The BA in Custodial Care is a one-year Level 7 degree designed for prison officers who wish to advance their professional expertise.
Building on the knowledge and experience of participants the programme fosters collaboration, peer learning, and the development of key skills useful to those working in a custodial setting.
The BA in Custodial Care is delivered in a flexible blended format over one full calendar year (three semesters). Class contact is delivered through a combination of face-to-face sessions and online learning, incorporating both synchronous and asynchronous teaching methods. This flexible approach allows students to balance their studies with their professional responsibilities while engaging in a collaborative learning environment.
The BA in Custodial Care is delivered across three semesters. In Semester 1, modules address both academic and communication skills, as well as core criminological concepts in penal policy. In Semester 2, modules focus on expanding students’ understanding of topics including trauma-informed practice, legal frameworks, and management and leadership practice. These modules support students in applying theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world scenarios, enhancing their effectiveness in professional practice within the Irish Prison Service. Semester 3 culminates in the Independent Study for Custodial Care module (10 credits), a capstone project that enables students to undertake an individual research project under the guidance of a supervisor.
Semester 1:
Criminological Theory and Penal Policy
Advanced Communications in Custodial Care
Academic Skills for Custodial Care
Semester 2:
Healthcare and Trauma-Informed Practice
Management and Leadership in Custodial Care
Prison Law in Practice
Semester 3:
Independent Study for Custodial Care
Applicants must hold a Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (HCCC) or equivalent, and relevant experience in a custodial setting. Applicants who do not meet this criteria may also be considered under the SETU Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.
The BA in Custodial Care programme equips graduates for further study at Level 8 and beyond. Graduates may choose to progress to relevant honours degree programmes in areas such as criminology, criminal justice, or applied social studies. Additionally, the research and theoretical components of the programme will provide a solid foundation for postgraduate study at MA or MSc level.
