Long-Term Course
Most options will be offered in the mornings or early afternoons, three days a week.
DURATION
This is a one year course.

Access to Education with Social Studies

(Class Codes AC1S)

This is a specialised course structure developed from many years of understanding and meeting the needs of the adult learner. (Primarily aimed at adults returning to education).

Access with social studies is an ideal course for adult learners who are returning to education or would like broaden their educational experience. This programme provides students with both an academic and practical platform to engage in further study and/or enter employment.

Course features include an emphasis on tutorial style teaching with regular feedback sessions, the opportunity to experience a broad range of subjects and career guidance.

Students will be offered eight level five modules timetabled over five mornings a week. Students will have the opportunity of attaining a Level 5 Certificate in Community and Health Services (DCHSX)

Students should have an interest in the social sciences or related disciplines. Although not necessary some practical experience in the area would be beneficial.

Special Features

• Classes are generally timetabled for morning or early afternoon.
• Students undertake mandatory work placement during this course.
• The college prides itself in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere that offers every encouragement to learners.

Course Content

The modules offered on this course will enrich the student’s knowledge and understanding of the social sciences. (Modules offered are subject to change).

CORE SUBJECT AREAS

• Social Studies
• Human Growth and Development
• Care, Provision and Practice
• Word Processing
• Communications
• Intercultural Studies
• Legal Studies
• Work Experience

Students who wish to obtain an award must complete eight level five modules

Award
Students that successfully complete this programme will obtain a FETAC Level Five Award in Community and Health Services Award. DCHSX is the FETAC Award code.

Employment

Employment opportunities may be offered in community projects and the caring professions.

Progression

Students may progress from this course to further studies in related areas at University College Cork, Cork Institute of Technology or any other third level institution.

Course Director

Eddie Fleming
ed.fleming@csn.ie

Student testimonials

"This course allowed me to participate in learning in a given period which was instrumental to my personal, professional and family needs. Returning to further education is new territory for many people and the course allowed me to take part in a form of learning, while simultaneously supporting the on going events in one's family. I have personally benefited from the course at Stiofáin Naofa and it enabled me to proceed to third level education at UCC in which I am now a third year student Social Worker. Indeed the FETAC level 5 provided me with a second chance to returning to education, given that I had left the education system prematurely in the late sixties."

Helen Deasy Chapman

" I am thrilled at being given a 2nd chance at education. Learning as an adult is completely different. CSN is a great place to learn - very friendly and the tutors couldn’t be more helpful. My advice to anyone thinking about doing this course - don’t think about it any
longer, try it. No matter what problems you may think you will encounter, there is so much help and support available that I’m sure a solution will be found."

Sharon Mullins, Year 2, Access with Business

Read more testimonials here