Ireland, amongst other countries, continues to face many social challenges. A career in social care practice is challenging and also uniquely rewarding, as graduates can make a real difference to people’s lives. Social Care Practice is a dynamic and continuously developing field that is now a professionally regulated career under CORU, along with other health and social care professions. Throughout this honours degree, students develop their critical thinking skills, have a greater understanding of human interaction and how to respond in a professional and informed way to the needs of people who use support services.

Professional practice placement is an integral part of this programme where students complete two 13-week blocks in professional social care practice settings. Here, students are supported to apply and develop their skills and competencies in the field, thus emerging as confident, self-aware, experienced and professional social care practitioners.

Role-play is an active and engaging learning strategy within the ATU Sligo Social Care Practice Programme. It is used in teaching, learning and assessment opportunities. In order to meet the requirements of the approved programme students are required to take part in this learning activity.