| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
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Child Youth & Community MA Information Session
Course Overview
The MA / PG Dip in Child, Youth and Community is designed for professionals already working in or for those who have a strong interest to work in the community, voluntary or public sector. It was developed by the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at the School of Political Science and Sociology. This programme emerges from the Centre’s core disciplinary orientation, Applied Social Science, and its dynamic research programme focused on ‘what works’ in the real world of policy and practice when working with and for children, youth and their communities.
Professionals involved in the delivery of services to children, young people and communities are increasingly required by funders and central government to provide scientific, robust evidence, measuring the social impact of their interventions. With an emphasis on community and rights based approaches, this one year full-time / two-year part-time blended learning MA Programme, will enable students to be proficient in programme planning, monitoring and evaluation methodologies in the context of child, youth and community services. The programme will allow students space to critically engage with the discourses and debates on ‘evidence’ and explore new lines of research and evidence to accommodate both in the real world of practice.
The objectives of the programme are to:
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.
Who Teaches this Course
Other staff members of the School of Political Science & Sociology and the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre staff are module conveners and contributors and dissertation supervisors.
Dr. DANIELLE KENNAN PhD, B.A., L.L.B., L.L.M., View Profile
Dr Cormac Forkan B.A. (Hons), M.A., Ph.D. View Profile
Prof John Canavan BA, MA, PhD. View Profile
Applicants will require a NQF Level 8 degree,
Second Class Honours (2:1) i
n child, youth and family studies, sociology, social care, psychology or a cognate discipline. Where applicants do not meet the formal academic requirements they can apply for entry through the University’s Recognition for Prior Learning Policy.Information on the documentation required to support your application is available here.
Students will be assessed on a continuous basis. Assessment will vary from module to module, involving a combination of written assignments, such as, essays, project work, engagement with discussion boards. Central to students’ assessment is their final research project.
Program Outline
Course Outline
All MA Students are required to complete 90 credits (ECTs) worth of modules—70 ECTs will be taught core and optional modules. A further 20 ECTs will be awarded for the successful completion of a final research paper, which can take a traditional dissertation format, a community-based research project, a journal paper or a conference presentation.
Postgraduate Diploma Students are required to complete 60 credits (ECTs) worth of modules, combining core and option modules.
Our approach to blended learning is a combination of on campus classes and online classes, with synchronous (live), asynchronous and hybrid delivery. Classes taught on campus and synchronous (live) online classes will be delivered mid-week.
Core Modules (subject to change)
Option Modules (subject to change)
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
The programme is designed for professionals already working in the community, voluntary or allied sectors and for those who have a specific expertise in, or understanding of the lives of children and youth and communities, and who wish to acquire a specialised Level 9 qualification which will ‘add value’ to their existing qualifications and enable them progress to leadership roles within their careers.
The MA provides students with the opportunity to develop skills-sets that are in high demand. It is designed to respond to the needs of a funding dependent sector and meet the growing national and international donor requirement, to comply with rights-based approaches and provide scientific, robust evidence to measure the impact of social interventions.
Upon graduation students will have the necessary knowledge and a skill-set in programme planning, research and evaluation, human rights programming and advocacy, communication and innovative thinking in the context of child, youth and community services.
Typically, graduates will seek employment in areas such as youth work, child welfare, community development, national or international public administration, advocacy or research.
Unique Strengths of the Programme
About University of Galway
Founded in 1845, we've been inspiring students for 178 years. University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching.
University of Galway
Overview:
University of Galway, formerly known as National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI Galway / NUIG), is a research-led institution with a strong commitment to high-quality teaching. Established in 1845, it has earned international recognition for its academic excellence and vibrant research community. The university is known for its commitment to sustainability, ranking #1 in Ireland for sustainable development in the Times Higher Education World Rankings.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to students, including:
Accommodation Advisory Service:
Assists students in finding suitable accommodation.Campus Activities:
Provides opportunities for students to engage in various activities, including sports, clubs, and societies.Student Support:
Offers a variety of support services, such as academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.Study Abroad:
Facilitates international study opportunities for students.International Office:
Provides support and guidance to international students.Mature Students:
Offers specific support and resources for mature students.Students with Disabilities:
Provides accommodations and support for students with disabilities.Student Ambassador Programme:
Connects students with prospective students and provides opportunities for leadership development.For Parents and Guardians:
Offers information and resources for parents and guardians of students.Access Student Information:
Provides access to student information systems and resources.Life in Galway:
Offers information and resources about living in Galway city.Student Life and Campus Experience:
University of Galway offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect:
- A welcoming and supportive community.
- A wide range of extracurricular activities and opportunities for personal growth.
- A beautiful campus located in the heart of Galway city.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
- A strong sense of community and belonging.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Commitment to Sustainability:
University of Galway is a leader in sustainability, offering a learning environment that cares for the planet.Research Excellence:
The university boasts a vibrant research community tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time.Global Recognition:
University of Galway is internationally recognized for its academic excellence and research.Beautiful Campus:
The university is located on a beautiful campus in the heart of Galway city.Vibrant City:
Galway is a vibrant and welcoming city with a rich culture and history.Academic Programs:
University of Galway offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts, Social Sciences, & Celtic Studies
Business, Public Policy and Law
Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences
Science and Engineering
The university is particularly strong in areas such as:
Medicine
Engineering
Business
Arts and Humanities
Celtic Studies
Other:
- The university has a strong focus on community engagement and outreach.
- It has a large and active alumni network.
- The university is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
The provided context does not include information about the following sections:
Fees & Funding:
Modes of Study:
Open Days:
Scholarships:
Applicants will require a NQAI Level 8 degree, Second Class Honours, or equivalent, with a 2:1 in child, youth and family studies, sociology, psychology or a cognate discipline. Where applicants do not meet the formal academic requirements they can apply for entry through the University’s Recognition for Prior Learning Policy.
