With the influx of refugees and a growing demand for services to assist the Travelling community, Dr Alastair Christie of the Social Science department at UCC predicts that there will be plenty of jobs for social workers with the remit expanding well beyond that of childcare, which up to now, has been the main area of activity for this profession.
Christie is overseeing the launch of a new professional degree in social work with a European dimension at UCC. This course trains students to Irish professional level but in addition provides opportunities for learning a European language and gaining practical experience in another European country. The degree starts with a foundation year in the social sciences which offers students a basic grounding in economics, psychology, social policy, social work and sociology. The second, third and fourth years build on this foundation to develop critical understandings of social work practices and theories, all in a wider international context.
The department has developed links with partner universities in Europe so that students can go on study visits and practical placements outside Ireland. "Previously, what was available here was a three-year undergraduate course in social science. That's finished now. We had the last intake three years ago. This four-year full-time course incorporates approaches to learning appropriate for adult learners," explained Christie. "It will provide successful candidates with the National Qualification in Social Work (NQSW) as well as a degree. Those completing the course also meet European professional standards and are, therefore, eligible to pursue professional employment in Ireland and other EU countries."
The bachelor of social work with European pathway has been specifically designed for mature students (at least 23 years) who have relevant professional or life experience and who can demonstrate their potential to complete an undergraduate course.
"The European orientation will provide students with modules in European social policy and how they can be adapted to an Irish setting. Language classes are being offered. We're placing great emphasis on language, culture, communications and the notion of being able to work in the multi-cultural society that Ireland is becoming. We also have a number of students from outside Ireland coming to study here," said Christie.
The new degree course started last October and is currently recruiting new students.
"We have 18 Irish-based students on the course at the moment. Last year, we had Germans and Norwegians coming over here for work placement. At the moment, we have two people from Italy and a student from Austria. They sit in on discussions with the Irish students. The aim of bringing in foreigners is to enrich the discussion about the possibilities of social work in Ireland. People without any formal qualification can do the course but they must have experience in a related area, either at a voluntary level or in a professional capacity. They apply by completing an application form they're asked to write two small pieces about why they want to become a social worker and they must also write a book review. We assess from that whether they're academically able. A lot of people are interested in applying for this course and the qualification will allow people to work in Europe. Previously, the course we offered only allowed social workers to practice in England or Ireland," said Christie.
"What we're offering is unique in Ireland. The undergraduate course in Trinity is not specifically geared towards mature students, nor does it have a European approach," he said.
Student Sara O'Brien says: "It's an interesting course which encompasses both academic and practical work experience in the field of social work. The European component of the course adds a unique dimension as it provides individuals with an invaluable opportunity to travel and familiarise themselves with European culture."
Another student, Kate Lordan, says: "It's a course with a wide range of interesting subjects, including opportunities to learn a European language and look at social work in Ireland from a European context."
