This course offers an opportunity for learners to acquire the knowledge, skill, and competence to work under supervision in a variety of social and community care settings, or to progress to further or higher education and training.

Our Full Award can be used for entry to Higher Education through the CAO system and this course will prepare learners academically for progressing to higher education.

Certification: QQI level 5 Award in Community Care (5M2786)

Modules: Modules offered will vary each term. Learners can also choose to do between 1 and 4 modules up to 18 hours timetable per week.

• Equality and Disability (January to May)

• Human Growth and Development (January to May)

• Special Needs Assisting (January to May)

• Communications (January to May)

• Safety & Health at Work (September to December)

• Social Studies (September to December)

• Care Provision and Practice (September to December)

• Work Experience (September to December)

• Assignment Preparation

Course Requirements: For those with English as a second language, a good standard of both written and spoken English is required.

Places available: 10

Progression Routes:

• Third Level Education: Apply directly to an undergraduate degree or to Access Programmes in institutions such as UCD, Trinity College or Carlow IT (Clermont Campus)

• Further Education: Specialise in a specific area, for example a QQI Level 6 Award in Social and Vocational Integration (6M2218) or Inclusive Education and Training (6M2263)

• Employment as a care assistant in a variety of social, community or healthcare related fields.

• **Important Information regarding CORU**

  From 30th November 2025 the professional title ‘social care worker’ will become a protected title and only those registered with the Social Care Workers Registration Board will be permitted to use this title.

  CORU, Ireland’s Health and Social Care Professionals Regulator, will open the Register for Social Care Workers on 30th November 2023.

  Level 5 courses are not approved by the Social Care Workers Registration Board of CORU. A list of approved courses can be found here: CORU Approved Qualifications, Social Care Workers