Expand+This Higher National Diploma is a qualification that has been developed to prepare people for employment in Social Care. It is a particularly useful qualification for those intending to pursue higher education in Social Work, Applied Social Studies, ...

Hide-This Higher National Diploma is a qualification that has been developed to prepare people for employment in Social Care. It is a particularly useful qualification for those intending to pursue higher education in Social Work, Applied Social Studies, Sociology and Psychology through non-traditional routes.

Course Description
This is a two year full-time course. Each week students must attend the College for four days of tuition in first year three days in second year. On the remaining days students must fulfil extensive work placement requirements. Placements are normally organised by the student, with the support of the Course Director.

Expand+Course fees range from €300 to €400 depending on the course. The fees cover costs of examination entry and certification fees as well as any course materials and personal equipment to students. The fees also cover a range of other services and acti...

Hide-Course fees range from €300 to €400 depending on the course. The fees cover costs of examination entry and certification fees as well as any course materials and personal equipment to students. The fees also cover a range of other services and activities provided for, or engaged in, by the students such as some trips, cultural and sporting events, accident insurance policy fee and student services fund fee. in addition to this, the Government levy of €200 will also apply for those applicants who do not hold a medical care.

Enrolment Deposit
Students who accept the offer of a place on a course must pay a non-refundable deposit of €50. The balance of the fee must be paid on commencement of each academic year.

External Examination Fees
Students who choose to enter for examinations other than those set by QQI and/or BTEC must pay the appropriate exam fees to the relevant examining authority.

Expand+Year 1:
Communicating in Health & Social Care,
Principles of Practice,
Personal & Professional Development Part 1,
Working in Partnership,
Social Policy,
Psychology in Health & Care,
Social Context of Health & Social Care,
Understanding ...

Hide-Year 1:
Communicating in Health & Social Care,
Principles of Practice,
Personal & Professional Development Part 1,
Working in Partnership,
Social Policy,
Psychology in Health & Care,
Social Context of Health & Social Care,
Understanding Specific Needs,
Research part 1

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

Expand+Entry Requirements
School leavers (17-21 years) should have seven subjects in the Leaving Certificate, including a minimum of a pass on two higher papers. Mathematics and English must be passed. Applicants will be expected to have related experience...

Hide-Entry Requirements
School leavers (17-21 years) should have seven subjects in the Leaving Certificate, including a minimum of a pass on two higher papers. Mathematics and English must be passed. Applicants will be expected to have related experience in employment or voluntary work
or
Hold a full QQI Level 5 award (with a merit profile overall) in a related area, or other equivalent qualification.
or
Mature applicants who have worked in a social care setting in the recent past or have a related qualification.

Other Relevant Information
All applicants will be invited for interview. All applicants will be provided with a copy of a Confidential Reference Form at interview to be completed by a referee who is very well known to the student. Applicants whose first language is not English may be asked to satisfy the College as regards their English proficiency.

Expand+Progression and Career Prospects
Graduates of the BTEC Higher National Diploma in Health and Social Care have gone on to a range of Higher Education courses. These include degree courses in Social Work (NQSW; DIPSW), Psychology, Sociology, Social C...

Hide-Progression and Career Prospects
Graduates of the BTEC Higher National Diploma in Health and Social Care have gone on to a range of Higher Education courses. These include degree courses in Social Work (NQSW; DIPSW), Psychology, Sociology, Social Care, Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Applied Social Studies.

The Institutes of Technology have offered 1 or 2 year exemptions to applicants to the BA in Applied Social Studies in Social Care at I.T. Tallaght Waterford I.T. and the BA in Applied Social Studies at Sligo I.T. NUI Maynooth also reserves 5 places on the Bachelor in Social Science for BTEC graduates.

The University of Sunderland is currently offering graduates of the HND the possibility of entry into the final year of their BA (Hons) Health and Social Care.

Employment Opportunities
Graduates have secured employment in An Garda Siochana, Cerebral Palsy Ireland, Cheeverstown House, Residential Childcare, Barnardos, Menni Services, Los Angeles Society, Mountjoy Prison The Salvation Army.