B.A. in Community and Family Studies

BA in Community and Family Studies Course Brochure

Intended for:

This programme was developed in response to the continuing education needs of personnel working in community/voluntary and state sectors actively supporting Community and Family life in a rapidly changing society.  It is an interdisciplinary programme drawing upon selected components of Sociology, Politics, Community development, Family Studies and Law.  It is a broad educational programme which places specific emphasis on knowledge and skills for personnel working within a broad range of sectors which seek to support and enable families and communities to function effectively within society.

Distance Learning

This new NUI Diploma/ BA programme is designed specifically to create accessible, student centred learning opportunities within the Social Sciences. Core open learning materials, developed by NUI Galway practitioners and experts in the field of Community and Family support, will be provided to students at the start of the programme.  The cost of learning materials and the tuition is included in the programme fee.  Each programme consists of a combination of learning materials, workshops and assignments.  The workshops will be held at a number of geographic locations throughout Ireland.

Programme content

The BA programme is devised on a modular, credit basis.  Each module carries a specific number of credits.  The maximum number of credits that a student can attain each year is 45 credits.  An NUI Diploma in Community and Family Studies is awarded on attaining 90 credits and a Bachelor of Arts in Community and Family Studies degree on attaining 180 credits.

Entry requirements

Applicants for the programme should meet the University’s requirements for mature students. Formal academic qualifications are not required to commence the BA in Community and Family Studies.  Students are selected following an assessment process including interview.

Application procedure

Apply online at www.nuigalway.ie/apply

Alternatively, application forms are available from and should be returned to:

Programme Administrator
Community Education Centre
Hygeia Office Block
Nun's Island
NUI Galway.

Application Forms may also be downloaded here: 

BA in Community and Family Studies application form

Fees Scholarship Programme 2012 - 2013 application form

Scholarship Scheme to reduce fees by up to 50% for those in receipt of:

Job Seekers Benefit

Or

Job Seekers Allowance

Or

One-Parent Family Payment

This reduction applies solely in relation to fees for the forthcoming academic year 2012-2013. Students must be registered for one of the payments outlined above to be considered eligible for the fee reduction.  All interested students will be required to formally apply for the Scholarship Scheme and complete the necessary documentation.  Applicants must also provide a statement from their local Social Welfare Office confirming receipt of the above payments to justify financial support from the University for this Scheme.  Candidates not meeting the above criteria, but who have recently become unemployed, may also apply. Such candidates will be required to furnish evidence of their unemployment status and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. 

The Course will commence in late September, further details and timetables will follow on receipt of Application Form.

Duration/attendance requirements

The modular structure of the programme allows students to proceed at their own pace. A series of 1 to 2 day workshops are scheduled throughout the academic year (September to May) which students must attend – this equates to approximately one workshop per month.

Assessment

Students must attend workshops and submit an assignment for each module. Students must also submit a project at the end of each year of study. A proportion of marks are also based on written examinations.

Where to from here?

Within NUI Galway there are a number of Master's Programmes which may be of interest to students on successful completion of the BA in Community  and Family Studies; for example, M.A. in Community Development, M.A in Family Support Studies, M.A. in Social Work.

Award

NUI Diploma in Community and Family Studies / NUI BA in Community and Family Studies.

Annual fee

The fee for this programme is €2,900 per year. A deposit of €300 must accompany the application form. Unsuccessful applicants will be refunded this fee. The remaining course fees may then be paid over three instalments. In the event that course fees are being sponsored on behalf of a student (e.g. by employer) appropriate payment arrangements will be agreed with the student involved.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions - BA in Community and Family Studies

  * Please note that the information on this page is subject to change.  

Enquiries

Programme Administrator
NUI Galway Community Education Centre
Hygeia Office Block
Nun's Island
Galway City

Phone: 091- 495472 / 091 - 495786
E-mail: community.ednuigalway.ie

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