Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Health & Social Care

Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) starting in Cork

A four-year social work degree that starts in further education in Cork and finishes in UCC. It mixes classroom learning with placements and leads to registration as a social worker. It suits people who like helping others and care about fairness.

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 in university)
Award
Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) (UCC); embedded QQI Level 5 Certificate in Applied Social Studies after Year 1
Where you study
  • Year 1: Cork College of Further Education, Morrison's Island Campus, Cork City (plus weekly lectures in UCC) → Years 2–4: University College Cork

Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert with five subjects at grade O6, or four at O6 plus LCVP with a distinction
  • Or a QQI Level 4 award with at least a distinction
  • Or mature applicant (23 or over on 1 January of the start year), assessed individually
  • Personal statement and interview (panel from the college and UCC)
  • Garda Vetting and UCC Fitness to Practise policy apply
  • Non-native English speakers need B2 English (e.g. IELTS 6); Leaving Cert English at O6 accepted
  • To move on to Year 2: pass the full QQI Level 5 award with at least 3 distinctions (not counting work experience) and pass the UCC social work module

How to apply

Apply directly to Cork College of Further Education, not through the CAO. After the closing date all applicants complete a processing form, then attend interview.

Apply to Cork College of FET – Morrison’s Island Campus (fetchcourses.ie) ↗ Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Psychology, social studies and human growth in Year 1
  • Social work theory, methods and practice skills
  • Child care and protection, mental health and ageing
  • Law, social justice and human rights
  • Two professional placements and an action research project

Where it can lead

  • Registered social worker (via CORU)
  • Child protection teams
  • Hospitals and mental health settings
  • Probation and welfare services
  • Family support, disability and youth organisations

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?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

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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.