| Code | CSCTZ |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | Cert |
| NFQ Award Title | Special Purpose Award Level 5 |
| Fees | €2,000 per year See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | March/April 2026 |
| Next Intake | September 2026 |
| Venue | UCC Main Campus |
| Start Date | 31 August 2026 |
Course Outline
The Certificate in Social Citizenship is a two-year course for people with intellectual disabilities. Students develop skills to promote increased self-reliance and independence. This allows them to become more involved in all aspects of life. The course is underpinned by the values of respect and recognition of diversity and inclusivity, and is informed by a rights-based agenda.
Students study in three different ways during the course: Core modules, co-learning modules, and work placement.
1. Core modules are taken with other students from the Certificate in Social Citizenship only. Subject areas include:
- Transition Into College
- Information and Communication Technology
- Social and Cultural Studies
- Personal, Social and Civic Engagement
- Transition Onwards
2. Co-learning modules are taken with students from other courses around the university. Students choose two of the following “Study Areas” for their co-learning modules:
- Including Children
- People and Diversity
- Performing Arts
- Health and Wellbeing
- Sustainable Living
- The World Around Us
3. Students spend three months on placement doing work experience
Course Practicalities
Classes take place three days per week from September to April on the UCC campus.
Students attend a three-month work placement at the end of Year 2 the course. Placement sites are chosen in consultation with the student to ensure they are a good match for their particular skills, interests, abilities, and geographical location. Sites may include retail, services, industry, office or other environments.
Where possible, placements will be in the same area the student has chosen for their co-learning “Study Areas”.
Assessment
Students will compile a portfolio of assessments for each module. The portfolio allows for a variety of assessment formats, such as written assignments, audio or video recordings, performance, etc. Assessments will be tailored to individuals’ talents and capabilities.
Who Teaches this course
Sue Knight, Catherine McVicker, Jerry Murphy, Clodagh O'Driscoll
Why Choose This Course
The Certificate in Social Citizenship is a unique opportunity for adults with intellectual disabilities living in the wider Cork region to attend post-secondary education tailored to their needs. The course takes a rights-based approach to inclusive education, which will:
· Provide opportunities for students with and without disabilities to learn with and from each other.
· Enable people with intellectual disabilities to develop skills for future learning and employment.
The course includes opportunities for interaction with students on other university programmes. This creates spaces for awareness-raising and reciprocal learning, enriches the university as a whole, and enhances campus and community engagement.
The "Transition Onwards" module, as well as the work placement itself, will help students develop skills that may increase their progression opportunities after the course.
The placement will build on the area of interest students have chosen for their co-learning “Study Areas”. This will position students as graduates with specialist expertise in a particular area, enhancing their employability profile.
Requirements
To apply for the Certificate in Social Citizenship you need to:
· Be at least 18 years of age.
· Have an intellectual disability.
· Have some reading and writing ability.
· Be committed to ongoing learning and personal development.
Applicants may be invited to an interview and to complete a written/typed test, to assess their suitability and motivation for the course
Fees and Costs
€2,000 per year.
How To Apply
The application form is available here.