Applied Social Studies
Provide learners with the opportunity to develop knowledge, awareness and research skills in the following areas: Psychology, Social Studies, Intercultural Studies, Human Growth and Development, Young People and Society, Substance use issues.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
38 weeks.
Entry Requirements
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum:
• Applicants must be 16+ years of age on entry to the course.
• Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B2 or Higher).
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Additional
• Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Admissions Interview will be required.
Careers / Further progression
What are the progression opportunities?
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology). You may also apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year. Some examples include:
B.A. (Ord/Hons) Social Care at Munster Technological University (MTU)
B.A. (Hons) Psychology at South East Technological University (SETU)
B.A. (Hons) Applied Psychology at University College Cork (UCC)
You should check individual university websites for specific entry criteria for courses.
There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results.ts.
What are the employment opportunities?
• Residential Centres
• Refugee centres
• Family Support Services
• Community Support Projects
• Locum work
• Relief work
• Intellectual disability services
• Outreach support projects
Further information
Start date: 07/09/2026.
Applications for all full-time programmes should be made online via the Kerry College. Your application will be processed using our FETCHCOURSES system.
If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Why should I apply?
Applied Social Studies course allows learners to engage in a wide and diverse subject matter and practical work experience. This allows learners to gain extensive knowledge in each area to inform them about what and why they may encounter while working with vulnerable people in an array of different contexts. This allows learners to explore interests/areas for further study or have a solid knowledge base for employment.
What is the certification?
QQI Level 5 Major Award Certificate in Applied Social Studies (5M2181).
What will I study?
Communications (5N0690)
Human Growth & Development (5N1279)
Intercultural Studies (5N0765)
Psychology (5N0754)
Social Studies (5N1370)
Substance Use Issues for Youth Work (5N2176)
Work Experience (5N1356)
Young People & Society (5N2002)
5M2181 - Applied Social Studies.
Kerry College - Listowel Campus
Unit 1, Listowel Business Development Centre,
Listowel Business Park,
Clieveragh,
Listowel
Co. Kerry.
V31PC79
t: (068) 22655
e: listowel@kerrycollege.ie
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm