Course Description
BA in Contemporary Disability Studies – Level 7 – Autumn 2024
Open Training College
- Next Commencement – Autumn 2024 (subject to minimun numbers)
- Application Deadline: Date TBD
- Applications open in Late March: OTC Online Application Centre
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The Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Disability Studies is a QQI accredited, 3-year degree course for people working in the disability and social care sector. It provides participants with the social care skills required to deliver effective person centred services.
Achieving this involves:
- Developing a detailed understanding of disability service provision and the role/critical importance of the person centred approach to it
- Acquiring the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to implement a person centred approach to supporting a service user
- Possessing the ability to deliver person centred services on behalf of an organisation
Contents
The course is based on:
- Our expertise in the disability and broader social care area
- Ongoing feedback from course participants
- Input from people who use the services
- Input from employers, professional bodies and regulatory authorities on staff training requirements
This is reflected in the choice of learning objectives, course materials and the award winning approach that has been developed to deliver the course.
Learning Objectives
After successfully completing the course you will be able to:
- Discuss and critically analyse the evolution, development and current state of the Irish social care and disability sector
- Describe, in detail, the social policy and legislative context in which disability services operate
- Analyse the legislative and social policy framework governing the social care profession
- Critically evaluate the use of quality systems in the disability and broader social care sector
- Explain where the person centred approach fits within the Irish disability services environment and discuss what it offers service users
- Use a person centred approach to providing services that deliver greater empowerment and better quality of service for individuals
- Support service users through a range of life experiences and events
- Use a range of communications skills, training techniques and professional practices to ensure optimal service provision
Blended Learning
The course uses a ‘blended’ approach. Each module combines online learning, tutorials (telephone, online, virtual) and (virtual) face to face workshops. Some workshops will be held online, and some will be in-person (Marino Institute of Education), providing the student with an optimal balance for flexibility and ‘on-campus’ experience.
Learning materials are designed to accommodate the pressures that come with trying to balance work, life and learning. They make it possible to build study time around your work schedule.
Underpinning all of this is our learning community. This is made up of tutors who have extensive first-line experience, learning support staff who understand the human challenges people can face when attending college and our students who are defined by their commitment to supporting each other. We believe this creates a learning experience that is unique to the OTC, one that meets the requirements of people working in our sector and improves the quality of service our users receive.
This is known as the Supported Open Learning Model.
Qualification
Successful completion of the course will lead to a BA in Contemporary Disability Studies*.
This is a QQI approved major award at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
It may allow progression to the Honours BA in Contemporary Disability Studies, a Level 8 programme.
Please apply via the OTC Online Applications Centre on the OTC website opentrainingcollege.com.
To find out more, or to apply, please contact Conor:
- 086 0756580 (Business hours 9am-5pm)
- cmurray@opentrainingcollege.com, or
- visit our website: opentrainingcollege.com.
*Please note: This programme is not relevant for social care registration with CORU.
Please also note: Some individual modules are available on a standalone, CPD basis. Contact the College for more information.
Course Code | PG22384 |
College Name | Open Training College |
Course Category | Disability Studies, Humanities & Social Sciences |
Course Type | Blended Learning - Mix of Classroom & Online |
Course Qualification | Ordinary Bachelor Degree |
Course Location | Dublin, Ireland |
Location Postcode | Dublin 9 |
Course Start Date | 15th November 2023 |
Course End Date | 22nd June 2026 |
Course Fee | 3,952 pa |
Course Duration | Three Years |
Course Times | The course uses a ‘blended’ approach. Each module combines online learning, tutorials (telephone, online, virtual) and face to face workshops/webinars. Learning materials are designed to accommodate the pressures that come with trying to balance work, life and learning. They make it possible to build study time around your work schedule. Regular online tutorials will expand your knowledge of the topic and answer any questions you have as you study. Each one-day seminar focuses on how the module topic is impacting the sector, will deepen your understanding of the subject matter and help you apply it in your working practice. The next course will commence in Autumn 2024* *Subject to minimum numbers. |
Awarding Body | QQI |
Title of Awarding | BA in Contemporary Disability Studies |
Entry Requirements | - Applicants must be 23 years at time of application; OR have successfully completed a FET (120 credits) /QQI Level 5 Certificate or Leaving Certificate* OR HET (60 credits)/QQI Level 6 Certificate. - All applicants must be employed or volunteering in a service for people with disabilities for at least 10 hours a week. - International Applicants must provide appropriate documentary evidence of proficiency in English (e.g. IELTS 6.0). •*Leaving Certificate applicants will require a grade O6/H7 in five subjects; these subjects must include Maths and English or Irish. (Foundation level mathematics will meet the minimum entry requirement where a grade F2 or higher is achieved.) |
Career Path | Successful completion of this course will allow you to apply for jobs within disability services. There are many different roles being generated within disability services to support people in the community, employment and through the increase in independent living opportunities. In addition various modules can be studied independently to support the CPD for your profession. Please note: This programme is not relevant for social care registration with CORU. Progression: Students who successfully complete this course may progress to the Honours BA in Contemporary Disability Studies, a Level 8 degree. |
Course Provider
Open Training College
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Open Training College
Goatstown, D14 P9E4, Dublin
Republic of Ireland