Course Summary
Course Category: PLC (Further Education - FET) - Apply directly to College
The curriculum features a diverse range of modules across psychology and sociology, designed to foster a critical awareness of societal structures and contemporary social challenges. Beyond academic theory, the course places a strong emphasis on personal development, helping students refine their communication, critical reflection, and interpersonal skills. A core component of the program is supervised work experience, which allows learners to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, ensuring they graduate with the practical competence required for the social sector.
Certification
Year 1: Applied Social Studies Level 5M2181
Year 2: Applied Social Studies Level 6M2218
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
-
Year 1:
Social Studies
Intercultural Studies
Psychology
Equality & Disability
Young People & Society
Personal Effectiveness
Communications
Work Experience
Year 2:
Rehabilitation Practice
Disability Awareness
Person-Centered Planning
Work Experience
Personal and Professional Development
Mental Health Awareness
Team Leadership
Boundary Management
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
- Almost all PLC courses have a Work Experience module, which requires students to find their own placement in an area directly related to their course.
Progression to CAO Courses
Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS)
This course results in a QQI Major Award, and provides progression opportunities to a number of Higher Education courses, including those in the CAO.
To view CAO courses to which this award provides a direct progression route, click below:
QQI Code
To calculate Points based on your QQI award results, use the PLC Points Calculator.
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
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.
Further Research
National Statistics for this Award (All Ireland)
The following data provides general information about this Award from colleges across Ireland.
Disclaimer: These links are to web sites outside of CareersPortal and we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
Career Progression
Graduates for this course include the acquisition of specialized skills for professional roles in community development, youth work, and social advocacy. Graduates have gone onto work in a variety of careers including Youth and community work, working with young offenders, the probation service,working with disadvantaged children, working with the physically or intellectually disabled, the homeless, the elderly, people with drug/alcohol dependency, asylum seekers/refugees, social work etc.