When does the course begin and end each year?

The course will begin with the first module releasing online in September and will end with the submission of the final written assignment by the student in June.

How much are the fees?

The fee for the first year students starting in September 2010 is €2,980. The College has endeavoured to maintain fees at the current rate for the last number of years.

Please note that the College is offering a saving of €100 to those who submit their application before the June 30th deadline.

Students undertaking this course en route to the BA award, may be entitled to tax relief of 20%, a saving of approximately €600 for the student each year.  Students are advised to contact their local inspector of taxes to confirm eligibility.  More information and the relevant form is available here on the Revenue Commissioners’ website.

The College also supports all students with an annual fees instalment plan. The discount for applying before the June 30th deadline is deducted from the final instalment.

Can you describe the course?

This is a degree programme consisting of 5 modules of study per year.  The model of delivery is ‘supported open learning’.  This is a distance learning approach incorporating significant supports for the student. Among the supports is a workshop/seminar where attendance is optional.  Please click here for a comprehensive overview of the delivery model and here for the course brochure.  On successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded the degree – a HETAC accredited programme at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

What is a workshop/Seminar?

A workshop/seminar is a classroom setting where students learn through lecture and group participation.  At the beginning of each workshop the student is given course materials.  Students now have the option of accessing all these materials online.   At the end of the workshop, the student is given details of a written assignment.

Where are the workshops held and how often?

Workshops are normally held regionally in Dublin, Cork and Galway.  There are five workshops each year (0-5 days commitment from the student per year).
Workshop hours: usually 9:00am – 5:00pm, on a weekday.  The College reserves the right to change the workshop hours and the location of workshops as needs dictate.

How much time is given to complete assignments and mail them to the College?

Each assignment is due within a specified time that is chosen by the tutor, usually within 6-8 weeks.  The tutor is available for telephone/email tutorials on a regular basis throughout this time.  There is a ‘helpdesk’ available to students who require further support.

What are the entry requirements?

The applicant must be: 1) over 23 years of age, or have completed the Leaving Certificate, and 2) be employed in the disability sector for a minimum of 1 year.  Exceptional circumstances will be recognised.

What if I don’t work full-time in the disability sector?

To be eligible for the course one would need to volunteer with a recognised disability agency for a minimum of 10 hours per week. Some additional information will be be  required from volunteers.  Click here for the relevant form.

How do I apply?

Fill out the application form and send it to the OTC Applications Office before June 30th, along with

• 2 passport photos
• a cheque, draft or postal order for €80 made out to the Open Training College
• a copy of photo identification
• a copy of all previous third level educational qualifications and transcripts

More details about the application procedure can be found here.

What if I miss the June 30th deadline?

If your application is received after the June 30th deadline, the College will accept it and include the name on a waiting list provided the application is complete.  All applicants are required to attend an Applicants Day (a half-day information session).

Return to the BA (Ordinary) in Applied Social Studies (Disability) page

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