The Level 8 in Community Education and Development programme is for experienced practitioners who are working in the community and voluntary sector and who are passionate about social justice and community empowerment.
This programme offers students the opportunity to develop their knowledge skills and qualities for working in the Community and Voluntary Sector.
There is a strong focus on reflective practice, personal development and professional development. Students develop real and practical skills for leading change.
The programme and modules are facilitated by an experienced team of practitioners. Together, with our learners we create a rich environment of shared learning – cultivating a space where experiences are shared, where students learn to think critically and become reflective in their practice.
The community education methodology involves a facilitative approach, a value on lived experience, collective care and collaborative learning. This results in deep engagement and a meaningful educational experience.
Community education/ community work/ community development is a unique and distinct professional practice which comprises both task and process. This task and overall goal is social change - to achieve equality, social justice and human rights. The process is the application of the principles of participation, empowerment and collective decision making.
Programme Structure
Programme Duration: September 2026 - December 2027.
Classes include in person days (Saturdays), two residentials (one at the start of the programme and one at the end)
Online classes (Thursdays)
Students must be available to attend all elements of the programme.
Funding
Limited bursaries are available for this course with thanks to a joint initiative with SETU, An Cosán and The HEA
or
Students of this programme are also eligible to apply for SUSI grant.
For any queries, please contact the Programme Administrator, Denise Quinn, at [email protected].
Social Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (10 ECTS)
Professional Practice 1 (5 ECTS) and Professional Practice 2 (5 ECTS)
Applied Leadership in Community Education and Development (10 ECTS)
Social Research Methods for Practitioners (10 ECTS)
Policy Making in Community Education and Development (10 ECTS)
Global Perspectives in Community Education and Development (10 ECTS)
Applicants must:
be over 23 years on the year of programme entry
Experienced practitioners in the Community and Voluntary sector.
Have completed NFQ Level 7 in Community Education and Development or similar field.
Be committed to the values of equality, community empowerment, collectivity, participation, social justice and sustainable development.
We welcome applicants who have not had the opportunity to access traditional formal education.
Please Note: Applications for recognition of prior learning are welcomed from potential applicants who may have the appropriate level of prior learning.
Applications for September intake are now open via the application form on this site or contact us.
Students who complete the Level 8 degree may chose to proceed with a Masters Programme in their area of interest.
Students who complete the Level 8 Degree work across the Community and Voluntary Sector in areas such as:
Family Resource Centres.
Local ETBs, working as tutors, Community Education Facilitators or Resource Workers.
Local and national organisations working with specific communities for example, Travellers, youth, men’s groups, women’s groups, refugees, asylum seekers, LGBTQI, homelessness, addiction and recovery and disability.
Local and national organisations concerned with specific issues for example, unemployment, racism, poverty.
Local Area Partnerships, local Community Development Projects, and City/ Co Councils.
ETBs as Community Education Facilitators and/or Community Education tutors/ facilitators.
