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BA in Applied Social and Community Development

Apply to Cork College of FET

Overview

Do you want to make a real difference in your community—or start a meaningful career in community development? Then this new BA in Applied Social and Community Development Tertiary Degree programme is designed for everyone: those already active in community work, school leavers looking for a new avenue and a career pathway, and anyone seeking a fresh start and a chance to create positive change.

This programme incorporates the Level 5 Applied Social Studies with the BA in Applied Social and Community Development, giving learners the opportunity to start their degree at Morrison’s Island Campus and complete it at Munster Technological University. You will gain practical skills through substantial community-based placements, supported by expert guidance and mentorship from both academic and industry supervisors. This means you’ll stay connected to real projects while building your knowledge and confidence.

A recognised Level 7 BA in Applied Social and Community Development qualification will give you the skills to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact. Whether you dream of working in community development, social care, advocacy—or simply want to make a difference—this programme opens doors to exciting opportunities

Provider Locations and Structure

Year 1

Cork Education and Training Board – Cork College of FET – Morrisons Island Campus, Morrisons Island, Cork T12 H685.

Years 2-3

Department of Applied Social Studies, Munster Technological University, Cork Campus, Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork T12 P928.

Course Content – for all years

Year 1 – Level 5 Award 5M2181 – FET

Code Title

5N0754 Psychology

5N1370 Social Studies

5N2176 Substance Use Issues for Youthwork

5N0765 Intercultural Studies

5N1367 Teamworking

5N22944 Social Policy

5N1901 Understanding Community Development

5N1356 Work Experience

Year 2 – MTU

Code Title

SOCI6007 Equality & Intersectionality

PLAC6006 Community Placement Theory

SOCI7001 Community Group Work

EDUC6006 Community Education

EDUC6007 Research Methodology

SOCI6011 State and Community

EDUC6010 Critical Pedagogy & Community

SOCI6010 Social Policy in Practice

31481 Community Practice [pending approval]

SOCI6006 Community Research

Year 3 – MTU

Code Title

SOCI7006 Social Stratification

PLAC7007 Research Preparation

31710 Community Placement [pending approval]

OCCH7001 Community Health

SOCI7003 Social Justice and Citizenship

SOCI7002 Research Project

PLAC7010 The Community Work Sector

MGMT7072 Community Project Leadership

31601 Community Health in Practice [pending approval]

Accreditation, Embedded and Step Back Awards

This tertiary degree is a comprehensive 3-year degree programme, designed to support academic success. Should a student have to leave the programme before completing the final year, tertiary degrees include embedded awards. Embedded awards formally recognise learning achieved during time in the programme.

For this degree, they are:

After successfully completing Year 1: NFQ level 5 Certificate Applied social Studies 5M2181 from QQI

After successfully completing Year 2: Higher Certificate in Arts in Applied Social & Community Development MTU

The final NFQ level 7 BA in Applied Social and Community Development is awarded by MTU.

Planned intake (number of places)

24 Places

Entry requirements and eligibility

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades or 4 O6/H7 grades plus Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme with distinction

Leaving Certificate Applied with distinction

QQI Level 4 award with a distinction profile

A Full level 5/6 QQI award

Mature applicants – (aged 23 on or before 1st January of the course commencement year). These applicants do not have to meet the minimum entry requirements listed here and are considered on an individual basis (previous education, work experience, and demonstration of competence to undertake the programme)

An applicant who is a minimum of 17 years of age (on or before 1st January of the course commencement year) with at least 2 years post Junior Certificate relevant experience.

All applicants must demonstrate that they would qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant under the Student Grant Scheme (SUSI) and/or are in receipt of a Department of Social Protection (DSP) long-term means-tested social welfare payment and/or be from one or more of the priority groups or from any priority group identified as part of the next National Access Plan (2022-2028)

English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language as follows:

Irish Leaving Certificate English: Ordinary Level Grade O6
GCE A-Level English Language: Grade D

All applicants whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through the medium of English must demonstrate CEFR proficiency at B2 for access. Evidence of English Language Proficiency must be provided through one of the following mechanisms:

English language proficiency assessment conducted by relevant ETB during the enrolment process. Minimum B2 in all skills on entry.
A valid certificate in English language from one of the institutions listed below:

International Examinations: Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE), Minimum Grade – Grade B or higher
International Examinations: Cambridge Advanced (CAE), Minimum Grade – Borderline Fail Min 170 points
International Examinations: Cambridge Proficiency (CPE), Minimum Grade- Unsuccessful With min. 170 points
International Examinations, IELTS, Minimum Grade 6
Duolingo English Test DET 120 with a minimum score of 110 in each individual section

Note: IELTS certificates are only valid two years from the date of assessment. It is recommended that the same validity duration is applied to all other examinations.

Onward pathways

Graduates of the degree programme can expect to take community work and leadership roles in community projects and within statutory agencies.

Statutory organisations
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) – community youth services
Social enterprises in communities
Community equality project for women, men, LGBTQI+ communities
Creative community arts projects in music and arts

Suitably qualified graduates may be considered to proceed to the one-year add-on

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Community Development

Special features (optional)

Additional Considerations

Admission to the programme will be coordinated and determined by the ETB through a comprehensive selection process in collaboration with MTU.

Interview and personal statement will be an entry requirement

Students must obtain a Merit profile in the Applied Social Studies Award (5M2181), which comprises Year 1 of this programme, to progress to Year 2 of this programme.