Community Development

Bachelor of Arts

Community Development students demonstrating teamwork
Community Development students demonstrating teamwork
Type of Programme
Full-time
Number of Places
25
Duration
3 Years
Course Code
MT 575
Entry Requirements
154 CAO Points in 2023 and meet minimum entry requirements as listed below.
Application Deadline
See CAO for details
Location(s)
MTU Bishopstown Campus, Cork
Course NFQ Level
Level 7

Dr Margaret O’Keeffe

T: +353 (0)21 433 5932

Paddy Anderson

T: +353 (0)21 433 5931

Email: (email)

Overview

The broad aim of the programme is to provide an opportunity for people who are active in the community to achieve formal qualifications in the community work field. This course has been developed in partnership with community groups and consists of lectures, workshops, and seminars, combined with a substantial practical element, based in the community. Participants will remain within the community setting, thereby sustaining their contribution to the community while developing the capacity to add value to that contribution through supervised and supported learning in the workplace.

The course is assessed by continuous assessment: essay, reports, role play and presentations. Practical work placement within the community will also contribute to assessment. No formal, terminal, written examination is undertaken.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

  • Community Development: community development principles and everyday life
  • Community Work Placement 1: the application of theory in practice settings
  • Sociology and Community: sociology in community spaces
  • Social Analysis: analysis of how irish and european society functions
  • Education: analysis of the Education system in Ireland and the EU
  • Group Work and Community: applying group work principles and practice in community contexts

Modules

What is a Module?

A module is a standalone unit of learning and assessment and is completed within one semester. A full-time student will normally study six modules in each semester; part-time and ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) students will have flexibility as to the number of modules taken.

The button below provides a link to all of the University's approved modules for this programme.

View Modules

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

  • score the necessary CAO points and
  • meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in five subjects i.e. O6/H7 in five subjects. The five subjects must include either English or Irish grade O6/H7.

NOTE 1: There is no requirement for Maths. A Grade F2 or higher in foundation level Maths is recognised as one of the subjects for entry.

NOTE 2: Vetting by an Garda Síochána is a mandatory requirement for this programme.

 

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the degree programme can expect to take community work and leadership roles in community projects and within statutory agencies.

  • Statutory organisations
  • Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) – community youth services
  • Social enterprises in communities
  • Community equality project for women, men, LGBTQI+ communities
  • Creative community arts projects in music and arts

Progression

Further Studies

Suitably qualified graduates may be considered to proceed to the one year add-on

Where applicants for the Honours Degree do not have a qualification at NFQ Level 7 in Community Development at the specified minimum level, they may be admitted on the basis of a learning portfolio that verifiably demonstrates learning performance equal to that specified by the learning outcomes of the BA degree programme at MTU.

Question Time

The BA in Community Development is a full-time programme at MTU Bishopstown Campus, Cork. Your weekly work schedule will consist of lectures at the Bishopstown Campus as well as supervised work placements. The placement is an integral part of the programme and is core to your professional development. In addition, employers value the experience gained via the supervised placement.

The work placement will take place in selected locations around Cork city, which are easily accessible via public transport.

The best students and professional community workers all possess a keen interest in social justice issues alongside a desire to make a positive difference to peoples’ lives.

The community work profession requires individuals who are mindful of their responsibility towards other people and their communities.The community work professional also involves a strong legal and ethical commitment to promoting the safety of children and ‘vulnerable’ adults in society.

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