Courses in

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.

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.

Our degree is underpinned by an educational philosophy based on dialogue and lived experience.  A dedicated full-time placement coordinator works closely with students to ensure the best possible placement experience for every student. Our small class sizes help enrich student's understanding of what’s involved in an authentic and therapeutic relationship driven by a person-centred approach toward care.

Year 1

• Learning and Innovation Skills
• PC Applications
• Introduction to Social Care
• Reflective Personal Development
• Exploring Values
• Introduction to Sociology
• Introduction to Psychology
• Legal Framework for Social Care
• Group Activities for Social Care Practitioners
• Creativity in Social Care
• Professional Practice and Communication Skills in Applied Social Care 1

Year 2

• Professional Practice 1
• Social Care Theory & Practice
• Applied Social Theory
• Advocacy in Social Care
• Introduction to Health Promotion
• Philosophy of the Self

Year 3

• Professional Practice 2
• Preparation for Social Care Practice
• Pedagogical Practice and Social Care
• Regulatory Framework
• Social Research & Evaluation Methods
• Developmental Psychology
• Professional Practice and Communication Skills in Applied Social Care 2

Students may choose to work in a variety of diverse fields such as:

• Disability Services
• Residential Care
• Family Support and Youth
• Mental Health Services
• Community & Voluntary Organisations
• Homeless Services
• Care Leavers
• Advocacy
• Public Sector Organisations

Social Care Work is now regulated by CORU under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. Students who wish to use the professional title of 'Social Care Worker' must register with CORU after completing their studies.

Students who graduate from the Level 7 Applied Social Care in GMIT, have the opportunity to apply to the GMIT Level 8 programme in Applied Social Care.

Work Placement

Year 2

Professional Practice 1 - 12 Week Block

Year 3

Professional Practice 2 - 14 Week Block

Garda Vetting

Students of this programme are subject to Garda Vetting. The outcome of the Garda Vetting process may affect the student’s progression.

Language Requirements

Courses are taught through English at GMIT. Non-EU students who are coming from a country where English is not the native speaking language need to demonstrate a high level of competence in the English Language and provide evidence of this. They will be required to submit this evidence when applying to GMIT. Results must have been achieved within 2 years previous to application to GMIT.

More information on English language proficiency standards can be found here: https://www.gmit.ie/international/english-language-requirements-0

Please see a further guide to language requirements.

Transfer Applications/Direct Applications

GMIT are not currently taking transfer/direct applications until the full CORU approval process is complete.

Fitness To Practice

A student on the BA Applied Social Care must be Fit to Practice. GMIT guidance on Fitness to Practice can be found within its policy. (https://www.gmit.ie/sites/default/files/public/general/docs/fitness-practice-policy-2020.pdf)

Students will be required to read this Policy and acknowledge that they have read and understood this requirement.

Immunisations & Vaccinations While On Placement

Placement providers may require students to be immunised against specific infectious diseases before commencing placement.
 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This programme does not currently offer the RPL process for either gaining access to the programme or exemption from modules.

HEAR SCHEME

Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology is a member of the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR). The Applied Social Care programme participates in this scheme.

What is the HEAR Scheme?

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers who have experienced socio-economic disadvantage. Socio-economic disadvantage negatively impacts on educational attainment at school and affects progression by some second level students to third level.

HEAR offers reduced points places to school leavers who as a result of their socio-economic background have experienced additional educational challenges in second level education.

For more information on the HEAR scheme in GMIT, please contact hear@gmit.ie.

https://www.gmit.ie/access-office/hear

DARE SCHEME

GMIT is a member of the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) Scheme. The Applied Social Care programme participates in this scheme.

What is the DARE Scheme?

The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

DARE offers reduced points places to school leavers who as a result of having a disability have experienced additional educational challenges in second level education.

For more information on the DARE Scheme in GMIT, please contact dare@gmit.ie

https://www.gmit.ie/access-office/dare

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

GMIT seeks to facilitate and accommodate students from underrepresented groups in society and embed inclusiveness in all areas of teaching and learning. More information on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in GMIT can be found HERE, or by contacting edi@gmit.ie. GMIT's Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy can be viewed HERE.