Applied Social Studies Courses

The Open Training College offers two degree level courses in Applied Social Studies (Disability).  These are:

• BA (Hons) in Applied Social Studies (Disability)
• BA (Ord) in Applied Social Studies (Disability)

BA (HONOURS) IN APPLIED SOCIAL STUDIES

Aim

The BA (Honours) in Applied Social Studies (Disability) has been designed and written to facilitate learners to develop the skills, knowledge and competencies to become highly skilled and informed workers/managers contributing to the future development of quality rights-driven services for people with disability.

Workers in agencies who achieve this qualification will prove invaluable to agencies in meeting the challenges arising from the changes in the sector including the move to statutory quality standards (NSDS), professionalisation of the social care role, effective service planning and implementing real person centred services.

Who is it for?

Applicants to this programme must hold a Level 7 qualification (Ordinary Degree/National Diploma) in Applied Social Studies (Disability). The College also offers an advanced entry mechanism for holders of Level 7 qualifications in Applied Social Studies in Social Care from the Institutes of Technology. Applications from people with Level 7 qualifications in a cognate area may be considered. However, strict entry criteria will apply.  Contact the College for further details.

Certification

This course is certified by HETAC and is placed at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Duration

1 year

What you’ll learn

This course consists of 5 modules:

• Applied Research Methods
• Comparative Social Policy
• Leadership and Change in Human Services
• Essential Social Care Management Skills
• Social Equality and Inclusion
• Each student receives an electronic version of each module.  However, a set of hard copy modules is available to each student at a cost of €125 (5 modules).

How it benefits you

On completion of this course students will hold a qualification which is noted for the excellence of its materials, approach and philosophy. This qualification will enable students to apply for posts with management responsibilities including the Social Care Leader salary scale. In addition successful students will have a progression route to studies at Level 9: Post-Graduate Diploma or Masters Degree.

Fees

The course fees for 2009/2010 are €2,995.

Please note that students undertaking this course may be entitled to tax relief of 20%, a saving of approximately €600 for the student for the year.  Students are advised to contact their local inspector of taxes to confirm eligibility.  More information and the relevant form is available here on the Revenue Commissioners’ website.

The College also supports all students with an annual fees instalment plan.

Learn more

To learn more about this course, contact the Open Training College, or click here to download the course brochure.

Course Calendar

To view the provisional course calendar for 2009/10, click here. Please note attendance at workshops is optional.

BA (ORDINARY) IN APPLIED SOCIAL STUDIES (DISABILITY)

Aim

The BA (Ordinary) in Applied Social Studies (Disability) has been designed and developed to provide cutting edge thinking that will assist people to provide excellent user centred services for those living with a disability.

Who is it for?

Those working in services for people with a disability either full-time, part-time or in a voluntary capacity (ten hours per week).

Please note, applicants for this course must:

• Have at least 1 year’s experience of working in the disability sector
• Hold a Leaving Certificate or be over 23 years of age

Certification

This course is certified by HETAC and is placed at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Duration

3 years

What you’ll learn

This course consists of 14 core modules and 2 electives:

• Exploring Disability.  A Sociological & Historical Perspective
• Social Policy and Legislation 1
• Professional Practice & Ethics
• Effective Communication and People Skills
• Focus on the Individual: Person Centred Planning
• Total Quality Management
• Empowerment & Advocacy
• Community Networking
• Learning Theories and Teaching Strategies
• Strategies for Supporting Independent Living
• Research Methods
• Exploration of Self, Relationships & Sexuality
• Social Policy & Legislation II
• Life Stages, Development and Transition

Students choose two subjects from:

• Supporting People within the Autistic Spectrum
• Supporting People in Mainstream Work
• Supporting People Labelled as Challenging
• Supporting People with Mental Health Needs

Each student receives an electronic version of each module.  However, a set of hard copy modules is available to each student at a cost of €100 (4 modules).

How it benefits you

On completion of this course students will hold a primary qualification which is unsurpassed in the excellence of its materials, approach and philosophy. This qualification will enable students to apply for posts carrying the Social Care Professional salary scale, as it is one of the approved courses arising from the Joint Committee Report. Students will also have a progression route to studies at Level 8: Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

Learn more

To learn more about this course contact the Open Training College, or click here to download the course brochure

Click here to find answers to frequently asked questions about this course

Click here to download a document detailing the entry requirements for this course

Course calendars

To view the provisional course calendars for 2009/10:

click here for Year 1;
click here for Year 2; and
click here for Year 3.

Further Information

The Open Training College
Prospect Hall
Willowfield Park
Goatstown
Dublin 14
Ireland

http://www.opentrainingcollege.com/site/index.php