Youth and Community Work, Diploma in Professional Studies
Entry requirementsEntry Requirements -A degree, or equivalent. -Commitment to the values of youth and community work and to the requirements of the course. -Some experience of working with young people or communities whether voluntary or paid.
Academic titleYouth and Community Work, Diploma in Professional Studies
Course descriptionIntroduction
The course is designed for people who would like to work as youth and community workers or as youth and community arts workers. It provides the opportunity to develop professional practice through the integration of theory and practice and includes the National Youth Agency endorsed professional qualification. Workplace experience forms a key aspect of the learning process with a 15-hours-per-week placement undertaken between October and March.
The course is part of our Youth and Community Work provision, an exciting range of opportunities for people studying a range of approaches to community based learning.
Course Structure
The course starts in September, lasts one year and requires attendance on two and a half days per week in term one and one and a half days in term two and attendance at your placement.
There are six modules, each worth 20 credits (at higher undergraduate level in the School?s Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme) as follows:
-Self and Agency Analysis (fieldwork module)
-Professional Interactions in Youth and Community Work
-Professional Practice Project (fieldwork module)
-Art, Culture and Communities
-Management, Organisation and Evaluation
-The Individual, Communities and Issues of Social Exclusion
The course demonstrates a commitment to anti-oppressive practice and equal opportunities.
Teaching and Assessment
Assessment is continuous and by assignment.
Career Opportunities
All the graduates who have completed this course since its inception in 2003 have successfully gained relevant employment.
Special Features
The course involves two fieldwork placements, which we help you to identify. The first placement must involve a minimum of 15 hours per week and the secondary placement consists of a minimum of 200 hours. The secondary placement will be undertaken in a different organisation or setting to provide a contrasting and challenging experience.
The National Youth Agency require you to undertake a substantial part of at least one of the placements in face-to-face work with young people. The course has been partly designed to meet the particular needs of people whose degrees are in arts disciplines and who would like to use their skills in youth and community arts contexts. Art skills are not a requirement of the course.
Other Information
Revalidation by the National Youth Agency, July 2004. The review panel described the diploma as a ?well-balanced and sound programme.? They were 'impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment of the staff team and by their expertise and efficiency.'