SOCIAL SCIENCES

CORU Approval – ATU Sligo’s Social Care Practice is Ireland’s first

ATU Sligo’s BA (Hons) in Social Care Practice became the first Higher Education Provider in Ireland to receive approval by professional regulator CORU. The degree was developed over thirty years ago and has a long and established history in Ireland.

CORU (Health and Social Care Professionals Council) is the body responsible for regulating health and social care professions such as social care, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. One of the functions of CORU is to approve the education and training required for entry to the social care workers register.

Head of Faculty of Business and Social Sciences Dr. Breda McTaggart said “While social care has a long and distinguished history in Ireland, the professional regulation of this sector is something we have all looked forward to for many years. To be the first Higher

Education Provider in Ireland to do so is testament to the degree, our academic staff, and students. We are privileged to be able to actively contribute to the fields of social care and social work professional practice.” ATU Sligo also offer a Masters in Social Work which is also accredited by CORU.

Bachelor of Education in ATU Sligo one of only three in Ireland

ATU Sligo’s Bachelor of Education (Hons) in Early Education and Care is one of three Higher Education Institutions offering this focused education curriculum. The degree, which was recently redeveloped, focuses on children’s early education and care needs from birth to six years of age and is aimed at supporting the evolving Early Learning and Care (ELC) sector.

Modules such as STEAM have been developed, and all graduates will achieve a Digital Badge based on the principles of Universal Design for Learning. Children learn through play, and students on the redeveloped programme will study several modules focusing on this important aspect of children’s lives, such as Outdoor and Nature Based Play, Children’s Play, and Pedagogy.

Placement in various ELC services, including centre-based services, County Childcare Committees, and primary schools, has always been a vital component of the programme, with students undertaking two, thirteen-week