Youth & Community Work
The Diploma in Youth and Community Work offers students the opportunity to develop professional skills and gain a good understanding of the theory that guides good practice.
| Award Name | Special Purpose Diploma (Level 7 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 7 NFQ |
| Award Name | Special Purpose Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Purpose Diploma (Level 7 NFQ) | Special Purpose | National University of Ireland | Level 7 NFQ |
| Special Purpose Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Special Purpose | National University of Ireland | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
2 years part-time.
Entry Requirements
The programme will be taken part-time over a two-year period.
Applicants for entrance into the Programme must be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application
Have Leaving Certificate (or equivalent qualification) or FETAC Level 5 qualification
Candidates who do not have Leaving Certificate or FETAC Level 5 but are over 21 years of age and have a minimum of 2 years relevant experience may be deemed suitable, subject to the approval of the CACE Committee
Applicants must satisfy Garda Vetting requirements. Candidates may be required to attend for an interview before being permitted to progress to Year 2
English Language Requirement: All applicants whose first language is not English must have attained IELTS Level 6 or the equivalent TOEFL score
Diploma programmes are offered subject to a minimum number of eligible applicants registering for the programme. Following completion of year 1 of this programme, should a sufficient number of eligible students not wish to progress form year 1 to year 2 of this programme as to make the year 2 viable, students will graduate with a certificate at that point. Programme viability is determined by reference to fee income and applicable costs in running the programme.
Candidates who successfully complete First Year may opt not to proceed to Second Year and may exit the programme with a Certificate in Youth and Community Work.
Careers / Further progression
Skills and Careers Information
The course opens access to full time third level education. Past students have progressed to level 8 and 9 courses in UCC, LIT, CIT, UL, Maynooth and Mary Immaculate College. The Diploma was their first step to obtaining qualifications in the areas of addiction studies, social care, regeneration studies and social work.
The Diploma enhances employment opportunities. It has a high profile with local agencies who welcome applications from our graduates. It is not unusual for participation in practice placement to lead to employment. Many of the lecturers work with local agencies and can highlight essential employment skills and opportunities.
Further information
START DATE September 2023
VENUE
UCC
€990 per academic year
CLOSING DATE 8 September 2023
The Diploma in Youth and Community Work offers students the opportunity to develop professional skills and gain a good understanding of the theory that guides good practice. This is a two-year part-time programme, that explores different approaches to working with groups in a variety of settings to create a positive social environment. Students learn to trace the development of social intervention from its historical beginnings to its current form. The modules are designed for students to develop a multitude of skills including reflective practice, group work and facilitation, strategic planning, report writing and to engage with research. Students also learn the different theoretical approaches to Youth and Community Work.
In Year 2 of the programme, students will complete 100 hours of placement with a local agency, under the guidance of the course placement officer. The placement element of the programme gives students the opportunity to bring theory to practice and further develop their skills and knowledge while engaging in reflective learning through the supervision process. Students will also learn about the different models of youth and community work, theories of poverty and social exclusion, and also gain insights into the practical skills required to run youth and community projects.
This course runs one evening per week from September/October to May.
In UCC it will run on Tuesday evening from 6.00pm - 9.00pm.
Students will attend one lecture per week which will be supported by tutorials and in addition, there are a number of Saturday worshops. The course is also supported by the UCC Skills Centre which is an invaluable resource for students when completing assignments and students also have full access to the Boole Library. Students on this course can also avail of the many supports offered to full-time students, including, Student Health and Counselling, Disability Support Services if eligible, the Mardyke Arena and many other services available to UCC.
The Diploma in Youth and Community Work equips students with skills and knowledge to work in the field. There is a strong focus on building professional skills for people interested in working in Youth and Community Work, or for those already involved in the field and wish to further their knowledge and professional development. Students are engaged in dynamic discussions, group work, public speaking and confidence building through mini-presentations. If you are interested in working in the community, are already an employee or a volunteer and wish to further your education, this course is for you.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
You will undertake a placement in a youth/community agency during year 2. This gives you the opportunity to apply your understanding of theory and professional skills and to reflect on the experience. Prior to commencing placement you will compile an agency profile of the organisation you will be working with.
The Modules for the Diploma are as follows:
Year 1
SS1802 Introduction to Youth and Community Work
SS1805 Introduction to Research Methods in Youth and Community Work
SS1819 Principles and Practices of Youth and Community Work
SS1822 Core Skills in Youth and Community Work
Year 2
SS2801 Practice Placement - Youth and Community Work
SS2802 Models of Youth and Community Work
SS2813 Social Analysis: Disadvantage and Social Inclusion
SS2814 Managing Youth and Community Projects
The Diploma in Youth and Community Work is fully assesssed through continuous assessment which includes, reflective journals, essays, presentations, community profiles, research reports and placement reflections. There is one assignment for each 5-credit module and two assignment for 10-credit modules. Lecturers and tutors willl guide students on how to approach the assignments and further supports are available through the Skills Centre.
For Academic Queries and Course Content Queries please contact the Programme Coordinator:
UCC Cork: Dr Patricia McGrath, patriciamcgrath@ucc.ie
Limerick outreach centre: Natasha Dromey, natasha.dromey@ucc.ie
If you require further assistance with your online application please contact the Programme Administrator Siobhan Hosford at siobhanhosford@ucc.ie.