1. Study
2. Adult Continuing Education
3. Study At ACE
4. Certificate/Diploma
5. Youth and Community Work

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 Queries

For Academic Queries and Course Content Queries please download the FAQs DYCW 2026 sheet. If you cannot see your query listed, please contact the Programme Coordinator for further information: Eileen McBride, eileen.mcbride@ucc.ie   

For Online Application Support please click here. 

Important Notice: Application Deadlines

• Applications are accepted in two rounds.
• Round 1 closes on 26 June and Round 2 closes on 28 August.
• Please note: if all places are filled by eligible applicants by the Round 1 deadline, the programme will not open for Round 2.
• For round 2, applications will remain open until the final deadline or until all places are filled, whichever occurs first. Early application is strongly advised. 

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 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

Requirements

Programme Entry Requirements:

Applicants must:

• Be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application
• Have Leaving Certificate (or equivalent qualification) or QQI Level 5 qualification
• Satisfy Garda Vetting requirements.
• Candidates may be required to attend for an interview before being permitted to progress to Year 2.
• Submit a Personal Statement, detailing their motivation to take this course and any work or life experience relevant to the subject.

English Language Requirement: 

All applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency. See the UCC English language proficiency requirements. 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

Applicants who do not hold a Leaving Certificate or QQI Level 5, may be eligible to apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). See information on RPL here. 

• To be considered, applicants should be over 21 years of age and have a minimum of 2 years relevant experience.
• If you wish to apply via RPL, you must select “Yes” to the RPL question when completing your application in UCC Apply.
• As part of the application, you will be required to submit:
  • A Personal Statement outlining your motivation for applying and detailing relevant work or life experience.
  • Any other relevant supporting documentation evidencing your prior learning - please refer to the RPL Learner Guide for details on appropriate evidence.

Fees and Costs

The programme fee is €1,500 per academic year. 

• Applicants pay 50% of the year one fee on application (€750)
• This fee is fully refundable if the programme does not run or you are not offered a place on the programme
• The remaining 50% of the year one programme fee (€750) is due by 31 Jan. 

ACE at UCC Concession Scheme

If you are in receipt of an eligible Department of Social Protection (DSP) payment. you may be eligible for a concession rate. For full details on eligibility and this scheme, please see the concession guide here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/ace/helphub/ 

• Concession fee rate is €1,000 
• All students pay €750 on application  
• Those in eligible for the concession fee rate must pay the balance of €250 by 31st January.  

Fees, Funding & Financial Support:

Visit the ACE Fees, Funding and Finance page to see full details on financial supports, including Sanctuary Scholarships, Lough Credit Union Student Loan Rate, the Financial Aid Fund for Part Time Students and more: https://www.ucc.ie/en/ace/acefinance/ 

How To Apply

Applications are accepted in two rounds.

• Round 1 closes on 26 June and Round 2 closes on 28 August.
• Please note: if all places are filled by eligible applicants by the Round 1 deadline, the programme will not open for Round 2.
• For round 2, applications will remain open until the final deadline or until all places are filled, whichever occurs first. Early application is strongly advised.

Before you apply, check to ensure you have access to the following documents which you will need to upload: 

• Proof of Identity (Birth Cert, Passport or Driver's Licence) 
• Passport-style Photograph  
• Personal statement explaining your interest in the course 
• English Language Test Report (if applicable)
• 50% of the year-one fees 
• Supporting documentation if required for RPL 

Start Your Application

Create an account or login to UCC Apply (click the 'Apply' button below).

1. Start a new application
   • WHEN ASKED FOR APPLICATION TYPE - YOU MUST CHOOSE: ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION
2. During the application on the tab titled Academic Level, under Level Selection, select the following options:
   • Academic Level: Adult Continuing Education (ACE at UCC)
   • Course Type: ACE Part-time Courses
   • Academic Programme: Youth and Community Work - Dip - UCC On Campus

A step-by-step visual application guide for this specific programme is available from the Programme Coordinator. A general how-to application guide is available here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/ace/helphub/