The Higher Certificate in Community Education and Development programme is for adults who are working or volunteering 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 practicial 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.
The course is aimed at people who:
Are active in their community, in either a voluntary or paid capacity
Have not had access to benefits from the formal education system
Work from an equality perspective
Candidates must show a capacity for third level study.
For any queries, please contact the Programme Administrator, Denise Quinn, at [email protected].
Course Modules
The Higher Certificate in Community Education and Development comprises the following modules:
Introductory Studies
Communication in Community Settings
Group-work and Facilitation Skills for Community Work
Community Education
Personal Effectiveness for Community Work
Social Analysis
Community Development
Community Workplace Practice 1
Intercultural Studies
Leadership in a Community Setting
Social Innovation
Social Policy
Assessment: 100% continuous assessment.
Applicants must:
be over 23 years on the year of programme entry
be actively engaged in the Community and Voluntary sector – volunteering or working in a paid capacity.
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.
Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English. Please see here for more details English Language Requirements.
Students who complete the Level 6 Higher Certificate can apply to the Level 7 Degree in Community Education and Development.
Students in the Higher Certificate programmes are often volunteering or in paid employment in their community. Examples of areas of work include:
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, 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.
