The HND in social care has been developed to prepare students for employment in social care. This internationally recognised social care diploma is also an excellent springboard into third-level education. You will study a wide range of related disciplines such as sociology, psychology and social policy, all of which are delivered by highly qualified and experienced teachers. The course focuses on the importance of personal and professional development in the workplace.

You will attend college four days per week in first year and three days per week in second year. The remaining days may be used to satisfy the work placement requirements of the social care diploma course. Students generally pursue a placement in their vocational area of interest with the support and guidance of the course director.

This compulsory work experience is an extremely important element of the course in terms of securing future employment or pursuing higher options in education. You must complete the Garda vetting process prior to commencing work experience.

I cannot recommend this course enough to students with an interest in the caring professions. The modules were diverse but I found that they all interconnected with my placement.

Year 1

• Communicating in Health & Social Care
• Principles of Practice
• Personal and Professional Development Part One
• Working in Partnership
• Social Policy
• Psychology in Health & Care
• Social Context of Health & Social Care
• Understanding Specific Needs Research Part One

Year 2

• Health & Safety Research Part Two
• Community Development
• Health Promotion for Individuals
• Supporting Significant Life Events
• Developing Counselling Skills
• Contemporary Issues in Health and Care
• Personal & Professional Development Part Two
• Understanding the Learning Process

Course content may be revised for educational or organisational reasons.

BTEC: Higher National Diploma in Health and Social Care (Applied Social Studies)

Minimum Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate: O6/H7 in 4 subjects plus at least one O2/H6. Subjects must include English and Maths.
QQI relevant Level 5 Award: Merit
Equivalent qualifications will be accepted.

Mature Applicants

Mature applicants who have relevant industry experience and may not meet the above requirements are welcome to apply.

Interview

All applicants will be interviewed.
Applicants may be asked to satisfy the college as regards their English proficiency.

Graduates of the course can potentially find employment in the state as well as in the community based sectors, working with children and young people in residential care, older people, people with dependency issues. Organisations in which students have secured employment include, Cerebral Palsy Ireland, Cheeverstown House, Menni Services, Barnardos.

Graduates have gone on to obtain degrees in Social Work, Social Care, Psychology, and Applied Social Studies. The Institutes of Technology have offered graduates advanced entry to Level 7.

“I graduated from Inchicore in September 2017. I moved from Limerick to pursue my Higher National Diploma In Health and Social Care at Inchicore CFE.

I cannot recommend this course enough to students with an interest in the caring professions. The modules were diverse but I found that they all interconnected with my placement. I found the lecturers really approachable and the college environment very friendly. The course offers excellent employment and further educational opportunities and has set me on my way to a career in the caring profession.”

Jason Craig