This course introduces you to the theoretical and practical elements of community development and social enterprise. Emphasis is placed on developing ways to successfully integrate a range of business skills suited to a people-centred social enterprise. You will engage in the critique of models, theories and policies relating to the development and successful management of social enterprise/community development projects. Through development of analytical skills, management strategies and enterprise approaches you will become equipped to cultivate entrepreneurship in local communities and establish a ‘can do’ approach to local development.

Click on any module code for a detailed module description.

The modules are as follows:

Year 1 Modules:

• AD1001: History and Theory of Community Development and Social Enterprise (10 credits)
  This module will contextualise the historic development of Community Development and Social Enterprise; explore the concept of community from a sociological perspective and examine the actors and dynamics within the politics of Community Development and Social Enterprise.
• AD1002: Introduction to Social Enterprises and People Centred Business (5 credits)
  Organising and running a people-centred business and social enterprises; decision making practices; governance.
• SS1828: Facilitation Skills for Social Enterprise and Community Workers (5 credits)
  Theoretical approaches to group work
  Group facilitation skills
  Conflict Resolution
  Communication skills.
• SS1829: Research Skills in Community Development Work and Social Enterprise (10 credits)
  Research design. Research ethics, Methodology, Data Collection and analysis and Presentation Skills.

Year 2 Modules:

• AD2001: Social Enterprise and Local Development (5 credits)
  This module provides an introduction to the role of the social economy with a particular emphasis on social enterprise and its links to local and community development. The module will include specific references in the form of actual case studies of existing and successful social enterprises within a community context, while exploring the role and use of the Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISE) as a means of service delivery in the context of local development.
• SS2821: Social Analysis of Community (5 credits)
  Social policy in Ireland
  The emergence of Community within a historical context
  The emergence of Social Enterprise in the Irish Context
  EU Social Policy
  Mechanisms of social inclusion.
• SS2822: Managing Community Development and Social Enterprise Projects (10 credits)
  This module will introduce students to the key issues and skills associated with managing Community Development Projects and Social Enterprises. The module will focus on Project Planning and Management; Issues related to funding; Managing Human Resources; Third Sector Management and the Law; Committee Skills.
• SS2823: Practice Placement (10 credits)
  · Theoretical learning
  · Reflective practice
  · Case recording
  · Placement.

Applicants who do not have a Leaving Certificate/FETAC Level 5 qualification but have relevant work experience may be deemed suitable on submission of a 500 word Personal Statement outlining their suitability for the course with an overview of relevant experience. A selection committee comprising the Director of ACE or nominee, Programme Co-ordinator or nominee and one other nominee will adjudicate submissions.  Applicants may be called for interview.

English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not English must have attained IELTS Level 6 or the equivalent TOEFL score.

Note: Students who successfully complete Year 1 of this programme and who do not wish to proceed to Year 2 may exit the programme with a Certificate in Social Enterprises and Community Development Practice.

Assessment is assignment-based, there are no examinations. Assignments take a variety of forms including: reflective journals, essays, community/agency profiles, research reports and case studies. Briefs and guidelines are available in the course handbook so information is available in advance. Lecturers will cover assignment approaches. Assignments are handed in one week after a module ends. Two assignments are required per 10 credit module and one per five credit module.

All members of the lecturing team are experienced adult education lecturers chosen for their ability to facilitate development of positive learning environments. They offer a wide range of professional experience and have strong links to local community agencies and development bodies. Their participation in area development initiatives and training programmes provides them with first hand knowledge of local development and the challenges and rewards of social enterprise. 

Currently closed for application