Social Studies
Course Description
This course will benefit you if you are passionate about understanding contemporary issues. It also presents students with valuable insights into the best practices in caring for others. You and your fellow students debate and learn about pressing contemporary issues such as human rights, development, migration, identity, legal systems, poverty, religion, and social change, which are shaping the culture, economics and politics of Irish society and societies all around the world.
The overall aim of this course is to introduce you to the areas of sociology, psychology, law and social studies. This course will provide you with the opportunity to develop your understanding and awareness in the area of Applied Social Studies. You will also be engaged in valuable research projects.
Successful students may progress to further or higher education or gain employment in the social care sector. The course features an opportunity to gain experience in a voluntary capacity in a variety of organisations. The course includes educational field trips, research, guest speakers and practical team working projects for experience based learning.
Testimonials
To read some of our student testimonials be sure to scroll down to the 'Highlights' section below.
QQI Level 5
Applied Social Studies
5M2181
This is a one year full time course.
Leaving Certificate or equivalent. Applications are particularly sought from those with experience in voluntary or community organisations. Mature students without formal qualifications are most welcome to apply. All applicants are interviewed and places are awarded on suitability.
The following subjects may be offered:
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Social Studies
5N1370
Social Studies will introduce you to the area of sociology and social studies. You will develop your understanding and awareness of social issues by examining the writings of sociologists. You will learn to research and debate current issues in your own life and society in general. -
Intercultural Studies
5N0765
Intercultural Studies will equip you with the knowledge, skill and competence to explore, reflect and analyse your own and other cultures and examine the complexity of the relationships between cultures. These could include issues such as diversity, racism, prejudice, conflict, equality and interdependence. -
Psychology
5N0754
Psychology will introduces you to psychological perspectives, psychology as a science and psychological disorders. You will learn about of human behaviour and mental processes, as well as intervention strategies .It will provide you with the knowledge, skills and capacity to understand psychological processes and human behavior. -
Equality and Disability
5N1273
Equality and Disability will equip you with the knowledge, skill and competence to challenge personal and/or organisational behaviour that discriminates against people with disabilities. It will provide you with an awareness of the importance of equality for people with disabilities in all areas of society. -
Care Provision and Practice
5N2705
Care Provision and Practice will equip you with the knowledge, skill and understanding of the needs of client groups and the role and responsibilities of care workers whilst developing practical and interpersonal skills essential to the care of client groups in caring environments. -
Legal Practice and Procedures
5N1394
Legal Practice and Procedures is designed to give you a general understanding of legal principles and to enable you to appreciate the role of the law in your personal and working life. You will become familiar with the language, procedures and documents related to the law. -
Communications
5N0690
Communications facilitates will enable you to acquire the communication skills relevant to personal development. You will learn the importance of communication in human interaction. You will explore best practices in communicating the use of modern information and communications technology in a work environment. -
Work Experience
5N1356
Work Experience will provide you with the personal knowledge, skills and ability to participate in a professional working environment. It will equip you with the competencies necessary to gain future employment. -
Word Processing
5N1358
Word Processing will provide you with the necessary skills to use a word processing application to produce a variety of documents. This is a skill which is crucial to developing the professional standards and practices required for both further study and gaining employment. -
Extra Training Courses Provided
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You will receive First Aid Responder (FAR) training. This course meets the requirements of the Health and Safety Authority. This three day course will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide first aid should an emergency arise.
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Students will also receive patient handling training. Both courses will be provided by the Emergency Services Training Institute. The certification for each course is valid for two years.
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This course offers the opportunity to work in a number of voluntary and caring agencies. Links provided through work experience have led to students becoming full-time care assistants.
For full details on progression opportunities see these links:
Cork Colleges Progression Scheme
QQI Requirements
UCC
- BA Early Years and Childhood Studies (CK111)
- BSocSc. Social Studies (CK102)
- BA Arts (CK101)
MTU
- BA Social Care (CR031)
- BA Early Years Education (CR620)
Cork College of FET, Tramore Road Campus
- Social Studies 2, Certificate in Information, Advice and Advocacy, (QQI Level 6, 6M3115)
Students who wish to use the progression links to further studies will need to attain a certain level of achievement in their QQI award.
Special Features
The strong feature of this course is the range of work experience on offer to the student.
Links with family centres, youth organisations and a variety of other community groups provide a practical element essential to this course.
For students who may wish to pursue further study in the social sciences this course will equip you with the skills and attitudes necessary for success in higher or further education. On successful completion of the course students will have a solid foundation to pursue further academic achievement or seek employment in the caring profession.
Testimonials
Mary Taylor
Before I had started at CSN, I didn’t have much direction. I had finished my leaving cert badly as I had issues at secondary school. I didn’t have any plans for my future and ended up not knowing what to do.
I chose the Social Studies course at CSN as I enjoyed working with people. Despite this, I didn’t know how to make this a feasible route for my future. However, once I started the course, the lecturers gave me lots of guidance to assist me to get where I wanted. The course expanded my views by opening my eyes to new ways of thinking. The endless possibilities helped me focus and make goals. I then definitely knew what I wanted to do and the amazing lecturers showed me what I needed to do to accomplish this.
My favorite part of the course was my social studies project. We were given room to dive into an area we wanted to research. I chose to do mine on Cork prison. My lecturer put me in contact with a rehabilitation coordinator who invited me up for a tour of the prison. I got to interview him and other members of staff. I was delighted for this fantastic opportunity I now wish to work as a rehabilitation service worker. The college helped me achieve this. After I finished my project I went on to volunteer at the prison in the hopes to learn as much as possible.
I loved the practical aspect of the course where the theories and topics were brought to light by seeing them practiced during work placement. I was very lucky to do this at the Lios na nOg CSN crèche. At first I was scared as I had never worked with babies, but I quickly overcame the shock and loved every minute of it. I was confident due to how the course had prepared me for knowing how to care. The crèche showed me how to apply this knowledge in a range of different tasks.
It was difficult moving to a new area as I came from Kerry, but it soon became home with all the great friends I made along the way. I benefited massively from my time here; although it was short it has hugely bettered my life. Overall I can say that I am extremely grateful to have done the course. I feel as though I grew as a person and I now look forward to what next year will bring!
Reece Hawkins
The Social Studies in CSN was a wonderful course and great learning experience for me.
I chose this course as I have a great interest in Sociology along with helping others in care settings. I enjoyed every aspect about the course and I found the components very interesting.
While I found elements of components difficult the teachers at the college were fantastic and helped me immensely giving me as much support as possible in order for me to succeed at my studies this year. The college has been a great help in helping me to achieve my goal of a place in higher education. Next year I hope to go on to CIT and study Social Care.
Amanda Coleman
For four years I worked four years in retail, sales, and a deli. In 2017 I completed a QQI Level 5 Social Studies course. I began the Level 6 course at CSN in 2017.
This course has built confidence, ability to present, become more articulate and improve my interview skills. I gained more insights into social sector but this course also broadened my mind.
The mature student here can access 1-1 teaching, workshops, and acquire assignment writing skills.
My experience was one of being able to get great support and assistance. This course also enabled me to participate in valuable work experience on a SHEP programme. This course allowed me to achieve my aim of securing a place on the Social Work course in UCC.
Ciara Dennehy
"My time at CSN has given me a brilliant start to my adult life; I grew both academically and as a person this year."
When I left secondary school, I wasn't sure of what I wanted to do for the next few years, I didn't get the points that I wanted from my Leaving Certificate and I was at a loss.
Somebody suggested having a look at CSN's website and explained what qualifications I could get from doing a year there, and so I did. The course I chose was Social Studies 1. I chose this because every component in the course appealed to me, especially the psychology and legal practice and procedures component.
My year at CSN helped me so much, the teachers were so supportive, the encouragement from teachers really helped when the work got hard and they were always open to helping me when completing assignments and answering any questions I had.
The Communications, Word Processing, and Work Experience components were very beneficial to me, I did practice interviews, presentations and I did 60 hours of work experience which has prepared me for my future career. My teachers explored different career options and further education options with me and gave me a lot of guidance, next year I plan to do social science in UCC.
Reece Hawkins
Amanda Colman
Mary Taylor
Social Studies group
Megan & Mary
In This Section
prospectus
Fees
Student Services: €250
QQI exam fees: €50*
First Aid Responder training: €200
Manual Handling: €75
Field Trip: €25
Total: €600
Please note that only debit cards/Visa/MasterCard payments are acceptable for payment. The College cannot accept cash/cheque.
* Note: Students with medical cards are exempt from paying the QQI exam fee.
Course Director
Michelle Buckley and Vincent O'Brien
Phone: 021 2067624 or 021-2067644
Email: michelle.buckley@csn.ie, vincent.obrien@csn.ie
testimonials
My time at CSN has given me a brilliant start to my adult life; I grew both academically and as a person this year.
When I left secondary school, I wasn't sure of what I wanted to do for the next few years, I didn't get the points that I wanted from my Leaving Certificate and I was at a loss.
Somebody suggested having a look at CSN's website and explained what qualifications I could get from doing a year there, and so I did. The course I chose was Social Studies 1. I chose this because every component in the course appealed to me, especially the psychology and legal practice and procedures component.
My year at CSN helped me so much, the teachers were so supportive, the encouragement from teachers really helped when the work got hard and they were always open to helping me when completing assignments and answering any questions I had.
The Communications, Word Processing, and Work Experience components were very beneficial to me, I did practice interviews, presentations and I did 60 hours of work experience which has prepared me for my future career. My teachers explored different career options and further education options with me and gave me a lot of guidance, next year I plan to do social science in UCC.
Ciara Dennehy
For four years I worked four years in retail, sales, and a deli. In 2017 I completed a QQI Level 5 Social Studies course. I began the Level 6 course at CSN in 2017.
This course has built confidence, ability to present, become more articulate and improve my interview skills. I gained more insights into social sector but this course also broadened my mind.
The mature student here can access 1-1 teaching, workshops, and acquire assignment writing skills.
My experience was one of being able to get great support and assistance. This course also enabled me to participate in valuable work experience on a SHEP programme. This course allowed me to achieve my aim of securing a place on the Social Work course in UCC.
Amanda Coleman
The Social Studies in CSN was a wonderful course and great learning experience for me.
I chose this course as I have a great interest in Sociology along with helping others in care settings. I enjoyed every aspect about the course and I found the components very interesting.While I found elements of components difficult the teachers at the college were fantastic and helped me immensely giving me as much support as possible in order for me to succeed at my studies this year. The college has been a great help in helping me to achieve my goal of a place in higher education. Next year I hope to go on to CIT and study Social Care.
Reece Hawkins
Before I had started at CSN, I didn’t have much direction. I had finished my leaving cert badly as I had issues at secondary school. I didn’t have any plans for my future and ended up not knowing what to do.
I chose the Social Studies course at CSN as I enjoyed working with people. Despite this, I didn’t know how to make this a feasible route for my future. However, once I started the course, the lecturers gave me lots of guidance to assist me to get where I wanted. The course expanded my views by opening my eyes to new ways of thinking. The endless possibilities helped me focus and make goals. I then definitely knew what I wanted to do and the amazing lecturers showed me what I needed to do to accomplish this.
My favorite part of the course was my social studies project. We were given room to dive into an area we wanted to research. I chose to do mine on Cork prison. My lecturer put me in contact with a rehabilitation coordinator who invited me up for a tour of the prison. I got to interview him and other members of staff. I was delighted for this fantastic opportunity I now wish to work as a rehabilitation service worker. The college helped me achieve this. After I finished my project I went on to volunteer at the prison in the hopes to learn as much as possible.
I loved the practical aspect of the course where the theories and topics were brought to light by seeing them practiced during work placement. I was very lucky to do this at the Lios na nOg CSN crèche. At first I was scared as I had never worked with babies, but I quickly overcame the shock and loved every minute of it. I was confident due to how the course had prepared me for knowing how to care. The crèche showed me how to apply this knowledge in a range of different tasks.
It was difficult moving to a new area as I came from Kerry, but it soon became home with all the great friends I made along the way. I benefited massively from my time here; although it was short it has hugely bettered my life. Overall I can say that I am extremely grateful to have done the course. I feel as though I grew as a person and I now look forward to what next year will bring!
Mary Taylor
Tramore Road Campus is a wonderful college & the ethos is to support and help students to achieve their goals
Ursula Butler