This one- year Level 6 course offers a progression route for graduates of QQI Level 5 healthcare, childcare and psychology courses who wish to expand their knowledge of the areas of mental health and disability awareness.

Learners will learn about the needs of the vulnerable groups in society and the strategies, models and best practice programmes employed to support a more inclusive society of all.

Learners will also develop group facilitation skills which will enable them to work with the individual on a one-to-one basis or in a group-based context.

This one-year NFQ Level 5 full time course equips the learner with the vocational skills and knowledge to the area of sociology and social studies. This programme will provide the learner with the opportunity to develop their understanding, awareness, knowledge, research and study skills and competence in the area of Applied Social Studies so that they may proceed to work in the social care sector or progress to further or higher study.

The Applied Social Studies course allows students the opportunity to study the impact of society on how we interact, behave and relate as people. It looks at key topics such as culture, racism, addiction and mental health. The course involves a combination of academic and practical skills. It enables the learners to develop key skills in caring for others and themselves while fostering the ability to think critically and in a less judgemental way. The course also provides students with the opportunity to progress to level 6 and level 8 courses in different colleges and universities.

The aim of this one year full time course is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skills and competence to work under supervision in a range of social care settings or to progress to further and/or higher education and training.

The aim of this programme is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skills and competence to work under supervision in range of social care settings or to progress to further and or higher education and training.This course provides students with an introduction to the theories and practices of social studies and social care.

Applied Social Studies helps you create change for others and enhance their quality of life by developing yourself. During this course, students learn how to help others through learning about themselves. This course helps you to plan for the holistic needs of the individual.

The aim of this programme is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skills and competence to work under supervision in range of social care settings or to progress to further and or higher education and training.

This Advanced Certificate course is suitable for those who have already successfully obtained a QQI Level 5 or equivalent qualification in Applied Social Studies or a relevant field of study. The course is designed to provide an understanding of the many roles of social care, to develop the learner’s knowledge and appreciation of the duties involved and skills required to work successfully in a social care setting. Some learners with potential for academic progression may select this as a route to Social Care degree courses in Universities and Institutes of Technology.

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.

This course prepares graduates to work in social care providing support and assistance to vulnerable people in the community and in residential services. For example, social care workers gain employment working with groups such as children and young people at risk and/or who have been neglected and abused, people with disabilities and older people. 

In this course, you’ll learn about your own strengths and the most effective ways to work with people using social care services. You’ll develop strong interpersonal skills, empathy, reflection, effective communication skills, and the ability to work in a team.

Subjects include psychology, sociology, disability studies, social institutions, promoting health and well-being, social policy for social care, cultural diversity, legal studies, sociology and the family, and personal and professional development.