Bachelor in Social Studies
Introduction
This four-year full-time undergraduate programme combines an honours degree in the social sciences (BSS) with professional education in social work. Graduates from this programme are eligible to apply for registration with the Irish Social Work Registration Board (www.coru.ie).
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.
Students
The 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 Content
The 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 and Economic Policy. Also Politics and Irish Society. An optional course is available in French or German.
2015/16 Year One Handbook is available here
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.
2015/16 Year Two Handbook is available here
Year Three: Social Work Theory and Practice, Family and Child Care Studies, Social Policy, Mental Health, and Sociology.
2015/16 Year Three Handbook is available here
Year Four: Social Work Practice, Mental Health, Groupwork, Contemporary and Human Rights Perspectives on Social Work, Social Work Organisation & Systems, Child Care, Equality Issues. Professional Practice.
2015/16 Year Four Handbook is available here
In 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. Placements in the final two years run in the first semester of each year.
Bachelor in Social Studies Examination Regulations and Conventions
The BSS Examination Regulations and Conventions Booklet 2015 - 2016 contains information about the regulations governing examinations, as well as the conventions determining the award of grades in examinations, in the Bachelor in Social Studies degree programme.
Tutorial Support
Social Work students are supported in their professional development by social work course tutors on a one-to-one basis from year three onwards. Tutors visit students on placement and act as mentors.
Admission
Two main groups of students are admitted within the annual quota of 45 places:
- School-leavers: 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: 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.
- Applications are also accepted from students on the Trinity Access Programme and through the DARE and HEAR schemes.
Fieldwork
Fieldwork placements are an integral part of the Bachelor of Social Studies, the Masters in Social Work and the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work courses.
Career Opportunities
For information on social work as a career please see the following links:
- Social Worker Job Profile
- "Its not just a thankless task" (Article on working as a Social Worker)
- "Managing to cope with lives in crisis" (Article on working as a Social Worker)
Contact us
Ms Mairead Pascoe,
Executive Officer,
School of Social Work and Social Policy
Tel: +353-1-896 2347
Email: social.studies@tcd.ie