Program Overview

Youth & Community Work

Course Fact File

Course Outline

The BSocSc (Youth and Community Work) degree programme combines an academic social science programme with a professionally accredited qualification in youth work. This unique degree offers a range of foundational subjects, including Sociology, Social Policy, and Research Methods, as well as exciting contemporary subjects such as the sociology of youth, principles and practice of youth and community work, citizen engagement and social movements, children and young people's rights, working with groups and communities, global education, young people's mental health, the use of social media in youth and community work, sustainability and the environment, and project planning and management.

Modules

Year 1

• SS1101 Introduction to Youth & Community Work (10 credits)
• SS1102 Social Analysis (10 credits)
• SS1104 Principles and Practice of Youth and Community Work (10 credits)
• SS1105 Social Policy 1 (10 credits)
• SS1107 Level 1 Professional Placement (10 credits)
• SS1130 Contemporary Issues in Youth and Community Work (5 credits)
• SS1154 Informal and Global Education in a Youth and Community Work Setting (5 credits)

Years 2 and 3

See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the current core and elective modules for all years.

Course Practicalities

• Expected lecture hours: This course integrates an academic social science course with a professional practice training course in youth and community work. You will generally be required to attend lectures, tutorials, and supervisions two to three days per week.
• Placements: In first and second year, you will be required to complete two days/16 hours of supervised practice placement weekly in a recognised agency, over the course of the academic year. In third year, you will undertake a 10-week full-time block placement in the second semester.

Assessment

You will be assessed by examination (25%) and continuous assessment (75%). Continuous assessment is made on the basis of the written assignments which are part of the course. These consist of projects, case studies, and essays. In all cases, these are marked by the course lecturers involved in the teaching of that particular component.

Why Choose This Course

Previous students have praised the course for its balance of lecture hours and placement hours, as well as the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

In each year of the programme, you will have the opportunity to undertake a practice placement in an agency in the youth, community, or voluntary sector. Placements can be facilitated locally, nationally, and internationally.

Skills and Careers Information

Our BSocSc graduates are employable in a wide range of areas, including youth work, community development, social policy, and research. Many former students of the programme play significant roles in their own communities, and a number of former students are involved in politics at both local and national levels.

Requirements

Leaving Certificate Students

• At least six subjects must be presented.
• Minimum grade H5 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects.
• English and Irish are requirements for all programmes.

Mature Students

• You must be 23 on or before 1st January of the year of proposed entry.
• Mature applicants must apply through the CAO before 1 February of the year of proposed entry, include a statement of interest, and must also apply and sit the Mature Student Evaluation (MSE) test.

QQI FET

• Applicants should have the equivalent of at least one year of verifiable experience, either paid or voluntary, in the youth/community/voluntary sector.

Progression Route from CACE (UCC Centre for Adult Continuing Education) Programmes

• Applicants can apply on the basis of having successfully passed and completed one of the following NFQ Level 7 ACE programmes:
  • Diploma in Youth and Community Work
  • Diploma in Autism Studies
  • Diploma in Disability Studies
  • Diploma in Leadership in the Community
  • Diploma in Social and Psychological Health Studies
  • Diploma in Women's Studies

Fees and Costs

• Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you.
• The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme.
• The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.

How To Apply

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

• Apply via the CAO.

Mature Applicants

• Apply via the CAO by 1 February.

QQI/FET Applicants

• Apply via the CAO.

Non-EU Applicants

• If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal.