Do you want to make a real difference in your community—or start a meaningful career in community development? Then this BA in Applied Social and Community Development Tertiary Degree programme is designed for everyone: those already active in community work, school leavers looking for a new avenue and a career pathway, and anyone seeking a fresh start and a chance to create positive change.

A recognised Level 7 BA in Applied Social and Community Development qualification will give you the skills to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact.

Social care is a dynamic, challenging and ever-changing career, reflecting and responding to the needs of those who are most in danger of poverty and social exclusion, and/or who find themselves at the margins of society.

Social care workers work with children, young people, adults, families, individuals with disabilities, asylum seekers, and/or with people experiencing challenges such as homeless, addiction, mental health difficulties to name just a few. During your study, you will learn about psychology, sociology, law, addiction, trauma, racism, culture and more, to understand and critically evaluate society and apply your knowledge to social care practice.

The overall aim is to develop reflective and ethically-aware practitioners with the capacity to build professional relationships, in partnership with vulnerable individuals and groups who experience marginalisation, disadvantage or special needs.

The BA Applied Social Care degree is designed to enable graduates to make the world a better place for everyone, by empowering and enabling people, and by correcting the social injustices that exist in today's society.

Our graduates understand the inherent structures of inequality and the impact they have on human rights and society in general. We ensure students have the capacity and skills they need to support and care for vulnerable, excluded and oppressed people within society.

This course has CORU recognition.

The BA (Hons) Applied Social Care degree is designed to enable graduates to make the world a better place for everyone, by empowering and enabling people, and by correcting the social injustices that exist in today's society. You will learn about the multiple causes of social oppression and ways of working with people with a variety of needs so they can be healthy, resilient and free contributors to a caring society.

This course has CORU recognition.

This one-year Level 6 course provides a clear progression route for QQI Level 5 healthcare, childcare, and psychology graduates wanting to expand their knowledge of mental health and disability awareness. Learners examine the unique needs of vulnerable groups while exploring the strategies, support models, and best-practice initiatives used to foster a more inclusive society. Additionally, the program focuses on developing essential group facilitation and interpersonal skills, equipping graduates to work effectively with individuals on both a one-to-one and a group-based basis within the community care sector.

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.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of social care, preparing students to work in a diverse range of community, residential, and healthcare settings. The program focuses on developing the core competencies and theoretical knowledge required to practice safely, ethically, and effectively when supporting individuals with varied social care needs. Through an engaging curriculum, learners cultivate professional empathy, interpersonal communication skills, and a deep understanding of diversity and inclusion across multiple care environments.

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.

This one year Applied Social Studies course will introduce you to the theory and practice of the key areas of social studies and social care. This is the ideal starting point if you wish to progress to further studies or gain employment in a variety of community, health and educational organisations. Students will evaluate the need for care in society and develop an understanding of care provision in the public, private and voluntary sectors whilst also developing an awareness of the impact of social exclusion and disadvantage on the lives of individuals and an understanding of the interventions social care has to offer.

This course is an excellent first step for anyone planning a career in the social care field. Through this programme, learners will gain an academic foundation as well as the practical experience necessary to progress in the social sciences. Through the study of relevant subjects, learners will develop insights and understanding of a variety of contemporary social issues, touching on questions of equality, diversity and marginalisation.

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.

This course provides learners with the opportunity to develop knowledge, awareness and research skills in the following areas: Psychology, Social Studies, Intercultural Studies, Human Growth and Development, Young People and Society, Substance use issues.Applied Social Studies allows learners to engage in a wide and diverse subject matter and practical work experience. This allows learners to explore interests/areas for further study or have a solid knowledge base for employment.

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.