for Carlow College Social Care graduates who are recognised as being prepared to meet the complex needs of children and adults who use Social Care supports and services. Employment opportunities exist in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors in a variety of community-based and residential settings. With the introduction of CORU Registration and Regulation, there will be a requirement for Social Care Workers to be qualified with a minimum level 7 award.
Further Research
DISCLAIMER: These links are to official sources of information for this course - we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
