Diploma in Community Development Practice / Certificate in Community Development Practice
Key facts
Entry requirements
Candidates must have experience of working in a community or voluntary organisation. There are no special educational requirements for entry to Certificate or Diploma programmes. Selection of students is made on the basis of informal interviews following completion of an application form. Numbers accepted on these programmes are limited
Duration:
8 months, part-time (Certificate); 1 academic year, part-time (Diploma)
Next start date: Contact the programme co-ordinator for details, see below.
ECTS weighting: 15 (Certificate); 30 (Diploma)
Average intake: 25 for each programme
NFQ level: 7
Classroom
Course overview
The Certificate/Diploma in Community Development Practice are part-time programmes, designed to enable community activists gain a thorough understanding of community development combined with the practical skills necessary to work effectively in development work.
Course outline
Students completing the Certificate programme study three modules which involve a minimum of 120 hours of instruction and assignments :
- Community Development Theory and Practice
- Social Analysis and Communication
- Leadership and Group Work Skills
Students completing the Diploma programme study six modules and complete a project. The Diploma course involves a minimum of 240 hours of instruction and project work.
Course modules include:
- Community Development
- Theory and Practice
- Communication, Group Work and Leadership Skills
- Research Techniques
- Social Analysis
- Public Policy
Project Planning, Development and Evaluation A number of special interest workshops and field trips will be organised during each course throughout the year, reflecting the needs and interests of the course participants. These visits to other community development projects will give participants opportunities to make contact with the practice of community development in other locations
Applications and selections
Students are required to complete the programme application form in addition to attending an informal interview.
Requirements and assessment
Class sessions for both programmes are normally held on one evening/morning each week throughout the academic year as well as special weekend seminars and workshops, which are arranged in consultation with the class members.
Each aspect of the course will be monitored by the Course Director and course tutors who are based locally. A system of support for course work and projects is provided to participants by experienced, locally based practitioners and development workers. Participants’ work will be examined by means of continuous assessment. Participants will be required to reach a pass standard in each assignment.
Students on the Diploma programme will be required to work on a specific practical project on behalf of the community of which they are a member. Students will be assigned a project advisor who will assist them directly with this project work. These projects will provide a valuable opportunity for the transfer of skills to groups in relation to planning local development projects. They will also facilitate the involvement of other members of community organisations in the activities of the Diploma programme.
Find out more
Programme Administrator
NUI Galway Community Education Centre
Hygeia Office Block
Nun’s Island
Galway
T 091 495241
F 091 494567
E community.ed@nuigalway.ie
www.nuigalway.ie/adulteducation
Fees for this course
Current students
Olivia Harrington
"...The reasons I chose the course in Community Development Practice is because I have an interest in working with people and have been volunteering with a few charities and wanted to develop my skills in this area. As it had been over 10 years since I did any formal study, I was apprehensive about going back to college but the learning style of the course suited me and I found the tutors excellent and very supportive. I’m now continuing my studies in the BA Programme in Community and Family Studies. The course gave me great confidence and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in community work..."