Program Overview

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Overview of Social Studies Program

The Social Studies program at Trinity College Dublin is a professional degree designed for students who wish to become social workers. This degree combines an academic social science degree with professional social work training, making graduates eligible to apply for registration with CORU (Irish Social Work Registration Board) and access employment in a wide range of social work posts in Ireland and internationally.

Program Details

• Duration: 4 years full-time
• Places: 45
• CAO Points: 442 (2024)
• CAO Code: TR084
• Award: B.S.S. Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8)

Admission Requirements

• Students must pass Trinity's health screening requirements.
• Students must undergo Garda Vetting.
• English Language Requirements: All applicants must provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language, meeting Band B (Standard Entry) requirements.

Course Structure

The program introduces students to a range of social science subjects in the first year, with an increasing number of social work subjects in the following three years. Teaching methods are varied and interactive, including:

• Written examinations
• Essays
• Case studies
• Projects
• Placement reports

First and Second Years

• First year subjects include Introduction to Social Work, Psychology, Social Policy, Sociology, Economic Policy, and Political Science, with optional courses in French or German.
• Second year core subjects are Social Work Theory and Practice, Law for Social Workers, Social Policy, Psychology, and Social Research, including field trips to relevant organizations and services.

Third and Fourth Years

• Subjects include Family and Child Care Studies, Social Policy, Sociology, Mental Health, Equality Issues, Group Work, Human Rights Law, and Social Work Theory and Practice.
• Practice placements are an integral part of the program, providing practical experience and the opportunity to apply and develop skills and knowledge.

Placements

• Placements are arranged in settings such as child and family welfare teams, hospital social work departments, child and family centers, probation service, and community development projects.
• Placements account for around 30% of the course time (220 days) over the four years.

Career Opportunities

• Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as professional social workers with CORU.
• The qualification is recognized in many other countries.
• Graduates can also move into policy, media, research, or NGO project work.

Fees

For a full list of undergraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section of the university's website.

Study Abroad

Overseas placements are possible within the course structure for those interested in gaining experience in another country.