Next Course Start Date: September, 2026
Application Status: Open for Applications
The BA in Social Care is a comprehensive Level 7 QQI-approved programme designed for individuals pursuing a career as a social care worker in Ireland. Fully approved by CORU, the course meets the Standards of Proficiency required for registration.
Over three years, students will complete 18 modules and over 800 hours of supervised practice placements in professional social care settings. This practical, value-based education prepares learners to work with vulnerable populations and support them through person-centred care, advocacy, and empowerment.
CORU Approved: Ensures graduates meet CORU’s professional standards
QQI Level 7 Major Award: National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)
Internationally Recognised: Qualification is accepted for professional roles in Ireland and abroad
This programme equips students with the skills, knowledge, and ethical grounding required to:
Deliver effective and compassionate social care
Meet the five CORU domains and 80 standards of proficiency
Work professionally within social care teams and community settings
Apply the values of empowerment, inclusion, advocacy, person-centredness, and social justice
Complete practical placements that reinforce theory and real-world application
Explore the core principles of social care, legislation, communication, and therapeutic interventions.
Modules:
Learning and Development in Higher Education (5 credits)
Introduction to Social Care (10 credits)
Contemporary Issues in Social Care (10 credits)
Legal and Policy Framework in Social Care 1 (10 credits)
Communication in Social Care (10 credits)
Creative Approaches to Social Care (10 credits)
Introduction to Therapeutic Interventions (5 credits)
View the Year 1 Course Calendar (2025-26)
Deepen your knowledge through theory and your first supervised practice placement.
Modules:
Psychology & Human Development Across the Lifespan (5 credits)
Collaborative Practice and Teamwork (5 credits)
Legal and Policy Framework in Social Care 2 (10 credits)
Professional Development in Social Care (10 credits)
Social Care Assessment and Planning (10 credits)
Supervised Practice Placement 1 (20 credits) – Capstone
Build expertise with a second placement and engage in reflective, evidence-based practice.
Modules:
Wellbeing, Health and Behaviour (10 credits)
Social Research (10 credits)
Advocacy and Rights in Social Care (10 credits)
Quality Interventions in Social Care (10 credits)
Supervised Practice Placement 2 (20 credits) – Capstone
Assessment methods include:
Continuous assessments (essays, group work, reflection)
Project work
Online and in-class activities
Written examinations
Supervised placement evaluations
Upon successful completion, students will receive:
BA in Social Care (QQI Level 7 Major Award – 180 credits)
Recognised by employers and aligned with CORU social care worker registration requirements.
Total Fee: €5,864 per year
Includes:
Application Fee: €110
Instalment Option: 8 payments of €733 per year
Interview Event: 2026 Date To Be Determined (10:00am–3:00pm, Dublin)
Interview Requirements:
Short English written assessment
Valid photo ID (passport only)
Interview conducted in person
If places are oversubscribed, applicants are assigned a randomised priority number. If not selected, the application fee is refunded.
For more details about the BA in Social Care course or application process, contact:
Conor Murray – cmurray@opentrainingcollege.com
Visit the BA in Social Care Course Page
| Course Location | Dublin |
| Location Postcode | Dublin 14 |
| Course Type | Blended Learning - Mix of Classroom & Online |
| Course Qualification | Ordinary Bachelor Degree |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| Awarding Body Details | BA in Social Care |
| Course Start Date | 14th September 2026 |
| Course End Date | 30th July 2029 |
| Course Duration | Three years |
| Course Time | Next commencement: September, 2026 The Application Centre will re-open for applications on March 28th, 2026. Interviews: will take place in person in Dublin (Marino Institute of Education) for the first group of applicants on May 22nd, 2026. Please express your interest by filling out the form below. For further information contact Conor by email at cmurray@opentrainingcollege.com. This is a blended full-time course consisting of online materials, attendance at workshops and 2 practice placements. The student will complete over 800 hours of supervised practice placement, in a social care setting. Year One - 17 workshops and one exam. Year Two - Workshops and Practice Placement 1 Year Three -Workshops and Practice Placement 2 What Supports are provided • Dedicated tutor throughout • Online international award winning learning resources developed for online learning • Access to learning technologies such as a virtual environment. • Tools to support virtual learning and off campus learning • Online activities to support assessment. • Face to face (virtual) lectures, seminars, tutorials. • Assessment submitted, marked and returned to learners with feedback through electronic or other media. • Supervised practice placement |
| Course Fee | €5,864 with an application fee of €110. |
| Entry Requirements | Access - Entry Criteria • All potential applicants who are aged at least 23 years at time of application OR have successfully completed a FET (120 credits) /QQI Level 5 Certificate or Leaving Certificate* OR HET (60 credits)/QQI Level 6 Certificate. • All applicants must also satisfactorily pass an entry Interview and language test • photo ID is necessary and only a valid passport photo page will be accepted • all applicants must be able to gain Garda clearance. • International Applicants whose first language is not English must provide appropriate documentary evidence of proficiency in English, i.e. Minimum CEFRL B2+ (=IELTS 6.0) or equivalent. • *Leaving Certificate applicants will require a grade O6/H7 in five subjects; these subjects must include Maths and English or Irish. (Foundation level mathematics will meet the minimum entry requirement where a grade F2 or higher is achieved.) IMPORTANT: All candidates must meet the requisite criteria of the Garda/Police Vetting process. Students will be required to undergo Garda Vetting. Students must complete the required documentation, including a full list of all previous addresses, in order for clearance checks to be made. Currently Irish addresses are vetted by the Garda Vetting Bureau at no cost to the student. |
| Career Path | Over the years the OTC social care programmes have proved to be very valuable qualifications for graduates and to the employing agencies and service users, as determined by regular student, graduate and agency surveys. Practice placements have been introduced into years two and three of the programme to enhance the student’s learning experience and to ensure a better educated, skilled and competent professional on completion of the programme. NOTE: This programme is approved by CORU. |
| Course Code | PG24094 |
The next course commencement: Friday, April 10th, 2026 Application Deadline: Friday, April 3rd, 2026 -- This Training and Development Award is the nationally approved Level 6 QQI professional qualification for new and experienced trainers.
Next commencement: March 6th, 2026 with an Online Orientation Session (on Zoom) from Noon until 1.
BA in Social Care – CORU Approved Degree Programme Next Course Start Date: September, 2026Application Status: Open for Applications The Application Centre is now open for applications.
