Program Overview

Youth and Community Work - Dip

Course Fact File

• Code: DYCW
• Duration: 2 years
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Qualifications: Dip
• NFQ Level: Level 6/7
• NFQ Award Title: Special Purpose
• Fees: €1,500 per academic year
• Closing Date: 29 August 2025
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Venue: UCC Cork
• Start Date: September 2025

Course Outline

The Diploma in Youth and Community Work offers students the opportunity to develop professional skills and gain a good understanding of the theory that guides good practice. This is a two-year part-time programme, that explores different approaches to working with groups in a variety of settings to create a positive social environment. Students learn to trace the development of social intervention from its historical beginnings to its current form. The modules are designed for students to develop a multitude of skills including reflective practice, group work and facilitation, strategic planning, report writing and to engage with research. Students also learn the different theoretical approaches to Youth and Community Work.

In Year 2 of the programme, students will complete a 200 hour placement with a local agency, under the guidance of the course placement officer. The placement element of the programme gives students the opportunity to bring theory to practice and further develop their skills and knowledge while engaging in reflective learning through the supervision process. Students will also learn about the different models of youth and community work, theories of poverty and social exclusion, and also gain insights into the practical skills required to run youth and community projects.

The Modules for the Diploma are as follows:

• Year 1
  • SS1802: Introduction to Youth and Community Work
  • SS1805: Introduction to Research Methods in Youth and Community Work
  • SS1819: Principles and Practices of Youth and Community Work
  • SS1822: Core Skills in Youth and Community Work
• Year 2
  • SS2801: Practice Placement - Youth and Community Work
  • SS2802: Models of Youth and Community Work
  • SS2834: Social Analysis: Disadvantage and Social Inclusion
  • SS2835: Managing Youth and Community Development Projects

Course Practicalities

Assessment

The Diploma in Youth and Community Work is fully assessed through continuous assessment which includes, reflective journals, essays, presentations, community profiles, research reports and placement reflections. There is one assignment for each 5-credit module and two assignment for 10-credit modules. Lecturers and tutors will guide students on how to approach the assignments and further supports are available through the Skills Centre.

Who teaches this course

All members of the lecturing team are experienced adult education lecturers chosen for their ability to facilitate the development of positive learning environments. They have extensive professional experience in the field and would normally hold a minimum of an MA degree. Their strong links to local youth and community agencies and development bodies, along with their participation in area training programmes, provides them with first hand knowledge of the skill set expectations of local youth and community work employers.

Why Choose This Course

The Diploma in Youth and Community Work equips students with skills and knowledge to work in the field. There is a strong focus on building skills for people interested in working in Youth and Community Work, or for those already involved in the field and wish to further their knowledge and professional development. Students are engaged in dynamic discussions, group work, public speaking and confidence building through mini-presentations. If you are interested in working in the community, are already an employee or a volunteer and wish to further your education, this course is for you.

The Diploma prepares students for entry level positions in the Youth and Community sector and it provides a pathway for further studies for a professional qualification. On successful completion of this programme you will have the opportunity to progress to the Bachelor of Youth and Community Work in UCC.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

You will undertake a placement in a youth/community agency during year 2. This gives you the opportunity to apply your understanding of theory and professional skills and to reflect on the experience. Prior to commencing placement you will compile an agency profile of the organisation you will be working with.

Skills and Careers Information

The course opens access to full time third level education. Past students have progressed to level 8 and 9 courses in UCC, LIT, CIT, UL, Maynooth and Mary Immaculate College. The Diploma was their first step to obtaining qualifications in the areas of addiction studies, social care, regeneration studies and social work.

The Diploma enhances employment opportunities. It has a high profile with local agencies who welcome applications from our graduates. It is not unusual for participation in practice placement to lead to employment. Many of the lecturers work with local agencies and can highlight essential employment skills and opportunities.

PROGRESSION

Students who have achieved a 2H2 grade in the Diploma in Youth and Community Work from 2025 onwards may apply for entry to Second Social Science (Youth and Community Work). Students who wish to progress to Second Social Science (Youth and Community Work) should notify the School of Applied Social Studies in writing of their intention to do so by the first Friday of July at the end of their second year of studying the Diploma in Youth and Community Work. Upon successful completion of the Diploma in Youth and Community Work, students who have notified their intention to progress, who have satisfied specified criteria for attendance, placement practice requirements and interview may register for Second Social Science (Youth and Community Work).

Requirements

• The programme will be taken part-time over a two-year period.
• Applicants for entrance into the Programme must be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application
• Have Leaving Certificate (or equivalent qualification) or FETAC Level 5 qualification
• Candidates who do not have Leaving Certificate or FETAC Level 5 but are over 21 years of age and have a minimum of 2 years relevant experience may be deemed suitable, subject to the approval of the CACE Committee
• Applicants must satisfy Garda Vetting requirements. Candidates may be required to attend for an interview before being permitted to progress to Year 2
• English Language Requirement: All applicants whose first language is not English must have attained IELTS Level 6 or the equivalent TOEFL score or the equivalent Duolingo score
• Applicants will be asked to submit a Personal Statement, detailing their motivation to take this course and any work or life experience relevant to the subject (maximum one page).

Diploma programmes are offered subject to a minimum number of eligible applicants registering for the programme. Following completion of year 1 of this programme, should a sufficient number of eligible students not wish to progress form year 1 to year 2 of this programme as to make the year 2 viable, students will graduate with a certificate at that point. Programme viability is determined by reference to fee income and applicable costs in running the programme.

Candidates who successfully complete First Year may opt not to proceed to Second Year and may exit the programme with a Certificate in Youth and Community Work.

Fees and Costs

• Fees: €1,500 per academic year.
• ACE at UCC Concession Scheme We have introduced a Concession Scheme for applicants who are in receipt of an eligible Department of Social Protection (DSP) payment. You may be eligible for a concession rate if you are in receipt of eligible DSP payments. For full details on eligibility and this scheme, please visit: Ace Fees & Finance.
  • Concession fee is €1,000
  • All students pay €750 on application
  • Those in receipt of concessionary fee must pay balance of €250 by 31st January.
• Additional Supports: ACE at UCC would like to make potential students aware of the following financial supports that they may be eligible to avail of:
  • Students who are registered on this programme are eligible to apply for the Financial Aid Fund for Part Time Students. Eligibility criteria applies. For more information see Financial Aid Part Time | University College Cork (ucc.ie)
  • The UCC Student Assistance fund - Once you are a student, you may apply for this fund and any funds awarded to you can contribute to rent, utilities, food costs or student supplies.
  • The Lough Credit Union - ACE have a strong relationship with the Lough Credit Union in Cork and have secured a competitive student loan rate for ACE students, this rate is competitive in the market and is lower than other credit unions. The rate is fixed and will not increase following the upcoming ECB rate increase. A loan will be offered to ACE students (once they demonstrate capacity to pay), and it will allow ACE students to repay fees over a twelve month plus period. The Lough Credit Union is student friendly, nearby, flexible and is open to anyone who lives, works or studies in the area. If you are registering for a course at ACE, you can contact the credit union to set up an account which may be opened within 24 hours. After you are a member you can apply for a loan, loan approval may be issued in 24 hours. Potential applicants should identify themselves as ACE students. Contact for more information.
  • Student Budgeting Advice Service - When you are a student, this support offers advice on financial planning and support to UCC students, including offering one-on-one advice.
  • The Student Union Hardship fund which may be able to provide some advice and assistance.