Social Work

The BSW is a full-time, professional course that requires considerable commitment on the part of students. We have a particular interest in supporting a diverse cohort of students including those who may be returning to education after a lengthy absence. This is reflected in the orientation of the course and how it is run.

We recognise the valuable life and professional experiences you bring to the course, and you are encouraged to critically reflect on these in order to promote the development of your social-work practice. The course also incorporates approaches to teaching and learning appropriate for a diverse cohort of learners.

These methods include interactive teaching, group work, self-directed study, critical reflective learning, peer feedback and continuous assessment.

Route 1: mature student-only entry

This route to the BSW is open to mature students only (i.e. those who are 23 years of age by 1 January of the year of proposed entry). Application is made through the CAO and the closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1 February of the year of proposed entry.

Selection for the programme is based on:

Shortlisted candidates attend the selection day in the School of Applied Social Studies. The selection process includes group and individual interviews. There are no official qualifications required to gain entry to the BSW. You will be judged on your:

All qualifying candidates are welcome to apply.

In recent years, the BSW has included students from many different backgrounds, from a variety of nationalities, and a wide range of interests and lifestyles. We encourage this diversity. The BSW is committed to positively contributing to social work. Our vision is to provide a critical educational experience for our students that will contribute to them becoming a positive force in society.

Route 2: tertiary pathway (Morrison's Island)

Standard age - 17 on the 1 January of the year of entry into further education.

Mature age - 23 years on the 1 January on the year of entry into further education.

Please see the Morrison's Island Bachelor of Social Work course page for details on entry requirements.

Progression Route from year 1 of BSocSc Social Science (CK102) into year 2 of BSW Bachelor of Social Work (CK115)

From 2025 onwards, students who have passed year 1 of the BSocSc Social Science (CK102) may apply to register for year 2 of the BSW Bachelor of Social Work (CK115). Upon successful completion of year 1 of the BSocSc, including the prerequisite module SS1012 (Social Practice and the Social Professions), students who have notified their intention to transfer will be eligible to apply for year 2 of the BSW. The allocation of a place on year 2 of the BSW will be subject to a selection process. Please note that there is a limit of 10 places available. Students who wish to transfer to year 2 of the BSW must put a request in writing to the School of Applied Social Studies by 25 April at the end of their year 1 of studying the BSocSc.

Fitness to Practise

This programme is subject to UCC's Fitness to Practise Policy.

Student Garda Vetting

All students on this programme will come into contact with the public and assume positions of trust through educational and training opportunities. To ensure the protection of the public, and to justify public trust and confidence, UCC is committed to ensuring that only suitable candidates are allowed to undertake this programme.

Vetting is carried out by the Admissions Office in UCC under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 (the Acts) once a student has accepted their place on the programme. This involves a police check to establish whether the individual being vetted has had criminal convictions in the past or whether any criminal proceedings are pending. The Garda Siochána provide this information for students who have resided in Ireland for a period of six months or more (including permanent residence).

All students who have resided outside Ireland for a period of six months or more must furnish a Police Clearance Certificate from their country or countries of residence. This certificate should state that the student has had no convictions recorded against them while residing there.

Further information can be found on our Student Garda Vetting page.

Non-EU Applicants

Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.

This course is approved by the Health and Social Care Professional Council (CORU) as a socialwork training course. Successful graduates can use their qualification to apply to CORU to be placed on the register of social workers. In Ireland, all social workers will need to be registered in order to practise.

International accreditation bodies also recognise the BSW for registration purposes. Social workers are employed in a wide variety of contexts including: