Community Development Practice (Diploma/Certificate)

Course Overview

The Certificate/Diploma in Community Development Practice are part-time courses, designed to enable community activists gain a thorough understanding of community development combined with the practical skills necessary to work effectively in development work.

Mode of Study: Blended Learning

The courses will run concurrently and classes will be delivered via blended learning including a series of monthly workshops on Saturdays throughout the academic year September to May.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Additional Requirements

Course Outline

Certificate modules:  

• SP127 Understanding Communities (10 ECTS)
  This module seeks to provide an understanding of the main themes and initiatives that characterise community development. The key principles of community development theory and their application to various types of community setting are explored. It also aims to provide participants with the practical skills and training necessary to enable them to work effectively with communities.
• SP1110 Introduction to Family and Society (5 ECTS) 
  This module is concerned with the nature of family and its interrelationship with wider society. It looks at how family is defined, the diversity of family forms and the role of family in society. A particular emphasis is placed on the nature of family change in Ireland and the western world. Throughout the module, you will see that family does not exist in isolation from wider systems, culture and ideologies and that these influences continually shape and re-configure people’s experiences and understanding of family and family life.

See 2021/22 CDP Certificate Timetable for this years module details.

Diploma modules:  

• SP127 Understanding Communities (10 ECTS)
  This module seeks to provide an understanding of the main themes and initiatives that characterise community development. The key principles of community development theory and their application to various types of community setting are explored. It also aims to provide participants with the practical skills and training necessary to enable them to work effectively with communities.
• SP1123 Group Work and Community Leadership (10 ECTS)
  This module examines the theory and practice of group work and community leadership. It considers group dynamics, communication in groups, effective group processes, conflict management and practical facilitation skills. It also outlines theories on leadership and how community leadership can be developed and supported.
• SP1113 Social Research Skills (5 ECTS) 
  This module comprises of an introductory under-graduate course on the theory and practice of social research. Research is essentially about collecting information in a methodical way in order to answer a question or test out a theory. The module focuses on how social research can play a vital role in community, youth and family work.
• SP1110 Introduction to Family and Society (5 ECTS)
  This module is concerned with the nature of family and its interrelationship with wider society. It looks at how family is defined, the diversity of family forms and the role of family in society. A particular emphasis is placed on the nature of family change in Ireland and the western world. Throughout the module, you will see that family does not exist in isolation from wider systems, culture and ideologies and that these influences continually shape and re-configure people’s experiences and understanding of family and family life.

See 2021/22 CDP Diploma Timetable for this years module details.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

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