Cian Loakman graduated with a BA (Hons) in Applied Social Studies in Professional Social Care in 2022. He is currently working as a Social Care Worker with Pathways Ireland Children’s Residential Service.
Why Carlow College for your studies?
I chose Carlow College as I felt the highly qualified professors and lecturers with their better teaching methodologies provided the ideal learning environment for me as a student. I felt that Carlow College had the best support for me – I wasn’t just a number in the classroom, the Lecturers knew who I was which helped me in my studies.
Perfect balance of theory and practice
I like that it had a balance of theory and practice-based approach. The two 13-week work practice placements really helped me to experience what it was like to be a social care worker. This hands-on experience really helped me get a better understanding of how to apply all the theories we learnt about to the job.
Preparation for future career
This degree prepares me in many ways such as applying theory to practice. How you can be a team player and how important it is to have professional boundaries. One of the most important things that this degree has prepared me for is the importance of supervision and how you use it to help develop your skills as a social care worker.
The first step to qualifying as a Social Care Worker is to complete the Level 7 BA in Applied Social Studies (Professional Social Care).Â
To progress their studies, students have the option to complete an add-on year to achieve a BA (Hons) in Applied Social Studies (Professional Social Care).Â
