About Social Studies (Social Work), BA (Hons) - at Trinity College Dublin
This four-year full-time undergraduate programme combines an honours degree in the social sciences (BSS) with the Irish professional social work qualification, the National Qualification in Social Work (NQSW). When Registration of social workers is introduced, the degree will qualify graduates for full social work registration.
BSS is an intensive programme. Though spanning four years, it makes use of some vacation time over the four years to add the equivalent of a fifth year. The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) rating for this degree is 300 credits.
BSS is also a highly integrated programme, which aims from year one to develop reflective and pro-active social workers who can make a significant contribution in any area of the social services.
StudentsThe BSS is a professional degree designed for students who wish to become social workers and who believe they have the personal attributes and motivation for social work.
The programme is committed to inclusiveness and diversity in its student group. Overseas, mature and non-traditional students are welcomed.
Academic Course Structure and ContentThe degree is designed as a pyramid, introducing a range of social science subjects as well as social work in first year, increasing the ratio of social work to social science subjects in second and third years, and concentrating on social work subjects in final year. Social work placements also become longer each year. This progressive structure enables students to become academically and professionally confident in their social work identity over a period of time. Teaching methods and forms of assessment are varied and aim to develop a wide range of skills.
Year One: Introductions to: Social Work, Psychology, Social Policy, Sociology, Economic Policy, and Political Science. An optional course is available in French or German.
Year Two: Social Work Theory and Practice, Law for Social Workers, Social Policy, Psychology, Social Research and one elective course selected from Sociology / Politics / Economics / French or German / Broad Curriculum.
Year Three: Social Work Theory and Practice, Family and Child Care Studies, Social Policy, Mental Health, and Sociology.
Year Four: Social Work Practice, Mental Health, Groupwork, Contemporary and Human Rights Perspectives on
Social Work, Social Work Organisation & Systems, Child Care, Equality Issues.
A sequence on International Social Work spans years two to four.
Professional PracticeIn each of the four years, students undertake a placement in a different social service agency under the supervision of an experienced practitioner. These placements provide practice experience and an opportunity to develop and apply the skills and knowledge acquired in college. Placements in the first two years take place in the summer vacation and may be undertaken abroad. Placements in the final two years run concurrently in the first semester of each year.
Tutorial SupportSocial Work students are supported in their professional development by social work course tutors on a one-to-one basis from year two on. Tutors visit students on placement and act as mentors.
AdmissionTwo main groups of students are admitted within the annual quota of 30 places:
- School-leavers: 20 school leavers who reach the CAO points (or equivalent) needed for entry. School Leaver applicants should enter BSS (TR 084) on their CAO application form.
- Mature Students: 10 mature students with relevant practice experience who are selected by interview. Mature Student applicants should apply to the Admissions Office, Trinity College and complete a CAO application by the end of January.
