Entry 2026

The BA (Hons) in Social Care is a pilot programme, applications for entry to 2026 are not yet open.

For admission for the programme applicants must:

Entry Requirements to BA (Hons) in Social Care programme consists of a number of eligibility criterion, qualifications and / or experience, to become an student on the BA (Hons) in Social Care Work Based Learning Programme, you must meet the eligibility criteria for the programme, apply for a vacancy with an approved employer and successfully pass each stage of the recruitment process: 

Previous Education  

- Applicants must have successfully completed a FET (120 credits) 

OR 

- QQI Level 5 Certificate or Leaving Certificate 

Applicants must have six recognised subjects in the Irish Leaving Certificate and must obtain a minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and minimum Grade O6/H7 in the remaining four subjects. This must include Irish (unless exempt) and English.

OR 

- HET (60 credits)/QQI Level 6 Certificate 

Applicants who do not meet this entry requirement will be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and assessed on the following factors: 

1. Prior Work Experience, 
2. Letter of Reference, 
3. Personal Statement 

Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants with at least 2 years’ professional experience in a social care or social care-related field may also be considered for admission. 

Health 

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. This programme is subject to UCC's Fitness to Practise Policy.   

Character 

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character. Students are required to abide by the SCWRB Code of Conduct and Ethics and UCC Student Rules. Students will also be required to abide by relevant Codes of Conduct set out by the employer, for example, the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). 

English Language Competency  

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements.   You can check our undergraduate English Language requirements here.  

Other Role Requirements  

• Successful candidates may be required to commit to working with the employer/ Work Integrated Learning Host Organisation for a stated number of years post receipt of the Level 8 qualification

Garda Vetting

Each student offered a place on the BA (Hons) Social Care programme shall be subject to the Employer’s Garda Vetting Policy and its pre-clearance processes which will involve Overseas/International Police Clearance (if applicable), in accordance with UCC’s Student Vetting Policy. 

Application Process 

Applications are invited by CV, together with a personal statement clearly stating suitability for the Work Based Learning Programme. 

Guidance that candidates may find useful in relation to the personal statement is that a word count of 250 should sufficiently allow candidates to fully demonstrate their competence as linked to the specific requirements and seniority of the role – using examples. 

Once the application is fully submitted the applicant will receive a confirmation email. 

Short Listing  

Short listing may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in the application. The criteria for short listing are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of each job specification. Therefore, it is very important that applicants think about their experience in light of those requirements. 

Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in the applicant not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process. Those successful at the shortlisting stage of this process (where applied) will be called forward to interview.