| Code | DYCW |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years |
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info. |
| Qualifications | Dip |
| NFQ Level | Level 6/7 |
| NFQ Award Title | Special Purpose |
| Fees | €990 per academic year See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | 20th September 2024 |
| Next Intake | September 2024 |
| Venue | UCC Cork
|
| Start Date | September 2024 |
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 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 Queries
For Academic Queries and Course Content Queries please contact the Programme Coordinator:
UCC Eileen McBride, eileen.mcbride@ucc.ie
For Online Application Support please click here.
Important Notice: Course Registration Deadlines
Once the course has reached full capacity we will no longer be accepting applications.
We strongly recommend early application to secure your place on the course.
Additional Teaching Mode Information
UCC Delivery
- This course runs one evening per week from September/October to May.
- In UCC it will run on Tuesday evening from 6.00pm - 9.00pm/10.00pm.
- Students will attend one lecture per week which will be supported by tutorials and in addition, there are a number of Saturday worshops.
UCC Support
The course is supported by the UCC Skills Centre which is an invaluable resource for students throughout the duration of the programme. The UCC Skills Centre can help you develop any skills you may need to complete the course. This is of particular use to students who have never completed a third-level education programme. Students can learn digital skills, such as how to manage email and use MIcrosoft Word as well as skills such as presentations skills, group work skills and much more. These sessions and workshops are all provided free-of-charge to ACE students. The Skills Centre also provides free one-to-one tutoring and feedback on assignments.
Students will also have full access to the Boole Library. This enables access to study spaces and in-library and online resources and workshops.
Students on this course can also avail of the many supports offered to full-time students, including, Student Health and Counselling, Disability Support Services if eligible, access to the gym, pool and classes at the Mardyke Arena and many other services available to UCC.
Course Practicalities
Assessment
The Diploma in Youth and Community Work is fully assesssed 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 willl 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.
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: €990 per academic year. Applicants €495 on registratin. The remaining fee is due by the 23st Jan 2025.
Supports:
ACE at UCC would like to make potential students aware of the follownig financial supports that they may be eligible to avail of:
- 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 loans@lough.cu.ie 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.
For further information on fees and financial supports please click here.
How To Apply
Applicants need to be aware of the IT student checklist below before applying:
- You will need access to a laptop or desktop computer running a modern supported operating system with all software updates.
- Some of UCC’s services (e.g. the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment) link to an external site and also have mobile apps for iOS and Android Devices that you may wish to use as part of your studies. However, we recommend using your desktop web browser for submission of assessments.
- You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser. In general, we recommend the Chrome Web browser (Important Note: Internet Explorer will not work with Canvas).
- We recommend a reliable broadband connection with at least 2Mbps or more.
- You will require an Office suite of software (Microsoft Office or equivalent) and a PDF reader. You should always use the latest version of this software. All UCC students will have access to Office 365 which includes software such as Word/Excel/Powerpoint etc. once registered.
To Apply for this course please follow the steps below:
When you log into the Application Portal:
Click Apply Online
Select Start a new Adult & Continuing Education Application
During your online application you will be required to upload the following documents:
- Birth Cert or Passport
- Passport Photograph
- Personal Statement
- English Language Test Report [if applicable]
- 50% of the fees are also required to complete your application.