Course Overview

This part-time Diploma course provides a high-quality youth work programme, enabling people working within the youth work sectors, whether private, voluntary or statutory, to gain additional skills and knowledge in response to the changing youth work context.

Mode of Study: Blended Learning

The classes will be delivered via blended learning including a series of monthly workshops on Saturdays throughout the academic year September to May. The specific timetable for the academic year 2023/24 will be issued to all applicants in due course.

Applications and Selections

Applications open from 1st April 2024. 

Applications are made online via the University of 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.

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 University of 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 at the University of 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 University of 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

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

1 year, part-time

Next start date

September 2024

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

25

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date
NFQ level

7

Mode of study

Blended Learning

ECTS weighting

30

Award

CAO

Course code

Course Outline

Modules:

  • SP127 Understanding Communities (10 ECTS)
    This module seeks to provide an understanding of the main themes and initiatives that characterise community development. The key principles of community development theory and their application to various types of community setting are explored. It also aims to provide participants with the practical skills and training necessary to enable them to work effectively with communities.
  • SP147 Youth & Society (5 ECTS) 
    This module focuses on the life-stage of young person’s popularly and universally referred to as youth. Youth are duly recognized as a group who hold potential for great prospects in their personal and public lives. This life-stage development differs for all youth. Race, class, religion, gender and disability are dominant factors impacting on their life chances, educational experiences, vocational choices and potential. The critical debates around the reciprocity of youth and society are, therefore, located within the constitution of the family and the contexts of community and society.
  • SP1123 Group Work and Community Leadership (10 ECTS)
    is 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.
  • SP1113 Social Research Skills (5 ECTS)
    This module comprises of an introductory under-graduate course on the theory and practice of social research. Research is essentially about collecting information in a methodical way in order to answer a question or test out a theory. The module focuses on how social research can play a vital role in community, youth and family work.

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

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€815 2023/24

Fees: Tuition

€745 2023/24

Fees: Student levy

€70 2023/24

Fees: Non EU

€1,350 2023/24

Fees for this course are collected directly by the Centre, please see our staff listing

A fee scholarship of up to 30% may be available for students who wish to upskill for the purposes of re-employment. For more information download the 2023_24 Fees Scholarship Form

Find out More

Gail Cassidy
Tel: 091 495241
E-mail: gail.cassidy@universityofgalway.ie