MA (Community Development)

The aim of this programme is to impart specialist knowledge of the practical, organisational, managerial, and developmental skills that you need in order to practice effective community work; and to increase your analytical and evaluative understandings of the various contexts within which community development practice takes place.  The overall objective is to educate and train you to become an effective development worker, who, with a professional approach, can make a direct and valuable contribution to affecting change at community level.

The programme combines taught modules, practical work placement experience, and a minor dissertation. Students are provided in-depth understanding of the working principles, practices, contexts and methods that exist within the professional community work field. Modules included on the programme are Community Development Theory and Practice; Social Policy; Understanding Communities; Gender, Development and Human Rights; Sustainable Development in Ireland; Local Government.

Professional Experience Programme
In Semester Three of Year Two, students must complete a placement for a minimum four-month period in a practical community work environment, during which time participants’ knowledge and skills of community work practice is reinforced and their ability to apply practical work practices in innovative development processes is enhanced. Participants are encouraged to select work placement settings relevant to their own particular area of interest but are advised and facilitated in establishing and developing an identified project work task for the placement period.