Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Health & Social Care

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care Practice starting in Cavan

A four-year honours degree preparing you to support people who need care and help in their lives. It includes two 13-week professional placements. It suits people who want to make a difference and are comfortable travelling for placements.

How tertiary degrees work: you apply directly to the further education college, not through the CAO, and you don't need CAO points. You start in the further education college and then move on to the university or technological university to finish the full degree. Applications usually open early in the year; 2026 closing dates ranged from March to May.

Key facts

How long
4 years full-time (Year 1 in further education, Years 2-4 at ATU)
Award
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care Practice (ATU); BA at Level 7 after Year 3
Where you study
  • Year 1: Cavan Institute, Cathedral Road, Cavan → Years 2–4: Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Sligo Campus

Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert: O6/H7 or better in five subjects, including English or Irish and Maths (F2 maths accepted)
  • Or a full Level 5/6 QQI award
  • Or mature applicant (23 or over on 1 January of the start year)
  • Or age 17+ with 2 years' relevant experience, or completion of an access programme (for LCA students)
  • Personal statement and interview
  • Garda Vetting and Fit to Practise policy; some vaccinations may be needed for placement
  • If oversubscribed, priority to SUSI special-rate grant holders and access priority groups

How to apply

2027 application link not yet published – check the NTO page. Apply directly to the college, not through the CAO. Apply directly to the further education college through the fetchcourses.ie link, not through the CAO.

Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Sociology, law, psychology and social policy
  • Ethical and legal practice
  • Communication and reflection
  • Research and analysis
  • Two 13-week placements in social care settings

Where it can lead

  • Social care practitioner in health services
  • Voluntary and community organisations
  • Private sector care
  • Policy or research work
  • Master's study, e.g. social work or addiction studies

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Home Economics, Politics and Society

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

Apprenticeships in Welfare

Not sure which route suits you?

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Information from the National Tertiary Office (nto.ie), checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.