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Bachelor of Social Work

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a full-time, four-year undergraduate degree that integrates university-based and agency-based learning. This professionally validated course makes students eligible to apply for registration as a social worker with regulatory bodies in Ireland and internationally.

Course Outline

The BSW course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of social work theory, methods, and skills. The course is divided into four years, with the first two years focusing on college-based learning and the last two years combining college-based learning with professional placements.

Year 1 Modules

• AP1022 Social Psychology (5 credits)
• AP1023 Lifespan Development (5 credits)
• EC1121 Markets, Governments and the Economics of Social Issues (Semester 1) (5 credits)
• EC1122 Markets, Governments and the Economics of Social Issues (Semester 2) (5 credits)
• SS1017 Politics and Social Policy (Part 1) (10 credits)
• SS1018 Politics and Social Policy (Part 2) (5 credits)
• SS1202 Introduction to Social Work Theory, Methods and Skills (10 credits)
• SC1012 Introduction to Sociology (Part A) (5 credits)
• SC1006 Key Issues in Sociology (Part 2) (10 credits)

Year 2 Modules

• Social Policy: Child Care Policy; Mixed Economy of Welfare and Personal Social Services; Social Policy and Social Work; Introduction to Social Work Practice
• Social Work: Skills Laboratory; Social Work Methods; Social Work Practice Contexts; Social Recovery Approaches to Mental Health; Social Research

Year 3 Modules

• Law: Legal Studies
• Social Work: Placement; Placement Portfolio; Life Courses, Biographies and Reflective Learning; Child Care and Protection Practice; Deviance; Welfare and Justice; Social Work Methods

Year 4 Modules

• Law: Legal Studies
• Social Work: Placement; Placement Portfolio; Anti-Racism and Anti-Discriminatory Practice; Contemporary Issues in Social Work; Action Research Study

Course Practicalities

• Expected lecture hours: 12-15 hours per week
• Expected reading hours: at least 15 hours per week
• Expected practical hours: 14 weeks on professional placement in Years 3 and 4
• Assessment: continuous assessment, exams, and practice placements

Why Choose This Course

The BSW course at UCC is unique in that it is open to mature students and provides a comprehensive education in social work theory, methods, and skills. The course is designed to provide students with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to become a professional social worker.

Requirements

Route 1: Mature Student-Only Entry

• Application is made through the CAO by 1 February
• Selection is based on statement of interest, CV, and evidence of interest and knowledge in social issues and social work
• No official qualifications are required, but applicants must demonstrate potential to complete a demanding undergraduate program of study

Route 2: Tertiary Pathway (Morrison's Island)

• Standard age: 17 on the 1st of January on the year of commencement
• Mature age: 23 years on the 1st of January on the year of entry
• See the Morrison's Island Bachelor of Social Work course page for details on entry requirements

Progression Route from BSocSc1 to BSW2

• Students who have passed the first year of the BSocSc (CK102) may apply to register for the second year of the Bachelor of Social Work (CK115)
• Allocation of a place on the second year of the BSW is subject to a selection process

Fees and Costs

• Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you
• The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme
• The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student
• See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee
• No fees apply for year 1 of the Tertiary pathway (Morrison's Island)

How to Apply

• Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) applicants: apply via the CAO
• Non-EU applicants: apply online via the UCC Apply portal

Placement or Study Abroad Information

• Practice placements are an integral part of the course
• Students are required to complete two 14-week fieldwork placements
• The course has a wide range of placements within both voluntary organizations and statutory agencies in Ireland and abroad

Skills and Careers Information

• This course is approved by the Health and Social Care Professional Council (CORU) as a social work training course
• Successful graduates can use their qualification to apply to CORU to be placed on the register of social workers
• Social workers are employed in a wide variety of contexts, including hospitals, child protection teams, and community organizations.