About Community Development – BA (honours) in Limerick Institute of Technology

What is the programme about?

This programme has been designed in consultation with employers, so its content is relevant to employment in the development sector in Ireland. There is a substantial practical component to this programme so students will develop the real skills and competencies required for the workplace. A practical placement in years two and three is a key element of the programme which will allow students apply their learning in a real-life environment. 

Students on this programme will develop competencies and skills that will enable them to enter careers in development and social inclusion work. Students will develop practical skills based on the study and analysis of Irish Society and Irish communities; the social, economic and political issues affecting Irish society and different social groups; the role of development in addressing poverty, inequality and social exclusion; the impact of global processes on Irish society. 

Potential Applicants please note: This programme specialises in Community Development and as such it does not offer a specialisation or qualification in Social Care. All applicants accepting a place on this programme will be required to obtain Garda Clearance prior to full registration on the programme.

Who is the programme suited to?

This programme will be of interest to students interested in working in the areas of community development, the voluntary sector or in social inclusion.

Class Contact Hours

20 hours per week (depending on the year)

Jobs Include

There are increasing opportunities for paid professional work and career progression within the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. Graduates will be eligible to work in various roles and in a range of development organisations. Examples of positions available in the development sector include: Community Development Worker/Coordinator, Community Youth Worker, Policy Worker, Social Researcher/Research Assistant, Group Worker/Facilitator. Some graduates work for Family Resource Centres, Shannon Development, LEADER companies, An Garda Síochána.

Entry Requirement

Leaving Certificate (2017): A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including English or Irish. Mathematics is not a subject requirement for this programme.

QQI FET/FETAC Applicants and Mature Applicants: Refer to section ‘Entry Requirements’ for further information.

CAO

Please visit www.cao.ie for further information on how to apply to this course.

IELTS score for entry to undergraduate courses a minimum score of 5.5