Centre Partnerships
The centre for cooperative studies has positive relationships with many different organisations across a variety of sectors which benefits the centre, and its students, in multiple ways
Cooperatives UK
Co-operatives UK is a co-operative organisation, owned and controlled by its members. These members include co-operative enterprises and organisations that support co-operation and co-operatives. The ownership and governance of Co-operatives UK are firmly rooted in its membership, ensuring that all activities serve their collective interests.
With thousands of members, either directly or through federal membership, Co-operatives UK represents a vast and diverse network of co-operatives across the UK. The organisation is dedicated to promoting shared wealth through member ownership, enabling individuals and communities to establish and participate in thriving, sustainable co-operatives.
Irish Cooperative Organisation Society
Irish League of Credit Unions
The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) is the largest representative body for credit unions across Ireland, founded in 1960. It supports over 270 affiliated credit unions in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Built on principles of mutuality, volunteerism, and a not-for-profit ethos, the ILCU advocates for the credit union movement, aiming to inspire and support its social, economic, and cultural goals. Its activities include promoting the credit union model, lobbying government, engaging with regulatory bodies, and providing professional services to credit unions.
International Cooperative Alliance
The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) unites, represents, and serves cooperatives globally. Established in 1895, it is one of the oldest and largest non-governmental organisations, representing over 1 billion cooperative members worldwide.
As the apex body for the global co-operative movement, the ICA provides a platform for co-operatives to collaborate, share knowledge, and take coordinated action. With around 3 million cooperatives across various sectors—including agriculture, banking, consumer, fisheries, health, housing, insurance, and industry—the ICA is the central voice for the movement.
The ICA has over 306 member organisations from 105 countries, including national and international co-operatives from all sectors of the economy.
Society for Co-operative Studies in Ireland
The Society for Co-operative Studies in Ireland (SCSI) is a voluntary, member-based organisation dedicated to promoting the education, research, and development of co-operatives and co-operative principles in Ireland. Established in 1981, SCSI brings together practitioners, academics, and other stakeholders to foster a deeper understanding of the co-operative model and its applications.
The organisation provides a platform for knowledge exchange, supports research initiatives, and encourages collaboration across sectors, including agriculture, finance, and community development. Through its activities, SCSI works to enhance the impact of co-operatives and advocate for their role in creating sustainable, inclusive economies.
Carbery
Carbery Group is a global leader in food and nutrition, known for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and high-quality dairy products. The company, owned by four co-operatives in West Cork, also offers a valuable scholarship for the MSc in Sustainable Development, Agri-Food, and Co-operatives at University College Cork. This scholarship covers tuition and expenses and includes a work placement with Carbery's Sustainability Team, providing a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in the agri-food and sustainability sectors.
Ornua
FDC Group
FDC Group is a leading provider of professional services to Irish businesses, offering expert advice in areas such as agriculture, finance, and sustainability. The company is dedicated to helping businesses succeed by providing tailored solutions that drive growth and efficiency. FDC Group also supports the MSc in Sustainable Development, Agri-Food, and Co-operatives at University College Cork by offering a scholarship, which covers tuition fees and includes a work placement opportunity. This initiative provides students with valuable hands-on experience and the chance to collaborate with industry professionals.
Department of Rural and Community Development
The Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland focuses on strengthening communities, ensuring social inclusion, and supporting sustainable development across both rural and urban areas, including offshore islands. It drives initiatives that promote economic and social development, empowering communities to adapt to future challenges. Through various funding schemes and policy measures, the department works to improve resilience and cohesion within communities.
Additionally, the department supports the MSc in Sustainable Development, Agri-Food, and Co-operatives at University College Cork by offering two scholarships, which provide funding to postgraduate students pursuing careers in rural and community development. The successful bursary holders will engage with the DRCD and other nominated departments in the formulation of specific research questions focused on advancing the objectives of Our Rural Future and providing an evidence base to aid the development of public policy or support evaluation of specific policy challenges.
Click here to visit the Department of Rural and Community Development
Tirlan
Tirlán is a leading agricultural co-operative, dedicated to driving sustainable growth and innovation across Ireland's agri-food sector. With a deep commitment to its farmer members, Tirlán focuses on delivering high-quality products while supporting rural communities. The company recently launched its Governance Academy in collaboration with the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS), and the Centre for Co-operative Studies (UCC). The Academy offers a bespoke Certificate in Co-operative Governance and Professional Development, aimed at equipping Tirlán members with the skills needed to excel in governance roles within the co-operative.
Collective Social Futures, UCC
Collective Social Futures (CSF), UCC: The Centre for Co-operative Studies is a founding member of CSF and was involved in CSF from the planning stage based on the track record of members’ involvement in ISS21, including research projects that were affiliated to ISS21 and interdisciplinary collaborations through various ISS21 research clusters. The Centre is represented on the executive committee and on the board of CSF. Research by Centre members highlights collective, co-operative responses to societal and environmental challenges, thereby aligning with CSF’s research focus. Networks developed through ISS21 and CSF resulted in participation of two ISS21 members in the Centre’s recent Horizon award for a project on care and the social economy.
Co-operative Alternatives
Co-operative Alternatives is the only body in Northern Ireland entirely devoted to developing successful co-operatives and community benefit societies. It offers a high quality range of advice on legal, financial, business and democratic governance. It provides tailored training and business support to all groups who want to do business in a co-operative way.
UK Society for Co-operative Studies
Originally founded in 1967, the UK Society for Co-operative Studies has a rich history of involvement with and deep roots in the co-operative movement and co-operative studies both in the UK and internationally. In 2025 the UK Society and the Irish Society for Co-operative Studies in Ireland will jointly run a conference to be held in Belfast in February 2025: https://www.ukscs.coop/events/ukscs-scsi-conference-2025-co-operation-among-co-operators-the-irish-british-connection