Higher Certificate in Arts in Community Development and Youth Work

This part-time award aims to provide learners with a specialised education in Community Development and Youth Work. It is apparent in today’s contemporary societies that social inequalities exist, environments are under increasing pressure and human rights for some people remain unfulfilled.  The successful graduate will be an autonomous community development and/or youth worker, equipped with skills, knowledge and competencies to work within a wide range of statutory and non-statutory organisations and agencies.  

The graduate as a critical thinker will be able to engage and work with diverse groups to consider factors that are social, cultural, economic, sustainable, technological and political at local, societal and global level that impact upon people’s daily lives. The reflective graduate, by applying human rights principles, and a knowledge of empowerment and through collectively working with others will set out to promote social change and equality. If they wish, the graduate will be able to pursue further academic studies.

This programme is funded under new SUSI pilot - Part-time Fee Scheme for SUSI funding | ATU - Atlantic Technological University

• Various positions as Assistant Youth Workers/Youth Worker in National and International Youth Work Organisations 
• Various positions in other organisations that work with young people
• Rural and Community Development Workers
• Various positions with Rural and Community Development Organisations  
• Various positions in International Non-governmental Organisations (human rights, advocacy, development education)

More information

Garda Vetting is required.

English Language Requirements

English Language Requirements will be as determined by ATU and as published in the Access, Transfer and Progression Policy.

Non-EU applicants who are not English speakers must have a minimum score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component) in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent. All results must have been achieved within 2 years of application to ATU.

EU applicants who are not English speakers are recommended to have a minimum score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component) in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent.

Entry Requirements

• The minimum entry requirements are those stated by the university in its Access, Transfer and Progression Policy at any given time. At present they are a Grade O6/H7 or better in five Leaving Certificate subjects including English or Irish and Mathematics with a minimum of 160 points. Maths at F2 is acceptable to meet the minimum Maths entry requirement. Irish at F2 is acceptable to meet the minimum language requirement.

OR

• Five different subjects at GCSE grade C or better to include English/Irish and Maths with a minimum of 160 points.

OR

• Equivalent qualifications and scores from other countries which will be assessed and scored by the university.

OR

• A Pass in a QQI FET Foundation Certificate, the NUIG/ATU Foundation Certificate or any Foundation/Access Certificate delivered by the regional cluster (ATU or NUIG).

OR

• A Pass in any QQI FET Major Award at level 5 or 6. (Programmes with specific Leaving Certificate Maths requirements should include the following or similar: QQI FET applicants for engineering programmes in ATU must have completed awards including a Mathematics module (5N1833, 6N3395, 5N18396, 5N0556 or 5S2246) or LC maths.)

OR

• A graduate of Further Education who is a holder of a pass QQI FET Major Award at Level 5 or 6 in Community Development and/or Youth Work can apply to the University for the direct entry into the first year of the programme.

OR

• Applicants who have successfully completed and passed ATU's GA_ECOMM_S06 Certificate in Community Development Practice, Special Purpose Award.

Work placement details

The part-time Higher Certificate (Level 6) in Arts in Community Development and Youth Work will secure the Professional Practice Placements.  The programme will discuss the available placements with learners prior to allocation.

Contact for more information

• Dr. Sheila McArdle  Sheila.mcardle@atu.ie
• Ms. Mairead Cluskey  mairead.cluskey@atu.ie