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About NUI Galway
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At NUI Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Youth & Community Development Practice (Diploma)
Course Overview
The Diploma in Youth and Community Development Practice is a one-year part-time course designed to enable community activists and youth workers gain a thorough understanding of youth and community development, combined with the practical skills necessary to work effectively in this field. Participants will have the opportunity to explore youth and community development in detail and to learn from the experiences of initiatives elsewhere. The Diploma combines course modules, seminars, project work and field trips in order to provide a comprehensive educational experience for participants.
Course Aim:
Deliver training to youth and community workers/volunteers to develop their capacity to promote community development, education, community involvement, active citizenship and social inclusion in working with young people.
Course Objectives:
- To build the skills of community development/youth work participants;
- To ensure that the ethos and methodology of youth work and Community Development is understood and maintained;
- To develop the capacity of youth and community workers to facilitate groups in their community.
- To develop and promote links between Youth Work and Community Development;
- To give participants a thorough understanding of the nature of Irish society;
- To give participants an understanding of the public policy and administrative context in which development takes place;
- To promote and engender community involvement, active citizenship and a social inclusion ethos for all Youth and Community Development activities
- To develop the confidence and self-reliance of participants and provide them with a range of skills which will enable them to:
- work effectively as a Youth Worker/Community Development Facilitator
- lead youth and community development initiatives at local level
- communicate effectively with local groups as well as public and private agencies
- plan, develop, implement and evaluate youth and community initiatives, groups and courses
Applications and Selections
Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Applications System. This course is listed under Adult Learning & CPD Courses Application.
Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information.
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
The Diploma course involves a minimum of 270 hours of instruction and project work. Class sessions are held on a Thursday morning from 10am – 1pm each week throughout the academic year as well as special Saturday seminars and workshops which are scheduled across the academic year.
There are also two Saturdays per term when attendance at workshops or fieldtrips are required, and a minimum of 75% attendance per term and overall is mandatory in order to successfully complete the course.
In addition to the above mentioned attendance requirement, participants will submit assignments for each module (including a profile and a project) and will be required to reach a pass standard in all relevant coursework. Each aspect of the course will be monitored by the programme board and will be delivered by course tutors who are based locally.
*To be considered as an adult student and therefore eligible to participate on these courses which are under the remit of the NUI Galway Centre for Adult Learning & Professional Development, an applicant must have reached 21 years of age on or before 1st January of the year of proposed entry.
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
There are no special educational requirements for entry to this course. However, candidates that have experience of working and/or volunteering in a youth, community or voluntary organisation will benefit from this programme of study. The course will be delivered on campus in NUI Galway, so applications are welcome from all potential applicants once the entry age criteria has been achieved*. Informal interviews may be scheduled if the course is oversubscribed.
*To be considered as an adult student and therefore eligible to participate on these courses which are under the remit of the NUI Galway Centre for Adult Learning & Professional Development, an applicant must have reached 21 years of age on or before 1st January of the year of proposed entry.
Additional Requirements
Duration
1 year, part-time
Next start date
September
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
25
Closing Date
TBC
NFQ level
7
Mode of study
Classroom-based
ECTS weighting
30
Award
CAO
Course code
Course Outline
The Diploma course involves a minimum of 270 hours of instruction and project work. Class sessions are held on a Thursday morning from 10am – 1pm each week throughout the academic year as well as special Saturday seminars and workshops which are scheduled across the academic year.
Modules:
- Community Development Theory and Practice
- Research Techniques
- Social Analysis
- Communication, Leadership & Group work Skills
- Project Planning, Development & Evaluation
- Public Policy
Specialism
- Youth and Society
- Youth Work
Curriculum Information
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Glossary of Terms
- Credits
- You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
- Module
- An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
- Optional
- A module you may choose to study.
- Required
- A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
- Semester
- Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.
Year 1 (30 Credits)
Required CD100: Community Development Theory & Practice
CD100: Community Development Theory & Practice
Trimester 3 | Credits: 5
This module seeks to provide a critical understanding of the main themes and developments that characterise community development at the beginning of the twenty-first century and key factors which influence the practice of Community work. The key principles of community development theory and its application to various types of community setting (both urban and rural) are explored. This module is designed to also provide participants with the practical skills and training necessary to enable them to engage effectively in community development. A special emphasis is placed on case study material drawn from a range of settings and experience of practical work in community development.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate understanding of the concepts and principles of community development
- Place community development in an historical context – nationally and internationally
- Critically assess the different approaches to community development
- Assess the factors that mitigate against community development
- Demonstrate understanding of the theory and practice of community development and in-depth knowledge of best practice from other community development projects
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- HELEN CASEY: Research Profile
- EIMEAR FORDE: Research Profile
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile
- JACQUELINE MURPHY: Research Profile
- GAIL CASSIDY: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required CD105: Public Policy
CD105: Public Policy
Trimester 3 | Credits: 5
This module will provide participants with an understanding of a range of public policies which constitute the framework for community development in (Ireland) and the EU. The objective of this module is to give participants an understanding of public policies at regional, national, and international levels and how they affect community development work at a local level. It explores the range of policies which have shaped developments in the recent past and considers the current challenges, possible initiatives and future trends for the community sector with regard to informing and influencing policy-making.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the public policies at a national, and international level and outline how they affect community development work at a local level
- Demonstrate an understanding of how people can impact on public policy development
- Design a policy submission intended to inform and influence a key policy in the community development sector
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- HELEN CASEY: Research Profile
- EIMEAR FORDE: Research Profile
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile
- GAIL CASSIDY: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required CD104: Project Planning, Development & Evaluation
CD104: Project Planning, Development & Evaluation
Trimester 3 | Credits: 5
This module is designed to provide participants with the basic skills necessary to plan, develop and evaluate community projects. The emphasis in particular will be on identification of goals, clarification of strategies and resources and techniques for monitoring and evaluation.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of planning and the planning process
- Develop aims, objectives and goals for development projects
- Demonstrate methods of monitoring and evaluation
- Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of consultative planning
- Acquire the skills necessary to prepare, implement and evaluate a plan
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- HELEN CASEY: Research Profile
- EIMEAR FORDE: Research Profile
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile
- GAIL CASSIDY: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required CD103: Communication, Leadership & Group Work Skills
CD103: Communication, Leadership & Group Work Skills
Trimester 3 | Credits: 5
This module examines the theory and practice of group work and community leadership. It considers group dynamics, communication in groups, effective group processes, conflict management and practical facilitation skills. It also outlines theories on leadership and how community leadership can be developed and supported.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Plot the stages of group development and the behaviour associated with each stage
- Explain the role of a facilitator
- Explain what is meant by group cohesion and what makes a group attractive or unattractive to members
- Explain what is meant by community leadership and give examples of community leadership
- Identify ways in which community leadership can be encouraged and nurtured
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- HELEN CASEY: Research Profile
- EIMEAR FORDE: Research Profile
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile
- JACQUELINE MURPHY: Research Profile
- GAIL CASSIDY: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required CD102: Social Analysis
CD102: Social Analysis
Trimester 3 | Credits: 5
This module will examine various social issues relevant to community development practice in order to assist participants develop an appreciation of;
(a) the root cause of these social issues, and
(b) the broader context within which community action takes place.
This module aims to assist participants to identify, analyse and evaluate the significant social issues within their community (both issue-based and geographic). This will facilitate participants to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of communities and the potential opportunities which may be harnessed in order to promote positive change and sustainable development.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of how social policies are developed and how these policies effect community work
- Analyse and evaluate the main social economic features of their locality and the wider society
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of participants’ areas and the development opportunities which exist there;
- Clarify the existing and potential role of community organisations in local activities
- Undertake a basic community profile and present the findings in a public setting
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- HELEN CASEY: Research Profile
- EIMEAR FORDE: Research Profile
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile
- GAIL CASSIDY: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required CD101: Research Techniques
CD101: Research Techniques
Trimester 3 | Credits: 5
The aim of this module is to ensure that participants gain skills to understand the language, process and basic techniques of social research in order to contribute to the betterment of communities. Topics covered include an introduction to the values and uses of community based research techniques, data sources (primary, secondary etc.), terminology and participatory approaches and skills to complement effective community work through an ethical approach. It is intended that this module be delivered in a practical manner, which will ensure that students will have the opportunity to use the new skills they are learning prior to completion of the module.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Presenting an understanding of a SWOT/ SCOT analysis of issue and geographic based communities within a participatory research process
- Identifying techniques and sources of information of relevance to community groups
- Identifying reliable data which may be used to initiate community campaigns, to lobby government agencies and to seek funding
- Providing an introductory understanding of ethical and community engagement strategies in community based research
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- HELEN CASEY: Research Profile
- EIMEAR FORDE: Research Profile
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile
- JACQUELINE MURPHY: Research Profile
- GAIL CASSIDY: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional CD110: Youth and Society
CD110: Youth and Society
Trimester 3 | Credits: 0
This module focuses on youth as a duly recognized group who hold potential for great prospects in their personal and public lives. The opportunities or lack thereof can heighten public participation or it can alienate the individual. Race, class, religion, gender and disability are dominant factors impacting on their life chances, educational experiences, vocational choices and potential.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate in in-depth understanding of the sociological concepts and theories related to youth and youth culture
- Assess the representation of young people in Irish society
- Critically assess current youth policies and programmes in modern Ireland
- Assess the experiences of young people in Irish society and outline the key issues affecting young people in contemporary Irish society
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- HELEN CASEY: Research Profile
- EIMEAR FORDE: Research Profile
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile
- GAIL CASSIDY: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional CD109: Understanding Conflict
CD109: Understanding Conflict
Trimester 3 | Credits: 0
(Language of instruction: English)
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- HELEN CASEY: Research Profile
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile
- GAIL CASSIDY: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional CD108: Racism and Interculturalism
CD108: Racism and Interculturalism
Trimester 3 | Credits: 0
(Language of instruction: English)
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- HELEN CASEY: Research Profile
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile
- GAIL CASSIDY: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional CD107: Community Health
CD107: Community Health
Trimester 3 | Credits: 0
(Language of instruction: English)
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- HELEN CASEY: Research Profile
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile
- GAIL CASSIDY: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional CD106: Community Enterprise, Business and Legal Issues
CD106: Community Enterprise, Business and Legal Issues
Trimester 3 | Credits: 0
(Language of instruction: English)
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- HELEN CASEY: Research Profile
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile
- GAIL CASSIDY: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional CD111: Youth Work
CD111: Youth Work
Trimester 3 | Credits: 0
The module will provide the theoretical framework and practical skills necessary for participants to engage young people in community initiatives looking specifically at the role that young people can play in the development of their communities and also the role that the community can play in developing their young people.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Define youth work
- Discuss the principles and practice of working with young people
- Demonstrate an understanding of the skills, knowledge and interventions involved in working with young people in Ireland
- Critique how community youth work in practice seeks to address the issues facing young people
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- HELEN CASEY: Research Profile
- EIMEAR FORDE: Research Profile
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile
- GAIL CASSIDY: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional CD112: Community Education Methods
CD112: Community Education Methods
Trimester 3 | Credits: 0
(Language of instruction: English)
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile | Email
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional CD113: Adult & Community Education Theory & Practice
CD113: Adult & Community Education Theory & Practice
Trimester 3 | Credits: 0
(Language of instruction: English)
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- DEIRDRE HARDIMAN: Research Profile | Email
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
The course offers a number career options to learners who have completed the course. These include:
- Youth Worker in a variety of youth work settings
- Community Education Tutor
- Community Development Worker
- Youth Advocacy Worker
A further progression option for graduates to consider includes:
BA in Community, Youth and Family Studies - Level 8 (part-time)
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
A fees scholarship of up to 30% may be available for students who wish to upskill for the purposes of re-employment. Students must be registered as unemployed and in receipt of one of the following:
- Job-seekers Benefit
- Job-seekers Allowance
- One-parent family allowance
- Disability allowance
- Community Employment Scheme
- Carer’s Allowance
- Signing for social insurance contribution credits
Please download the 2021_22 Fees Scholarship Form for more information.
Find out More
Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development
NUI Galway, Nuns' Island, Galway
Tel: 091 495241
E-mail: gail.cassidy@nuigalway.ie