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Psychology Advanced - in the Community

PLC Post Leaving Cert
6M2218 HW

The study of Psychology builds our understanding of ourselves and others, and develops our capacity to support those in our communities who are marginalised, disadvantaged or face other life challenges. This advanced course explores social issues of marginalisation such as disability, mental health and addiction.

Award Name Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ)
NFQ Classification Major
Awarding Body QQI
NFQ Level Level 6 NFQ
Award Name NFQ Classification Awarding Body NFQ Level
Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) Major QQI Level 6 NFQ
Alternate Provider:
Location:
Bray
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider

Duration

1 Year

Entry Requirements

One of the following:
• Completed a QQI level 5 award in a related field
• Leaving Certificate or equivalent with extensive experience in psychology, counselling, community care or healthcare related work.
• Mature applicants- experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications

Careers / Further progression

Career Opportunities
Graduates may enter employment in a range of care settings working with:
• People with disabilities,
• The homeless,
• Older people or those with alcohol/drug dependency.
• Professional careers in a wide range of fields including Psychology, Education, The Health Professions, Social Care, Management, Human Resources, Academic Research, Counselling and Social Services via higher education entry.

Higher Education Progression*
Examples of Potential courses include:
• SETU South East Technical University (Waterford Campus):
BA (Hons) Arts- Psychology (Yr 2) – SE200
• UCD:
BA (Hons) Psychology (Yr 1)- DN720
BA (Hons) Social Sciences (Yr 1) -DN700
BA (Hons) Criminology with Psychology (Yr 1) - DN620
BA (Hons) Social science (Yr 1)- DN700 TSC (3 yrs)
• IADT:
BA (Hons) Applied Psychology (Yr 1)-DL825
• Maynooth University:
BA (Hons) Psychology- Yr 1- MH106
Arts (Psychological Studies)- Yr 1- MH101
• Trinity College, Dublin
Deaf Studies- Yr 1- TR016
• Dublin Business School:
BA (Hons) Psychology (Yr 1) – DB562
• BA (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy (Yr 1)
• Carlow College
BA (Hons) Psychology (Yr 1) – PC414
• TUS Technology University of the Shannon (Midlands Campus)
BA (Hons) Psychology (Year 1)- US925
• TUD Technological University Dublin
BA (Hons) Social Care (Year 1)- TU997

*Places are not guaranteed in these Institutes and are subject to students meeting certain criteria. Please consult the individual college websites for more information on application. Information available also at www.cao.ie

QQI FET Links to CAO Courses

Course Web Page

Further information

Course commences in September 2024.

Enrolment Procedure

Step 1:
Applicants must apply online at www.bife.ie.

Step 2:
In some cases, applicants may be invited to attend for interview at the Institute. Applicants will be selected on suitability and a first come/first served basis. You should bring the following to the interview:
• A copy of Leaving Certificate results (if applicable)
• A brief Curriculum Vitae
• A Portfolio of Work (where necessary)
• References (where necessary)

Step 3:
Successful applicants will be offered a place by post, subject to them achieving the basic entry requirements laid out in the prospectus/website and must secure their place by paying an acceptance fee of €50. All fees must be paid by Friday 30th August 2024. The €50 acceptance fee is non refundable. All other fees will be refunded if the applicant subsequently decides not to take their place before Friday 27th September 2024. Failure to pay the relevant fees may result in a lapse of your offer. All candidates who accept an offer agree to abide by the policies and procedures of the Institute.

Step 4:
All learners must register at the Institute or on-line by the designated registration date.

International Applicants
The Institute welcomes applications from International Learners. Non EA applicants (applicants outside the European Area, i.e. outside EU & Iceland, Norway and Switzerland) must comply with Irish immigration requirements. Such applicants will have to secure a visa from the Immigration Section of the Department of Justice. As all courses are delivered in English, International students will be required to provide a certified qualification of proficiency in English where English is not the applicants first language.

Non-EU students will be required to pay the economic cost of the course as determined by the Department of Education.

International applicants should apply directly to the Institute office for further information.

Mature students are welcome to apply.

Fees
Courses at Bray Institute of Further Education are funded largely by the European Social Fund. Tuition costs are covered for Irish or EU citizens undertaking PLC courses. There is no application fee, however all learners are required to pay the following:

• An Acceptance Fee of €50, to be paid when offered a place on a course.
• A Resource contribution fee of €150 for learner services*, paid annually.

There is also a cost of registration with professional bodies for a small number of courses such as Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI).

*Resource fees are used as a general fund to provide learner resources for PLC courses including library services

Maintenance Grant
Learners on full-time approved courses at the Institute are entitled to apply for Maintenance Grants. The Grant is means tested. Learners should apply to SUSI, the online grant application system, through www.studentfinance.ie.
Learners in receipt of the maintenance grant must pay all the usual costs of the course.

Back to Education Initiative & VTOS
The Department of Social Welfare and The Department of Education and Skills administer these two schemes. In 2024, these schemes will become fully integrated into the college. These schemes offer unemployed adults an opportunity to return to full-time education while retaining their full social welfare entitlements and in some cases to receive extra benefits. Payments from DEASP normally establish eligibility. Previous educational level can also contribute.
To check your eligibility log onto www.studentfinance.ie or talk to the VTOS Co-ordinator. Some extra benefits may apply.

Yes

You can only apply online on the BIFE website by clicking on the "Apply Now 2024/2025" button at the top of any page on the college website Or
Click on the Application Weblink above.

Applications usually begin in mid December of the proceeding year of application. Early applications are always advisable to avoid classes filling up and increase your chances of getting a position.

You will gain an understanding of the government and charitable services in our communities and the psychological interventions that support wellbeing and rehabilitation. The focus of this course is developing the student’s self-awareness and interpersonal skills as well as practical skills around working with social systems and team dynamics in community workspaces. BIFE’s Advanced Psychology course supports progression for those who are interested in pursuing Psychology or related fields in higher education as well as people-focussed careers in the community and voluntary sectors. The applications of Psychology, its concepts and theories form the centre of this stimulating and innovative course.

Programme of Study
• The Psychology of People
• Mental Health Awareness
• Disability Awareness
• Work Experience
• Person Centred Planning
• Rehabilitation Practice
• Team Leadership
• Boundary Management
• Mathematics (Optional)

Components subject to change

6M2218 - Social & Vocational Integration

Certification: QQI Level 6 Award in Social & Vocational Integration
(6M2218)

Head of Department:
Helen O’Mahony

Course Co-ordinator:
Matt Way

Bray Institute of Further Education,
Tel: 01 282 9668
Email: bifeenquiries@kwetb.ie
Web: www.bife.ie

Alternate Provider:
Location:
Bray
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider