Community Development courses in Ireland

Community Development organisations in Ireland make a valuable contribution to the achievement of social change, equality and social justice.  Community development workers have been presented with a number of opportunities and challenges over the recent years by the rapidly changing social context of Ireland including work with new communities, migrant workers and refugees; combating racism;…

This 3-year level 7 degree course aims to develop community youth work leaders who have a high level of knowledge, skills, competence and confidence in a range of activities to enable you to work in a community development and youth work setting.

Programme Overview  VCC is working in partnership with IT Carlow to develop a blended online Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Community Development (QQI Level 7).  Learners who complete Stage 1 at Level 6 of the NFQ (60 credits) are eligible to exit the programme with a “Certificate in Leadership and Community Development” (Minor Award…

Programme Overview  VCC is working in partnership with IT Carlow to deliver a blended online Certificate in Leadership and Social Enterprise (QQI Level 6).    This interdisciplinary 1 year blended online certificate programme aims to develop knowledge, skills and competencies in the theory and practice of applied addiction studies and community development. The purpose of the programme is to build the capacity of community drugs…

Programme Overview  The Citizenship and Social Action course will explore theoretical concepts of democracy, citizenship and social action. Students will also analyse specific case studies in relation to citizenship, social action and democratic participation in the age of the internet. Alongside this, they will investigate and identify strategies and practical approaches to support digital citizenship. Finally,…

The Certificate/Diploma in Community Development Practice are part-time courses, designed to enable community activists gain a thorough understanding of community development combined with the practical skills necessary to work effectively in development work. Applications open for this course in April 2021

This programme is designed to enable participants to further develop and enhance their understanding, knowledge and skills relevant to Family, Youth and Community work practice and policy in Ireland or abroad. The main focus of the Degree programme will be on Community, Youth and Family studies, but will broadly incorporate community development, family support, adolescence,…

Programme Overview  The aims of Equality and Diversity module are to introduce learners to theories and concepts of identity, equality and diversity. Explore the social construction and status implications of identity, culture and diversity within Irish society. Support learners to examine and reflect on their own understanding of equality, diversity and anti-discrimination and the relationship…

Programme Overview  The Group Work and Facilitation Skills programme will develop learners’ understanding of group dynamics, of the principles underpinning facilitation styles and interventions, and of a range of group work techniques. Learners will practice and improve their facilitation and presentation skills as well as their capacity to plan, deliver and evaluate a group. The programme will…

Programme Overview  The Community Leadership programme will explore the role of leadership in the community sector. Learners will investigate a model of grassroots community leadership in practice, nationally and globally. Learners will also examine the concept of leadership within the context of social activism and analyse different leadership styles and qualities. Learners will identify their own…

Programme Overview  The aims of Leadership and Organisational Development module are to define the role of leadership and its relationship to management in the community and voluntary sector. Examine appropriate organisational structures in community organisations. Explore the importance of governance and current legislation governing the community sector. Explore the process of strategic planning and development…

Programme Overview  The aims of Leadership and Organisational Development module are to define the role of leadership and its relationship to management in the community and voluntary sector. Examine appropriate organisational structures in community organisations. Explore the importance of governance and current legislation governing the community sector. Explore the process of strategic planning and development and…

Programme Overview  The Learning to Learn at Third Level programme is designed to support learners to develop skills and confidence in preparing for education at third level.  Students will explore a range of different learning styles and will be introduced to academic reading and writing; reading techniques and strategies; planning, structuring, writing assignments and using…

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Programme Overview  The Reflective Practice, Knowledge, Skills & Attitude programme aims to support students to gain experience as a practitioner in a community development context and integrate relevant theory with practice. Develop self-awareness and core skills to critically reflect on their practice in a comprehensive and ethical manner. Be responsible for managing their continuous professional development.  Format…

Programme Overview  The aims of the Social Policy course are to examine the executive functions of state and the processes involved in decision making and social policy development within government. Outline the historical development of Irish social policy. Introduce the social policy framework with regard to Health, Education and Community and Voluntary Activity. Examine the relationship…

Programme Overview  The Transformative Community Education programme will explore theoretical concepts of community education, lifelong learning transformation and social change. Analyse specific case studies in relation to community education, social action and transformation. Investigate and identify strategies and practical approaches to curriculum design, development and delivery for transformative community education and support digital citizenship and social…

This programme is accredited by NUI Galway.  It is provided through a collaborative partnership with the Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB).    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…

This Youth and Community Work QQI accredited course is a one year, full-time programme. This Youth Work & Community Studies course is designed for those who would like to pursue a career in the youth and community sector, working with young people in a range of community based settings. This QQI Level 5 programme provides…