4 years / Level 8 / Full-time / Work Placement
This BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care programme has made an application for approval by CORU. The accreditation process is ongoing and may take up to 2 years. Social Care is defined by CORU as a profession focused on providing care, protection, support, and advocacy in a relationship-based manner, especially for those marginalised or with additional needs.
The program is underpinned by principles of social justice and human rights. Social Care Practice is a dynamic and evolving field that is now a professionally regulated career under CORU alongside with other health and social care professions. Throughout this honour's degree, students develop their critical thinking skills, have a greater understanding of human interaction and how to respond in a professional and informed way to the needs of people who use support services. This program is a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. It equips you to be a skilled, reflective and responsible practitioner in the field of Health and Social Care. Practical skills are developed through two 12-week block placements in the second and third years, under the guidance of experienced professionals. Practice placement is where a social care student demonstrates their achievement of the Social Care Standards of Proficiencies (SOP) as set out by CORU. This programme is responsive to changing landscape of social care practice. This program is designed to provide you with the comprehensive knowledge and skills for a rewarding career in Social Care. Current students and graduates of the honour's degree work in a vast array of statutory, voluntary and private services and settings including independent and residential services for individuals with disabilities, residential and aftercare services for children, homeless services, elderly care services and community support services
Certain semesters of this course are taken in common with other courses.
Follow up programmes elsewhere include:
Minimum Entry Requirements
Points 307 (2023)
Leaving Certificate
Minimum Six 06/H7 Maths F2/06/H7 English or Irish 06/H7 At least two H5
Mandatory Training
Students will be required to undertake mandatory training as outlined by the course schedule. This is required prior to students going on placement.
Garda Vetting
Non-Eu candidates will not be considered for this course unless there are still places available after all eligible EU candidates have been considered. Offerees are subject to garda vetting. Registration is temporary until garda vetting is successfully completed. Students who cannot complete garda vetting may be unable to go out on necessary placement or to fulfil course requirements. In such cases, students will be ineligible to complete registration & will be required to leave the course.
Student Health & Social Care Declaration
BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care students must meet the “Fitness to Practice” standards outlined in the ATU policy. They must acknowledge this requirement on the Health and Social Care declaration form after reading and understanding the policy.
Health And Social Care Work Placement
A fundamental aspect of this program is the integration of professional placement learning, providing students with invaluable practice experience. Students are required to complete a total of 840 hours of practice placement. Placement allocations may be anywhere within the Republic of Ireland. Travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the learner. Applications for advanced entry, exemptions or recognition of prior learning are not considered for this programme.
Information for:
The main employers are:
Graduate careers typically include:
*** Placement ***
Programme Co-Ordinator: Ms Denise O Boyle.
FAO Placement Settings If you would like to support a student on placement please complete the below forms and a member of our team will contact you.
Placement Site Profile Form
Placement Site Evaluation Form
Department Administration: +353 (0)74 9186309 / +353(0)74 9186310
Head of Department Dr Nigel McKelvey Email: EESS.Donegal@atu.ie Telephone:
School and Department Faculty of Science & Health Department of Early Education & Social Studies
Bachelor of Science (Hons)