Social Care Distance Learning Course NUI Galway

Catzz

I am thinking of doing the BA Social Care course through distance learning in NUI Galway. Has anyone done this course. Is this an accreditated course. Is it a worth while course.

smolt99

Hi Catzz,
I am also considering doing the the BA Social Care at NUI. Just like you Im unsure. I live in Cork but Im willing to travel to any workshops in the Galway area. Distance learning is the only option for the time being as I am primary carer of our new baby. I do some voluntary work with people who have disabilities and I may try to do more if I start the course. Do you think this amount of work would be sufficient enough?

LadyMayBelle

Hi Smolt; It is a recognised course. I did one year of it while waiting to get into the social work masters, because it was part time (which meant one eve a month) and because it was during the era when you could get courses paid for

The majority of disabilty service providers these days will not emply people without some kind of social studies/care/science degree or a pre-nursing cert, whatever. On my course alone, most of the students were already working in the social care field, had gotten jobs there before that requirement came in and were now be encouraged to go back and train (even though some would have had over twenty years field experience). I had 7 years experience in intellectual disability, but some others had very little, it didn't matter too much as you applied the learning to your work and knowledge.

You can do one year, which is the cert, and each year you pass, you get elevated to the diploma, degree etc. First year is pretty handy; you look at Health and Wellbeing, Basic Anatomy, Basic Personal Care and Social Policy. You must also attend a weekend event in the college (a Saturday and a Sunday where a conference is held on either vulnerable adults or some other relevant field). When I did it you just had to write essays for each module with one module having a tick box exam. You will also carry out a short placement in an organisation, maybe Rehab or Simon or Brothers of Charity, where ever, and complete a project on that.

You say you have voluntary work experience already, which is great. Generally they like to give you placement in a different field just to broaden you horizons and to clarify 'social care' for you a bit.

I have a friend who is now in the final year (fourth) and found it very do able. Things may have changed a little but it still counts as a recognised course. Any further questions you should clarify them with the Health Promotion Department (they host the course).

I just checked their webpage and see they have added an IT module, now that I imagine would be fairly basic, as people coming onto the course may not necessarily have computer skills, so if you are using boards, I say you would be okay!

You should email them though maybe and see about whether they have classes in Portarlington or somewhere that may be nearer?

http://www.nuigalway.ie/courses/adult-and-continuing-education-courses/social-care.html

smolt99

Thanks ever so much Lady May,

This option of distance learning sounds promising. I have contact numbers for the coarse coordinaters. Thanks again

Catzz

Hi Smolt99. I rang NUI Galway today about the BA Social Care course done through distance learning. They said that it is recognised by the university but it isn't an accreditated course. They said they are trying to get it accreditated and are going through the registration process but there is no guarantee that they will get it and it could take a few years. I would love to do the course but don't fancy paying out all that money if it is not accreditated. What do u think?

LadyMayBelle

Hmmm that is very interesting. i wonder whether the lost the accreditation then because when I did it there was about 7 people from Rehab Care who were being made do the course. My bad for assuming it was accredited, apologies... Im not sure now: i guess it depends it depends how far off accreditation it is. I know my MA course wasnt being accredited back in the early 00s but the first batch of students got their official qualification as soon as it did. Have to think....

Catzz

I e-mailed a guy that would be high up in the area of Humanities and Social Care. He said that it is certainly recognised as an NUI degree. He said in the past the qualifications were through the Institute of Technology Sector and were recognised as basic qualifications by the Health Boards/HSE with the Level 7 ordinary degree(formerly National Diploma) as the baseline. At the end of the day, it comes down to the views of significant employers. It might get accredited in the future.
Think i will look around and see what other colleges do it.

smolt99

Hi all,

I am at a real loss whether to go ahead and apply for the BA in social care at NUI. For one I can not understand why the college offers a degree that it not accredited . Also, can anyone tell me does the college coresponde with organisations and potential employers in regards to work placement. I have heard the contact between college coordinaters is very limited. I do not what to sound negative about the whole thing but just a little concerned as this will be a big commitment for the four years.
Ps, I have not got any official confirmation of the course not being accredited.

Catzz

It is very hard to know what to do as i really wanted to do this course and it would suit me as i work. NUI Galway told me that it is not an accredited course. but they are trying to get it registered. I might try and ring the HSE and see what they think about it. If you knew by the end of the 4 years that it would get the registration, then that would be ok. But it is a risk. What are you going to do?

sinorita

Hi there Catzz,

I'm in the same boat as you. I work full time also and have always wanted to work in social care. This course sounds perfect for me. But the accreditation has worried me. What if at the end of the four years and after all that money, that the course won't be accredited??

Catzz

sinorita wrote: »

Hi there Catzz,

I'm in the same boat as you. I work full time also and have always wanted to work in social care. This course sounds perfect for me. But the accreditation has worried me. What if at the end of the four years and after all that money, that the course won't be accredited??

Yes that is the problem. Don't think i want to take the risk if it doesn't work out. Hopefully it will pass it's registration soon.

sinorita

The closing date is 16th July. Another way of studying in social care etc is to study in a.i.t part time. This will take up to 8 years to do in order to have a recognised qualification :mad:

Catzz

Yes, I'm not sure how that works. Doesn't seem right. They seem to look for you to have completed the ordinary Level 7 degree before you enter the honours degree. So your probably right.
Was in touch with the Irish Association of Social Care Workers and they told me to get in touch with the registration council to find out where they are at with the course. Will let you know what they say. Hopefully it will be postive. They said that Universities wouldn't recognise courses willy nilly without establishing the course standing. So that sounds promising. :rolleyes:

sinorita

Catzz wrote: »

Yes, I'm not sure how that works. Doesn't seem right. They seem to look for you to have completed the ordinary Level 7 degree before you enter the honours degree. So your probably right.
Was in touch with the Irish Association of Social Care Workers and they told me to get in touch with the registration council to find out where they are at with the course. Will let you know what they say. Hopefully it will be postive. They said that Universities wouldn't recognise courses willy nilly without establishing the course standing. So that sounds promising. :rolleyes:

Well Catzz,

Any good news for us?!! Was thinkin today of takin career break and do it full time(if i get the grant)...no way i'm doin 8 years p/time!!

Catzz

Haven't got much info yet. Was on to CORU. He said that there is no actual accredited courses in Social Care but some that are approved by statatory bodies like them. He is going to look into the course and get back to me. It will be tomorrow by the time i hear anything.
Someone from the IASCW said that there is a HSE center that recognises this course. You would prob have to ring a few places that would be possible areas that you wish to work in and see if they recognise the qualification.
If you could do it full time, that would be great. Sounds like a good option if you can do that. Will be in touch if I have more info.;)

crofty28

Hi all,

The BA Social Care is HETAC Level 9 Acreditted & Is a fantastic course for any1 wanting to, or already working in Social Care. I've just completed the degree (we are the 1st group in Galway to have done so) and can't stress enough what a fantasic course this is. There is a lot of work in the final 2 years but it really does provide a practical theoretical framework to apply to a care setting & therefore inprove existing practice in your field. It is recognised by employers, as it is an honours degree & covers a vast range of relevant modules. I've just secured a master's in NUIG, & feel very confident as a result of the course content. The BA is ideal for ppl working fulltime or with young families as the work is manageable if you commit yourself & are willing to put in the time. I made loads of friends & really enjoyed what I was learning about 2.
Hope this helps :rolleyes:

Catzz

Is this the distance learning BA in Social Care? I was talking to the college and they said that it is not an accredited course. So wouldn't be HETAC. Not all employers recognise it. Brothers of Charity Galway don't seem to recognise it.
Sorry but this is just the information i have got from a few people that i have contacted in relation to this.
Last day for applying for course was last Friday.

crofty28

Hi Catz,

Not sure who in the college you were in contact with, but the degree is def HETAC level 9, I'm sure of it. There's no way I would've spent all that cash on doing 5 yrs if it wasn't (Bridging yr between 2 & 3). I'm staring a masters in Social Work in September which was really difficult to get so I wouldn't have got in if the degree wasn't recognised. Anyway, good luck with whatever u decide to do.

crofty28

Hi again,

Meant to add, it is regognised by the HSE... as i work for them for the past 4 yrs in community care, i started after diploma.hope this helps.

bazmaiden

Hey listen tbh you're just better off doing nursing because at least you won't be undermined by people walking in off the street with no qualifications taking your job, who not only lack education but also basic human skills.

And the fact that the community employment scheme is gonna be coming in after the budget and will have a parasitic effect on these jobs (social care) means that this course will become redundent, even more so than it already is.

rustopher

So to sum up, social care should be avoided?? Crap, I will have to contact the college myself. I started the course this just September gone (2 classes completed) but i still haven't paid the fees and will be in no hurry to until i find out more. I thought i made the choice.. still hope i did!

macisback

I have to comment, Bazmaiden you could not be more wrong the country is going through a recession, every job is affected by that. If you look to other countries you will see that social care will grow in the future as it is the only model of care we can afford. I am on my second degree and this course is excellent. There are questions looming over FETAC and HETAC accreditation and particuarly organisations that are accredited by HETAC are now known not to be following the rules. The reason why this course if not accredited is because Galway is a university and it accredits itself. Ultimately a degree from a university will stand out above IoT. On the subject of nursing its a great qualification wouldn't knock it but changes and opportunties for employment in nursing will change drastically in the next ten years.

owla

hi there,
i'm in the middle of this course and knew it wasn't accredited by brothers of charity but am now deeply worried about the fact that its not recognised by hse! did that lady ever hear back from CORU, what are they saying.
all in all its a good course but i want a job at the end of it.
does anyone know any more? tutors seem vague about it, have we job prospects at the end?

username007

I have been looking into this and think the problem here is that people are confused over the difference between accreditation and recognition. As universities accredit their own courses, this means that this course is accredited, in the same way as if you had a degree in bioengineering or sociology or whatever from NUIG or any other uni. The IoT sector, as I understand it, is slightly different, in that, they have an accreditation relationship with HETAC, that is, the awards they provide are accredited by themselves under authority from HETAC (think DIT and one or two other IoTs are a little different, but not much. Also, FETAC are not in the running here, as they stop at level 6 and a pass degree is level 7 and an honours degree level 8). Universities can of course match their courses with HETAC and have them accredited by HETAC, but I would imagine that even the suggestion of that here has caused the equivalent of a tremor in the force among senior uni figures. This all means that the notion that the HSE or voluntary organisations are accrediting courses is incorrect. Think of it like this, the HSE employs doctors but does not accredit medical degrees. Nonetheless, this is where the recognition problem arises, in that, any employer, can decide what course they will recognise for a particular job, that’s their prerogative. As such, this course may not be recognised by a particular employer, but that is very different to it not being accredited. When CORU gets rolling, it should all be more straightforward, in that, to register you will have to have completed a course that CORU has approved. This won’t mean that uni’s or anybody else will stop accrediting courses, just that if you don’t do a course approved by CORU, you won’t be able to register and therefore won’t be able to practice, which will mean in reality that any non-CORU approved courses will likely dry up over night. The last time I checked there were something like 50 or 60 courses across the professions that will have to apply to CORU for approval and all courses will be assessed at least once every 5 years after approval, but this is once the boards for each profession are established within CORU.

owla

hi username 007
i've read your post with interest.... and yes I understand.... however considering the HSE are the main social care employers in the country and stand over all the voluntary orgs which employ social care workers.... ....of course they are not accrediting the degree/diploma... but the fact that they are not recognising it? bit strange...... I know someone with a social care dip and working as a care assistant as employer not recognising the qualification..... they're going to continue the course in dublin in another college to get 'recognition'..... so its a merry go round really... I hope CORU hurry up and get our 'accreditations' recognised by HSE as I want to get a job! and I love the course too.

bails01

Hi.......... I have this course completed and is of no use to me I have found out after finishing the course!!!!!!!! No organisation recognises the degree nor have we any positions to apply for. By that I mean normally when a person completes a degree there are certain higher positions in a company that they would be qualified to apply for however with the social care degree as its not recognised there is no positions within an organisation that you could apply for. So take me for instance I was a care assistant before starting the course I done the course hoping to be able to apply for jobs up the ladder, but guess what???? after spending years doing the course and shelling out thousands in fees to the university I am STILL A CARE ASSISTANT (a poorer one might I add), degree doesn't count for anything. As for CORU by the time any degree is recognised in the social care workers field I know I will be retired (and I'm still only in my 30's, by the way) and anyone with the degree in their 20's will also be retired by the time this degree is recognised. So if you want my opinion..... keep your hard earned cash as you will still be doing the same job you are now or find a course that like nursing, psychology or any of those that you can walk out with a degree and find a job with better prospects and less back breaking.

owla

hi bail1
this sounds v. bad! Do you mind me asking what field you are working in?
elderly or disability? Have you gone back to the careers office to see what other options are possible? You would be qualified to apply for advocacy positions which are outside of actual practical caring. Also have you thought of getting into some voluntary work to gain experience outside the sector you are actually working in? ie youthwork. I'm just trying to think of alternatives.
Also, what are the other degree graduates working at?
On a lighter note the coru website has withdrawn all previously 'recognised' qualifications ie the nui one was excluded. So thats obviously a dated theory and there is definitely a move in that stance. Have a look.
Try and be positive, with a negative attidude you won't get far. You have a nui degree.
Get out there and try and use it, even it in the beginning its outside work time. ie volunary sector.

bails01

Hi owla,

I wouldn't call my attitude negative more disappointed than anything. I work with the elderly and have done so now for nearly 20 years, surely that type of experience counts for something along with me degree but sadly no not to any of the employers I have spoken to. It makes me so angry to see that after all the work and money spent on the degree that at present it is useless to me. As for working with other groups, I already do in my spare time which I don't have much as I have young children and work full time I am involved in 4 youth groups, also I give some time to 1 charity shop when I can and I help out other organisations when they are short staffed as I would be known to a lot of people within the social care fields. Most have not heard of my degree and anyone who would be vaguely familiar with it know of no organisation that recognises it. On the subject of the careers office I contacted them with regards to where I could go from here now that I have my degree all I got back was to apply for any positions I would think I fit the bill for and see what happens. Not the reply I was looking for and that was from the NUI itself. They were unable to direct me in any direction regarding looking for certain positions as the degree is not recognised therefore there are no clear directions to go with regards climbing the ladder in employment.
Also I have spoken to most of the people that were in the class with me and the degree too has made no difference to their job prospects. They are in the same jobs as before the completion of the degree and to make matters worse most work under people that don't have any degree within the social care sector which would make anyone angry.
As for CORU I have been in touch with them lately and they have told me in time this degree will probably be recognised they cannot be sure however but they are working on regulating the social care field so even they say at present (although not in these words, one must read between the lines) that the degree is useless at present.
I do try to be positive honestly but when you keep coming up against brick walls its hard to stay positive. I have no more time to give to any organisation I feel I do as much as I can to get ahead in the social care field. Its a hard world out there and harder when you have a degree that employers do not recognise or even care about:(

rustopher

Sounds tough alright but to be honest I would put a lot of that down to the recession and not the degree. I mean in my class someone has a psychology degree but cant get work, with this course he said he can get further in his line of work. There is a freeze on recruiting new people alright because of the cut backs etc.

Has any employer told u the degree u have is actually useless and is this why u cant get work? Check out the private sectors for employment even starting as a volunteer as mentioned earlier. Have u finished your degree just recently?

bails01

Hi Rustopher,

Unfortunately it's not recession fault. See take nurses for example when a person qualifies as a nurse they know the positions they can apply for basically they know where along the medical line they fit in. However, as most areas of social care are not regulated as of yet meaning that anyone even those without experience or qualifications can apply for work within the social care field. Having the degree is making no difference as we have no place to fit in along the social care chain. Think about it if you do this course what positions/job do you hope you will be qualified to do??? look it up not one looks for this degree in social care??? basically the degree is not seen as important as of yet anyway therefore no employer seems to know where along the chain or where up the ladder a person with this social care degree should be aiming for. All employers I have spoken for do not either know about the degree at all or have heard of it but like I stated do not know where we fit in. One employer asked me this as asked if my degree meant I was on par with nurses (minus the medicine administration), or under nurses or even over nurses in the employment ladder, I was unable to tell him as I don't know where like everyone one I fit in.
The HSE has been contacted by me and I was sent from one person to another as per usual and the end result!!!!!!!!! no one was able to help me as they do not know anything about the degree except that they know you can do one but as of yet it won't help you climb the ladder, so whats the point???? I do not really know why I did the course had I known I had no place to fit in on the jobs ladder I think I would have done psychology or nursing (although nursing is more medical model which I was trying to move away from) at least I would know where my degree fitted in :rolleyes: Am I making myself clear on what I mean by no place to fit in????? I do invite replies I would really like to find out your views on this subject.
Guys I'm not trying to be negative here I just want people to know before they set out to do the course and spend money they can ill afford to spend hoping for a better job position that you need to know what is available at the end of this course. I wish someone had spoken or emailed me with this concern I think I would have put my time and money into another course. I am now just hoping that this course is recognised quickly so that my job prospects improve.

owla

HI bails100
I have been quite upset by the content of your email as I have had reservations regarding this course before. However after 2 days of contemplation I have decided to continue with it.
First of all I have been wondering about the practicality of the course content regarding learning alot about the elderly. I myself do not work in the elderly sector, and can see clearly that 'social care' need for the elderly is catered by nurses and care assistants in day care centres etc. I see there are no job opportunities myself for social care graduates. I work in the disability sector, I am a bit depressed regarding my own job prospects at the moment and this is tied in with the course. However, I find it strange when an employer says to you 'they don't know the course'. I mean this is neither here nor there, I mean I don't know the quantum physics course in London university either but I have no doubt it results in knowledge! I mean 'not knowing' the course is irrelevant, if there are graduates from the health promotion in nui then there are, and know they 'know it'. The lecturer told us they are in meetings at the moment to bring it in line with the other courses and there will be alterations in it next year regarding hours in placement, so this seems to be moving along. In my organisation people seem to have all kinds of degrees/some without. Some have social care degrees from cit and one said to me, knowing that I am now studying aswell, that they hope it will be proffessionalied so that not only 'train the trainer' courses can entitle you to a job in social care. That is one which you should do, they are all looking for that. So I would say, working with the elderly won't get you far in social care, look at the disabilit sector, advocacy seems to be the biggie at the moment. Get onto the course directors please and tell them your fears. Also, I know you have a family, but you can do any kind of top up courses you want now you have your priimary degree! Can you find a specialised area with the elderly you might be interested in. Also I have been for an interview with my diploma and never once was my qualification questioned if that makes you feel better, I didnt get the job however as I have no experience is getting 'forums' together.

bails01

Hi Owla,
I don't mean to upset you in any way or take anything away from your hard work on your course believe me, I just want to make sure anyone who is thinking of handing out huge fees and spending long hours studying just need to be aware of the problems others who have finished the degree are facing so that they can get the full picture and perhaps ask more questions before embarking on the course. I know others that were on the course that work with children and others that work in the disability sector I have continued to stay in touch with them and they tell me that the degree has not made any difference to their work. They are all in the same jobs as before starting the degree and have looked around for jobs that would now be more suitable with the degree, but they say that there is alot of confusion regarding the degree. One of the people working in the disability sector said that positions that they have apply for has left them feeling that employers first of all and I suppose naturally enough will assume that having a degree means that this person will be looking for more wages and as it is not compulsory to employ an individual with this or any degree in social care why would they pay out more???? No that is their opinion that is why I asked for people to reply so I could get an idea of what other people have experienced. I would love to hear from others who have completed the degree to see what difference if any the degree has made to their work or if they have come across confusion like we have.
I have contacted CORU myself and I kept the email they sent I wouldn't put it up as it would identify me publicly which I do not want at the moment, but basically they say that they will be hopefully dealing with this issue in the future but cannot guarantee when this will be which also has me thinking what if my degree is kind of outdated by then and I end up having to pay more to up grade my degree that hasn't benefited me and also how long will we be waiting for our degree to be recognised and put into action.
I know what you are saying with regards working with the elderly that nurses and care assistants seem to be the ones looking after older people but isn't this why we have so many problems within the nursing homes etc. Surely qualifications are needed so employers can see an individuals commitment to working within this sector. I also find it terribly upsetting that people who I know that have no qualifications what so ever are supervising, and in cases managing staff and people like me who have shown dedication through degrees and work cannot secure these positions. But again as I have said when you don't need to employ people with qualifications and pay extra for them why do that when you can get people not qualified to do the same job cheaper??????? Am I wrong in my thinking???????? please do comment!!

rustopher

Probation officier is what a friend of mine is doing, the money is good working in resdiential care and where I am volunteering in the youth club they pay €19 per hour!! So I know there are some well paid jobs out of this but just dont know how plentiful they are.

God I really hope so as I already have a diploma in art but no work in that so I am starting over... was thinking I could combine and do art therapy!!!:rolleyes:

rustopher

Oh I just read your second email, I was told the day of hiring someone without qualification of some kind is gone. I also know that some of the more mature students in my class need this course in order to gain better employment status with in their sector and thats why they are doing this course despite having loads of years experience.

bails01

Hi rustopher,
Thanks for the glimmer of hope concerning jobs. Nice to know qualification is benefiting someone. But unfortunately what you say about employers not hiring people without some kind of qualification isn't quite what I am coming accross. Take for instance I know a woman a bit younger than me who done a FETAC level 5 community care course and she got a job in front of another woman I know of similar age with more experience and the social care degree we are talking about. Like whats that all about Don't get me wrong I was very pleased for the other woman but to get a the job with less experience and less qualifications was to me off putting do you not think. Moreover there are alot of people who are working especially within the elderly sector who are not qualified and in supervisory and management roles and have not even been approached to do some sort of qualifications. I really wanted to work within the elderly sector but it looks like I will have to completely change my direction which to me (not bragging) the elderly sector is loosing good people with qualifications. If any of you here any more about the qualification or job prospects available to people with this qualification I would appreciate an email that it might lift our spirits anyway as it might prove that the age of non qualified people getting jobs could be on the way out

owla

Hi bails
I would say the elderly sector in Ireland is definitley a nurses department, unless you get involved in some type of agency, perhaps, like age action or some such like. So if you want to use your degree maybe you should think of changing sector? i don't work in this sector myself so know very little about it but it doesnt seem like a large employer for social care grads?
Now I have been extremely concerned about the course, and I too have been onto Coru. There was an extremely positive lady on the telephone who said the next 5 boards are currently underway, its on the ministers desk. Social care is on the next panel. She is hoping for 2012. Regarding the qualification, all qualifications will be reviewed once the board is set up. She said to me she that everythign is 'moving' along and to keep an eye on the website.
I hope this makes you feel better!
Also I agree that people with no social care quals are getting jobs. The again who is applying for the jobs. Perhaps not people always with the qualifications. In the case of your friend its seemed really bad. Did she leave the organisation.

owla

sorry 2012 for the next 5 boards. social care 2013.

owla

this thread very quiet, i guess that you have heard it all from Coru before now bails01! just checking in to see how the moral is and to see if you're doing alright! I am finding the course very difficult, I am hoping that the lady in Coru was telling the 'veritas' and the boards are moving, if slowly, along.

rustopher

do u think its difficult? What yr are u in? I think its ok once keep on top of it. Just hope its worth it in the end!

macannrb

bails01 wrote: »

So take me for instance I was a care assistant before starting the course I done the course hoping to be able to apply for jobs up the ladder, but guess what???? after spending years doing the course and shelling out thousands in fees to the university I am STILL A CARE ASSISTANT (a poorer one might I add), degree doesn't count for anything.

This is interesting, you seem to feel entitled to be in a better position automatically after finishing your degree. This is simply rubbish. A degree in for most jobs simply helps open doors, and helps you get ahead other workers who have the same skills and experience as you. Look at Enda Kenny, he is not qualified for anything except being a primary school teacher.

Also the degree does count for a lot. It is a level 8 degree, gained over 4 years, part time. My degree (which is very obscure also) was gained over 4 years full time, with 32 hours a week and plenty of case studies and project work on top of that. Both are from Irish Universities, so that stands for a lot. , Focus on selling that to employers, graduates from a University. They will know what that means. Social carers typically aren't good at selling themselves, so trust me on that.

If an employer doesn't want to take that into account, that's their right, but you can move on, and find another one if you chose. But I suggest that if you got your job without a degree, than a degree probably won't help you in your role. So find another one that will reward it. If there isn't one, broaden your search, and if there still isn't one remember that there are countless solicitors out there will level 9 qualifications who are out of work and more qualified than you, because of the recession.

If you were in the HSE, you would likely go up a pay grade/scale, but I am not in that organisation so I don't know for certain.

bails01 wrote: »

Take for instance I know a woman a bit younger than me who done a FETAC level 5 community care course and she got a job in front of another woman I know of similar age with more experience and the social care degree we are talking about. Like whats that all about Don't get me wrong I was very pleased for the other woman but to get a the job with less experience and less qualifications was to me off putting do you not think. Moreover there are alot of people who are working especially within the elderly sector who are not qualified and in supervisory and management roles and have not even been approached to do some sort of qualifications.

Welcome to the job market dynamics. Qualifications are not the be all and end all. The girl with the level 5 might have had far better personal skills, be a better man manager and project manager, which can't be thought in a classroom. The other womans experience might not have come across in the interview. There are lots of realistic possibilities.

While my employment industry is different , I hear a lot from my OH who is doing this course, and is employed in the social care industry. The basics are the same, if there is more work than qualified workers, employers can't put qualified people into the jobs as there isn't enough supply, ie if there are 100 jobs and only 20 qualified workers, employers will be forced to hire unqualified staff. Also, if the employer has someone who will work for x, and they are then they get a degree, they aren't always going to give them x+y. They are a business after all. And money is in short supply these days.

Realistically this is a recognised course in terms of the Higher Education Authority, by virtue of a University in Ireland giving the award. Whether your employer wants or has a position that is suited to someone holding a degree is another story. And no one can guarantee anyone a job these days, but someone with a degree at a university will on average fare far better than someone without.

If you are doing this degree do it for the right reasons. Do it to help you get the experience you need to move into a better job. The degree might only get you into a job with the same wage, but it might give you the experience you require to eventually get the job you want. Unless you are in a state employer, you won't get more money for doing the same job just now with a degree.

Ronan H

macannrb wrote: »

But I suggest that if you got your job without a degree, than a degree probably won't help you in your role.

Nice post. I agree with all of it except the point above.

I got my Social Care job without a qualification, and while in the job I studied for the degree. It was immensely beneficial...

I was 4-5 years into my job when I started studying. The course helped to put a theoretical framework on what i had been merely "doing" for the past few years. It helped me to understand the theories and principles behind what I was doing on a daily basis in my job, and that, was invaluable.

Also, having a number of years work experience prior to studying, and continuing to work while I was studying, I was easily able to apply myself to the material we were covering in college. It made far more sense to me having worked it and "done it" rather than if I had gone in cold withoiut any experience and was just hearing all the principles and theories fresh without any context to set it against.

If the degree that a person is studying, is linked to what they are doing, I personally can't see how it would not be beneficial. Just because someone got a job without a qualification doesnt mean that a qualification would be of no use, or that the job is of a lesser level of integrity. Remember that it is only in the past 3-5 years that having a Social Care qualification is becoming a compulsory and almost legal requirement if people are looking for work in Social Care. I walked into my job nine years ago, with no experience whatsoever, purely because I was a male, and there are not many (well there weren't then) males working in the area. Today, balls or not, it would be extremely difficult to walk into the same job.

Education is always relevant and beneficial. It is also always difficult, but it is worth sticking out.

Ronan

Anyusername

Possible to get a first class honours or 2.1 in this course? Looking at Carlow it to do it and then a masters in Sw. Are you marked on placements or how does it work? Thanks

Ronan H

Anyusername wrote: »

Possible to get a first class honours or 2.1 in this course? Looking at Carlow it to do it and then a masters in Sw. Are you marked on placements or how does it work? Thanks

There are two variants of the course:

1. BA (Ord.) Social Care aKa Ordinary degree
2. BA (Hons.) Social Care aKa Honours degree

For the ordinary degree (3 years) it is graded in terms of Distinction, Merit, Pass etc.

For the honours degree (4 years) it is graded First Class Honours (1:1), Second Class Honours (2:1) etc.

Having a high grade in the honours course would give you the best chance of getting into the Social Work masters course, but I think it is also possible to be accepted with a very high grade ordinary degree also. Some masters courses have an interview based entry system, in which case, how you do in the interview can have a huge effect on getting accepted, even if one has an ordinary degree.

The placements are marked as a pass or fail. The academic end of the course is based on continuous assessment and written exams, and there is uaually a minimum attendance requirement also, 70% IIRC.

FYI, it is possible to get into the "in-service" degree course if you are employed in Social Care. The course runs one day a week and still includes placements etc. Entry to the in-service course is based on a written application (which includes a basic form and some mini essay type answers) and an interview.

Any other questions, just ask!

Ronan

Edit: My apologies, what I have said above does not apply to the NUI courses, not that I am aware of anyway. I do not know about the NUI course. My answer above is based on the DIT Social Care courses. Sorry about that, I lost track of the thread! :rolleyes:

I have left the answer as is however, as the last poster asked about Carlow, which is an IT (Institute of Technology) based course, and some of the information above will still apply.

Cracker_Jack

Aren't the Government trying to get rid of Social Workers? If memory puts me right, they are not replacing retirees.

Ronan H

This thread is moreso about Social Care qualifications rather than Social Work qualifications and/or Social Workers. There is a difference between Social Care Workers and Social Workers...

Regarding your comment, I haven't heard anything along the lines of the government wanting to get rid of Social Workers, in fact, evidence in the past year suggests the opposite because despite the recruitment freeze, my wifes HSE SW department have received a number of new team members. It appears to be one of the only sections of the HSE where they are still filling posts despite the freeze...

Cracker_Jack

These jobs are right in the firing line of budget cuts I'm afraid. I can't see them continuing in 2012 and certainly not in 2013 or thereafter. There are more budget cuts looming. This isn't really an area of high job availability.

Anyusername

Ronan H wrote: »

This thread is moreso about Social Care qualifications rather than Social Work qualifications and/or Social Workers. There is a difference between Social Care Workers and Social Workers...

Regarding your comment, I haven't heard anything along the lines of the government wanting to get rid of Social Workers, in fact, evidence in the past year suggests the opposite because despite the recruitment freeze, my wifes HSE SW department have received a number of new team members. It appears to be one of the only sections of the HSE where they are still filling posts despite the freeze...

Thanks for that. Not sure if will do masters as of yet. Would love to be able to shadow a sw but I know that is not possible so it's hard to know what to ! At least with social care you have some idea.

I have been reading the Shane Dunphy books, v v good and always wondered why he did not become a sw. Think he worked as a child protection worker and now teaches in WIT.

rustopher

i have completed 2 yrs now, is it worth teavelling to galway to finish the next 2 yrs? Is attendence a big issue as i have to travel a long way??? I know its been a while since anyone has posted here but i could do with some feedback!!??

Ronan H

Well, have you paid to do the course for the two years so far? If you have, and you don't continue, then you have paid out, what, €6000 so far for two years? Will that have been worthwhile if you don't go back and finish the next two years?

Attendance is always an issue. You should know after two years what the attendance requirement is, and if not, it not hard to find out. The more time you miss however, the harder it is going to be when it comes to exams and assignments, especially if you are considering flirting around the edges of the minimum attendance figures.

If you don't finish the course, it is almost a certainty that you will find it harder to find jobs in the area. That's not to say that you won't get jobs, but it will be harder to get them, and people with qualifications will generally have a better position in a job chase than someone without a qualification, not always, but usually. Would you be happy to work for someone who is willing to hire unqualified staff? That's not in line with National Standard in most cases.

Think about down the line, ten years, twenty years into your Social Care career. You might want to do a masters or specialise in something? You'll have to finish your degree before you will get into a masters at that stage. Will you be kicking yourself then? Are you serious about a life career in Social Care? Are you doing it for the sake or doing something? Are you really interested in Social Care? You have to ask yourself these questions. If you don't think you will be working in Social Care in a few years, then it might be wise to quit and try and figure out what you actually want to do. If you do want to pursue a career in SOcial Care then I think that quitting now would be the worst thing you could do.

Ro

rustopher

Thanks Ronan,

I reckon your right, today i received a reply to a job search saying I can not be concidered for the position without a degree. So I guess i will continue then. I asked because its getting closer to decision time, and people here are a bit sceptical of the degree on top of the fact that every year this course gets further and further away.:mad:

After spending near about what u said on fees, its better not to waste it now alright but reckon these 2 yrs are enough as i have seen enough courses in my life and i'm in my 30's now! Dunno will I ever get this job thing sorted...its depressing, i am still looking for work in relation to social care but i do volunteer a lot. Its time i got paid for some of the work i do!!! i am serious about the course, its interesting although broad, but i presume that will change next yr.

I asked about attendence because i didnt miss one class in the last 2 years but i rem others missed a good bit. I just reckon i wont make every class, but will make the effort.

Thanks again Ronan

Ronan H

rustopher wrote: »

its better not to waste it now alright but reckon these 2 yrs are enough as i have seen enough courses in my life and i'm in my 30's now

Hello again.

What do you mean when you say that you reckon these 2 years are enough?