| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Course Overview
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.
Mode of Study:
Blended LearningThe courses will run concurrently and classes will be delivered via blended learning including a series of monthly workshops on Saturdays throughout the academic year September to May.
Please contact the Course Administrator for more information on when this course will run.
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.
A minimum of 75% attendance per term/overall is mandatory in order to successfully complete the course.
In addition to the 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, applicant
must
have reached 21 years of age on or before 1st
January of the year of proposed entry.Program Outline
Course Outline
Certificate 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.
SP1110 Introduction to Family and Society (5 ECTS)
This module is concerned with the nature of family and its interrelationship with wider society. It looks at how family is defined, the diversity of family forms and the role of family in society. A particular emphasis is placed on the nature of family change in Ireland and the western world. Throughout the module, you will see that family does not exist in isolation from wider systems, culture and ideologies and that these influences continually shape and re-configure people’s experiences and understanding of family and family life.
See 2021/22 CDP Certificate Timetable for this years module details.
Diploma 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.
SP1123 Group Work and Community Leadership (10 ECTS)
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.
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.
SP1110 Introduction to Family and Society (5 ECTS)
This module is concerned with the nature of family and its interrelationship with wider society. It looks at how family is defined, the diversity of family forms and the role of family in society. A particular emphasis is placed on the nature of family change in Ireland and the western world. Throughout the module, you will see that family does not exist in isolation from wider systems, culture and ideologies and that these influences continually shape and re-configure people’s experiences and understanding of family and family life.
See 2021/22 CDP Diploma Timetable for this years module details.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
There are many career opportunities open to graduates of the Certificate and/or Diploma in Community Development Practice course as it offers a solid practical and theoretical understanding of the community development sector. Some graduates have progressed onto further studies such as the B.A. in Community and Family Studies while other graduates of the Diploma in Community Development Practice have improved their employment prospects in the field of community development.
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.
