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Youth & Community Development Practice (Diploma)

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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

Apply Online

Online Applications will reopen in April 2020

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 (Diploma)

Next start date

September

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

25

Closing Date

 

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


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.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate understanding of the concepts and principles of community development
  2. Place community development in an historical context – nationally and internationally
  3. Critically assess the different approaches to community development
  4. Assess the factors that mitigate against community development
  5. Demonstrate understanding of the theory and practice of community development and in-depth knowledge of best practice from other community development projects
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module CD100: "Community Development Theory & Practice" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required 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.

Learning Outcomes
  1. 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
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of how people can impact on public policy development
  3. Design a policy submission intended to inform and influence a key policy in the community development sector
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module CD105: "Public Policy" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required CD104: Project Planning, Development & Evaluation


Trimester 3 | Credits: 5

The 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.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of planning and the planning process
  2. Develop aims, objectives and goals for development projects
  3. Demonstrate methods of monitoring and evaluation
  4. Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of consultative planning
  5. Acquire the skills necessary to prepare, implement and evaluate a plan
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module CD104: "Project Planning, Development & Evaluation" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required 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.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Plot the stages of group development and the behaviour associated with each stage
  2. Explain the role of a facilitator
  3. Explain what is meant by group cohesion and what makes a group attractive or unattractive to members
  4. Explain what is meant by community leadership and give examples of community leadership
  5. Identify ways in which community leadership can be encouraged and nurtured
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module CD103: "Communication, Leadership & Group Work Skills" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required 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.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of how social policies are developed and how these policies effect community work
  2. Analyse and evaluate the main social economic features of their locality and the wider society
  3. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of participants’ areas and the development opportunities which exist there;
  4. Clarify the existing and potential role of community organisations in local activities
  5. Undertake a basic community profile and present the findings in a public setting
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module CD102: "Social Analysis" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required CD101: Research Techniques


Trimester 3 | Credits: 5

This module will introduce participants to the basic techniques of social research analysis including questionnaire design, survey methods, analysis of data and preparation of reports.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of social research techniques and methods
  2. Identify sources of information of relevance to community groups and gain access to this information
  3. Gather and present data which may be used to initiate community campaigns, to lobby government agencies and to seek funding
  4. Conduct evaluations of their community group’s effectiveness
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module CD101: "Research Techniques" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional 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.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate in in-depth understanding of the sociological concepts and theories related to youth and youth culture
  2. Assess the representation of young people in Irish society
  3. Critically assess current youth policies and programmes in modern Ireland
  4. Assess the experiences of young people in Irish society and outline the key issues affecting young people in contemporary Irish society
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module CD110: "Youth and Society" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional CD109: Understanding Conflict


Trimester 3 | Credits: 0

Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module CD109: "Understanding Conflict" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional CD108: Racism and Interculturalism


Trimester 3 | Credits:

Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module CD108: "Racism and Interculturalism" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional CD107: Community Health


Trimester 3 | Credits:

Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module CD107: "Community Health" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional CD106: Community Enterprise, Business and Legal Issues


Trimester 3 | Credits:

Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module CD106: "Community Enterprise, Business and Legal Issues" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional 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.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Define youth work
  2. Discuss the principles and practice of working with young people
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the skills, knowledge and interventions involved in working with young people in Ireland
  4. Critique how community youth work in practice seeks to address the issues facing young people
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module CD111: "Youth Work" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
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

€515 (Cert); €825 (Diploma) p.a.

Fees: Tuition

€

Fees: Student levy

€

Fees: Non EU

€1,015 (Cert); €1,325 (Diploma) p.a.

 
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 2020_21 Fees Scholarship Form for more information.

Find out More

Course Administrator
Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development
NUI Galway, Nuns' Island, Galway
Tel: 091 495241
E-mail: gail.cassidy@nuigalway.ie
 
For any academic (course content) queries, please contact:
 
Dr. Helen Casey
Tel: 091 493110
Email: helen.casey@nuigalway.ie
 
Dr. Deirdre Hardiman
Tel: 091 495203
Email: deirdre.hardiman@nuigalway.ie

Downloads

  • Undergraduate Prospectus 2020

    Undergraduate Prospectus 2020 PDF (18.4 MB)

  • Postgraduate Prospectus 2020

    Postgraduate Prospectus 2020 PDF (20.6 MB)

  • Adult Learning Prospectus

    Adult Learning Prospectus PDF (3.4 MB)

  • A Level Quick Guide 2020

    A Level Quick Guide 2020 pdf (2 MB)

  • Quick Guide to Courses 2020

    Quick Guide to Courses 2020 PDF (2.4 MB)

  • Junior Prospectus 2019

    Junior Prospectus 2019 PDF (20.8 MB)

  • QQI / FETAC Pathways Guide

    QQI / FETAC Pathways Guide PDF (45MB)