The BA in Individual, Family and Community Support is a three year level 7 programme that equips graduates to work within the community and voluntary sector. Graduates are prepared to work with a range of individuals, families and communities experiencing disadvantage and social injustice. This work can include working with ‘ not for profit’ organisations, who are often funded by the state, or with community groups that work with vulnerable groups in society.
The overall aim of the programme is to prepare graduates as reflexive, ethically-aware practitioners who can apply their knowledge and skills to a range of settings, to support, empower individuals, families and communities, in order to make positive changes in their lives, to challenge social injustice and work to effect positive social change.
The course involves the study of related disciplines of Sociology, Social Policy, Psychology, Law, Applied Practice, Personal and Professional Development and Professional Practice Placement.
Special Feature of the BA in Individual, Family and Community Support:
All students must successfully complete supervised work-based placements in an SETU approved practice placement setting. Placement occurs in Semester 3 and 6, and consists in total of 800 hours of supervised practice placement (400 hours per placement). Placements are spread across the South East region and beyond. There is no certainty that your allocated placement will be close to your home.
Year 1
Semester 1
Semester 2
Disability Studies, Theories, Models and Practice
Working with Families and Young People in the Community
Health and Safety in Practice Settings
Applied Sociology
Working for Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities 1
Working for Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities 2
Key Academic Skills
Introduction to Social Policy
Lifespan Developmental Psychology
Irish Law and Individual Rights
PPD and Creative Practice 1
PPD and Creative Practice 2
Year 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
Practice Placement 1
Inequalities and disadvantage in Irish Social Policy
Practice Placement Portfolio 1
Health and Wellbeing
Developing Professional Skills in Practice 1
Irish Law and Protecting Children from Harm
Models of Practice in Community and Youth Settings
Psychological Disorders and Mental Health
Sociology of the Family: Context, Transformation and Support
Year 3
Semester 5
Semester 6
Citizenship and Rights in Irish Social Policy
Practice Placement 2
Introduction to Research for Practice
Practice Placement Portfolio 2
Legal Protection of Vulnerable Adults
Developing Professional Skills in Practice 2
PPD and Facilitation Skills
Social Psychology
Working with Older People
Leaving Cert: Minimum entry requirements for BA in Individual, Family and Community Support.
5 subjects: O6/H7 English or Irish: O6/H7
Advanced and Equivalent Entry for BA in Individual, Family and Community Support:
There is no health requirement for admission to this programme. However, some Placement Organisationsmay require students to be immunised against specific infectious diseases.
Recognition of Prior Learning: Individuals with relevant prior learning may use the Recognition of Prior Learning process to seek admission to this programme, or seek exemptions from modules.
Other Requirements:
Students undertaking the BA in Individual, Family and Community Support must meet the requirements of the School of Humanities Student Fitness to Practise Policy and School of Humanities Student Garda Vetting Policy.
Graduates of the BA in Individual, Family and Community Support, will be able to take up a range of employment within the following type of settings:
Disability Support Organisations / Disability Rights Organisations
Family Resource Centres and Family Support Organisations
Youth and Community Organisations
School Completion Projects
Community Development Organisations & Partnership Organisations
Homeless Support Organisations
Women’s Refuge and Support Organisations
Youth Justice Organisations / Community based Probation Services
Traveller Support Organisations
Support Services for Care-experienced young people
Migrant Support Organisations
Men’s Development Groups
Social Prescribing roles attached to community & voluntary organisations