Social Studies Department.
All courses are offered part-time over 13 weeks. Applicants will be invited to attend an interview and suitability assessment before a place is offered. Upon successful completion, students will receive a component certificate. Learners who are currently registered at Portlaoise Institute, please get in touch with the main office or student supports to register your interest in your chosen course. A full list of available courses is provided below—click on a course to learn more about its content and structure.
Part-Time Courses Commencing September 2026
This award provides learners with a foundational understanding of key psychological perspectives and their practical therapeutic applications. It explores major psychological theories, their core principles, associated therapies, and ethical considerations within care and other settings. Learners will gain insight into individual and group behaviour, research methods, and the role of ethics in psychology. The course also focuses on applying psychological theory and research to real-world work scenarios, including the examination of attitudes and beliefs. Upon successful completion, students will receive a component certificate. Learners currently registered are asked to contact the administrator to register their interest in their chosen course.
This course will run Tuesdays 9:00am -13:15pm
This course equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and understanding to explore intercultural issues in a diverse and changing society. Learners examine culture, identity, racism, prejudice, stereotyping, inclusion, conflict, migration, and the influence of media on attitudes and cultural representation. The course encourages learners to reflect on their own values and cultural identity while developing respect for others and an understanding of diversity. Through research and discussion, learners explore relevant legislation, intercultural conflict, peace-building, and ways to promote inclusive behaviour in settings such as workplaces, schools, clubs, and communities.
This course will run every Monday from 9:00am -13:15pm
This course equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and understanding to explore the development, roles, and challenges of family life in Ireland. Learners examine changing family patterns, family structures, marriage, parenting, gender roles, and the stages of both individual and family life cycles. The course also considers issues that can affect family wellbeing, including separation, divorce, disability, mental illness, addiction, trauma, violence, and abuse. Through this study, learners develop an understanding of healthy family relationships, child development, support services, and therapeutic approaches that can help families manage challenges and strengthen family life.
This course will run every Friday from 9:00am -13:15pm
This award aims to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and competence to understand the causes, range, and effects of intellectual disabilities while promoting the social model of support and recognising the roles of professionals in meeting individual needs. Learners will explore appropriate terminology, the advantages and disadvantages of medical and social models, and the impact of intellectual disabilities on individuals and families. The programme emphasises dignity, choice, and inclusion, while fostering positive attitudes and understanding of historical and current services in Ireland. It also focuses on teamwork, quality service provision, and the role of multidisciplinary professionals in supporting people with intellectual disabilities.
This course will run Thursday‘s 9:00am-13:15pm
This course equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to support the practice of speech and language therapy. Learners explore the role and responsibilities of the speech and language therapy assistant, the therapy process, and the factors that influence receptive and expressive communication, including cognition, perception, and behaviour. The course also examines supports for interpersonal communication, safe management of eating and drinking difficulties, and working effectively with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams. Through reflection and practical learning, learners develop the ability to assist speech and language therapists in preparing and implementing therapeutic programmes.
This course will run every Tuesday and Wednesday from 2:00pm -4:00pm
This module equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to work effectively in a range of community and social care settings. Learners explore human growth and development from conception through to old age, including physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development across the lifespan. The course helps learners recognise individual needs, understand factors that can affect development, and develop appropriate interpersonal and communication skills. It also encourages self-awareness, empathy, and confidence when supporting people at different stages of life and in a variety of care settings.
This course will run every Tuesday from 9:00am -13:15pm