About the Programme
Social Care work is a relationship based approach to the purposeful planning and provision of care, protection, psychosocial support and advocacy in partnership with vulnerable individuals and groups who experience marginalisation, disadvantage or special needs (coru.ie)
The BA (Hons) in Social Care (Apprenticeship) is offered jointly by University College Cork and Munster Technological University. The collaboration blends the particular strengths of the two institutions in Social Care education and more broadly, educating for the health and social care professions.
MTU leads on the profession-specific Social Care modules, developing the knowledge, skills and professional understanding needed for direct, frontline work across a range of Social Care settings.
UCC leads on social research, social policy and work-integrated learning, focusing on students' theoretical understanding and application of social care work and developing advanced competencies in areas such as social research, critical social policy analysis, and social action.
As a Social Care apprentice, you will combine academic study with practical learning in the workplace. You will be employed by an approved employer while completing your degree, developing your professional knowledge and skills through both study and practice.
How the programme is delivered
The apprenticeship combines on-the-job learning, on-campus teaching and online learning. During the UCC/MTU blocks, apprentices spend more time learning online (three days per week) than in person (two days per week).
Digital skills
Given the level of online learning, it is essential that apprentices have a good level of digital confidence and access to a computer or laptop.
You will be expected to participate in online classes, use email and online learning platforms, access and manage digital course materials, and complete coursework online.
Support is available to help you develop your digital skills, but you should already be comfortable using a computer for everyday tasks and be able to work independently online.
Find out more about digital skills and the support available here.
A full-time commitment
The Social Care Apprenticeship is a full-time programme. Apprentices are employed on a full-time basis and are expected to commit their working hours to the apprenticeship, both during on-the-job and off-the-job learning.
The programme is intensive and includes attendance at classes, workplace learning, independent study, and the completion of assignments and other coursework. You should expect the apprenticeship to be your main employment and study commitment for the duration of the programme.
It is important to consider whether you can commit the time and effort required to successfully complete the programme.
Before you apply
Before applying, please make sure you understand the Academic Entry Requirements, the commitment involved in a full-time apprenticeship and the digital skills needed to participate successfully in the programme.
See Find Out More at the bottom of this page for links to more programme information.
Further Information & Contact
Plesase see the further information on this website, where we hope to answer most of your questions.
For other queriers please email: apprenticeship@ucc.ie