Diploma in Community Development Practice

Diploma in Community Development Practice                    30 ECTS

The Diploma in Community Development Practice is a part-time programme, designed to enable community activists gain a thorough understanding of community development combined with the practical skills necessary to work effectively in development work. Students  completing the Diploma programme study six modules and complete a project.

Intended for

The Community Development Practice programmes are suitable for participants who are actively involved in community development work and who wish to obtain formal skills in this area.

Entry Requirements

Candidates must have experience of working in a community or voluntary organisation. There are no special educational requirements for entry to the course. Selection of students will be made on the basis of informal interviews following the completion of an application form. Numbers accepted on this course will be limited.

Course Structure

The Diploma course involves a minimum of 270 hours on instruction and project work. Class sessions are normally held on one evening each week throughout the academic year as well as special weekend seminars and workshops which are arranged in consultation with class members.

Course Modules

• Community Development Theory and Practice
• Communication, Group Work and Leadership Skills
• Research Techniques                                 
• Social Analysis
• Public Policy                                                      
• Project Planning, Development and Evaluation

Seminars

A number of special interest workshops and fieldtrips will be organised during the course, reflecting the needs and interests of the course participants.

Field Trips

Field trips will be organised for course members throughout the year. These visits to other community development projects will give participants opportunities to make contact with the practice of community development in other locations.

Project Work

As part of this course, each participant will be required to work on a specific practical project of behalf of the community of which they are a member. These projects will provide a valuable opportunity for the transfer of skills to groups in relation to planning local develop­ment projects. They will also facilitate the involvement of other members of community organisations in the activities of the Diploma programme.

Student Support

A system of support for course work and projects is provided to participants by experienced locally based practitioners and development workers. Course participants will be assigned a project advisor who will assist them, and their groups, with project work.

Assessment

Each aspect of the course will be monitored by the Course Director and course tutors who are based locally. Participants’ work will be examined by means of continuous assessment. An assignment must be completed for each course module in addition to the project carried out with their community organisations. Participants will be required to reach a pass standard in each assignment.

Certification

NUI Galway will award participants who successfully complete the course an NUI Diploma in Community Development Practice. This is equivalent to 30 credits in a related discipline within the European Credit Transfer System.

Application Procedure

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2012-2013 Diploma in Community Development Practice in Galway city. Completed applications must be received no later than  5.00pm on Friday, 5th October 2012. Please note that we cannot accept e-mailed applications.

2012-2013 Diploma in Community Development Practice application form (PDF version)

Diploma in Community Development Practice Frequently Asked Questions document (Word version)

Diploma in Community Development Practice Frequently Asked Questions document (PDF version)

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

Phone: 091 495241 / 091 524411 ext. 5241
E-mail: community.ednuigalway.ie

Diploma in Community Development Practice Brochure

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