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Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
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In the Senior Freshman (second) year, core subjects are social
work theory and practice, law for social workers, social policy,
psychology and social research. The social work courses involve
field trips to relevant organisations and services. In addition,
you can either continue your language studies or choose one
elective course from sociology, politics, or economics. Senior
Freshman students can also avail of the opportunity to take
a Broad Curriculum module in this year (see page 13).
The Sophister years
Junior and Senior Sophister (third and fourth) year subjects
include:
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Family and child care studies
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Social policy
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Sociology
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Mental health
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Equality issues
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Groupwork
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Human rights law
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Social work theory and practice, including counselling
skills and practice workshops
Assessment
Assessment includes essays, case studies, projects,
examinations and placement reports.
Professional practice
In each of the four years you will have a
placement
in a different
social service agency under the supervision of an experienced
practitioner. These placements provide you with practice
experience and an opportunity to apply and develop the skills
and knowledge that you have acquired in College. Placements
are arranged in settings such as health service community
care teams, hospital social work departments, child and family
centres, probation service, and community development
projects. They account for approximately 50% of your course
time (215 days) over the four years and take place during
summer vacations in the Freshman years and mostly in term
time in the Sophister years. Overseas placements are possible
(but not obligatory) within the course structure for those who
are interested in gaining relevant experience in another country
(e.g. Britain, North America, South Africa). You are supported in
your professional development by an individual social work tutor
who meets you regularly and visits you on placement from third
year on.
Career opportunities
As a social studies graduate of Trinity College Dublin, you are
eligible to apply to register as a professionally qualified social
worker with the Health and Social Care Professionals Council,
CORU. Your qualification will also be recognised in many other
countries. You also have a good social science degree which
allows you to move into policy, media, research assistant or
NGO project work. As a social worker, you can continue your
professional development through postgraduate courses and
can move into management, research or training.
Did you know?
The B.S.S. degree is unique in
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offering a direct route to social work qualification
for school-leavers in the Republic of Ireland
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offering each student four placements in practice-
related settings
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offering each student the individual support of both
a College tutor and a social work tutor
Further information
www.socialwork-socialpolicy.tcd.ie
E-mail:
social.studies@tcd.ie
Tel: +353 1 896 2001