DK862 · Level 8 · 4 years

Social Care

Dundalk Institute of Technology · Rest Of Leinster

2026 Round 1 points

281

Up 30 points since 2023 (251).

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About this course

A Level 8 degree that trains you to work as a social care practitioner, supporting people who face disadvantage or have special needs. It is approved by CORU, the health regulator.

How long
4 years
What you study
You learn about psychology, sociology, law, social policy, mental health and working with young people and families. Modules cover ideas like attachment and loss and anti-oppressive practice. Classes use role play and peer learning, and Year 4 has a research project.
Placement and abroad
You do two placements of 400 hours each, in Year 2 and Year 3.
Where it can lead
Careers include social care worker, community worker, youth worker and support worker, in residential care, disability, homelessness, addiction, and child and family services.
Who it suits
Suits students who are caring, good listeners and want to work directly with people who need support.

Summary written by FindMyCollegeCourse.ie from the college's own course information. Check the college website for full details.

About Welfare

Focuses on social care and community support roles

These courses involve learning about the systems, policies, and practices that support the well-being of individuals and communities. This field focuses on understanding social justice, inequality, human behavior, social policy, and supporting vulnerable populations. E.g. Social Care, Community and Youth Work, Early Childhood Care.

Points history

2023251202426620252622026281

Round 1 points by year

YearRound 1Final (end of season)Middle student
2026281Published after the final round
2025 262262336
2024 266280328
2023 251251330

Round 1 is the points needed for a first-round offer. Final is the lowest points offered a place after all rounds. Middle student is the points of the student in the middle of everyone who got a place. * means not everyone on those points got a place (random selection). Source: CAO points lists.

Subject requirements

  • Mathematics: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6
  • English or Irish: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6

These are the course's own subject requirements. You also need to meet the college's general minimum entry requirements.

See the course on the Dundalk Institute of Technology website ↗

Is Social Care right for you?

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Points and course details change every year. Always check cao.ie and the college website before you fill in your CAO form.