Program Overview

Community and Youth Development

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Community and Youth Development is a three-year program that focuses on working in partnership with people in groups and communities who experience disadvantage and oppression, and working to achieve social change in Irish society and abroad. The program promotes principles of inclusion, human rights, equality, and social justice, working towards sustainable development and tackling issues such as inequality, climate change, poverty, and disadvantage.

Course Details

• TU Code: TU792
• CAO Point Range 2024: AQA-477
• NFQ Level: Level 7
• Award Type: Major
• Award: Bachelor of Arts
• ECTS Credits: 180
• Duration: 3 years
• Number of Places: 44
• Location: Blanchardstown

What is Community and Youth Development?

This course is designed for individuals interested in working in community development and youth work. It covers a wide range of areas, including sociology, psychology, community development, social policy, addiction, human rights, youth development, and social entrepreneurship. The program has a strong element of experiential learning and involves fieldwork placements.

Work Placement

There are two 12-week work placements, one in Year 2, Semester 2, and another in Year 3, Semester 2.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate Requirements

• Minimum Number of Subjects: 5
• Minimum Grade in:
  • Maths: O6/H7/F2 or higher
  • English OR Irish: O6/H7

QQI/FET Requirements

• QQI/FET Award Required: Any full Level 5 or 6 award
• Additional Requirements: None

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency.

Garda Vetting

Garda Vetting is required through TU Dublin.

Sample Timetable

A sample timetable for this course is available.

Career Opportunities

• Community Development Worker
• Youth Worker
• Programme Coordinator
• Project Worker
• Community Educator
• Working in Justice Diversion Projects
• Probation Service
• School Completion Project Worker
• Information Officer
• Community Liaison Officer in Local Authorities
• Voluntary, Statutory, and Private Sector Organisations
• Working with Charities or Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

Module Listing

Year One

• Semester 1:
  • Fundamentals of Sociology [Mandatory]
  • Introduction to Culture [Mandatory]
  • Introduction to Psychology [Mandatory]
  • Personal and Professional Communication in Community and Youth Work [Mandatory]
  • Principles of Community Development [Mandatory]
  • Principles of Youth Work [Mandatory]
• Semester 2:
  • Facilitation and Group Work [Mandatory]
  • Introduction to Addictive Behaviours [Mandatory]
  • Community Arts [Mandatory]
  • Irish Culture and Society [Mandatory]
  • Social Policy [Mandatory]

Year Two

• Semester 1:
  • Community Development Practice [Mandatory]
  • Youth Work Practice [Mandatory]
  • Communicating Across Language Barriers [Mandatory]
  • Substance Use & Addictive Behaviours within Youth Cultures [Mandatory]
  • Sociology of Education [Mandatory]
  • Psychological Perspectives on Development [Mandatory]
• Semester 2:
  • Fieldwork [Mandatory]
  • Fieldwork Portfolio [Mandatory]

Year Three

• Semester 1:
  • Research Methods and Practice [Mandatory]
  • Advanced Community & Youth Development Practice [Mandatory]
  • Social Entrepreneurship & Funding [Mandatory]
  • Social Psychology [Mandatory]
  • Principles of Human Rights [Mandatory]
  • Community Response to Drug Use [Elective]
  • European Studies [Elective]
  • Language, Culture and Identity [Elective]
• Semester 2:
  • Advanced Fieldwork [Mandatory]
  • Advanced Fieldwork Portfolio [Mandatory]
  • Skills for Professional Practice [Mandatory]

Progression

On successful completion, you will be eligible to progress onto the final year of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Community Development & Youth Work.