County Kildare LEADER Partnership in collaboration with Maynooth University Department of Applied Social Studies are offering individuals volunteering or working with young people in a youth setting in Co. Kildare an opportunity to study for a National University of Ireland Youth Studies Certificate at Level 7.
This programme is developed by the Department of Applied Social Studies in Maynooth University and aims to facilitate the development and empowerment of course participants. The course aims to do this through deepening the understanding of youth work principals and practice. This programme will be facilitated by tutors from the Department of Applied Social Studies Maynooth University.
Dates and Times:
The course, facilitated by Maynooth University Department of Applied Social Studies, will take place online on Tuesday evenings, and on 8 x Saturdays on campus in Maynooth University, from October 2022 to May 2023. The course aims to facilitate the development and empowerment of course participants and to enhance their knowledge and skills in Youth Studies.
Overview of the Certificate programme
The Youth Studies Certificate sets out to:
- Develop students’ critical awareness of the nature of youth and youth issues in contemporary society
- Increase students’ awareness and knowledge of adolescent development and the needs of young people in relation to youth service provision
- Develop students’ appreciation of the complexities, challenges and potential involved in the youth worker role
- Develop skills in communication, working in groups, creative programming, planning, research etc.
- Enable students to explore their personal interest, attitudes and values in youth work and how that influences their approach to work with young people
The Certificate is structured around the following themes:
- Youth Service provision and policy development
- adolescence, youth culture and social situation of young people
- Youth Work definitions, models and approaches
- Principles of social Education in Youth Work
- role of the Youth Worker
Assessment:
There are no formal exams associated with the programme. Assessment is 100% coursework including assignments, presentations, group exercises and projects.
Who Should Apply?
This programme is funded under CKLP’s Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and recruitment is managed by CKLP staff. Completed Application Forms are welcome from individuals who …
- Are actively involved in a Youth Group or Organisation in co. Kildare. The Group/Organisation should support Social Inclusion of young people, for example, those who are unemployed, parenting alone, Travellers, young people with disabilities, Roma, New Communities (including refugees/asylum seekers) amongst others.
- Are 21 years or over on 1 January 2020.
- Have the capacity to complete a course at NUI Certificate level 7
- Have the openness to reflect on one’s own practice, attitudes and beliefs.
- Have a commitment to learning in a group setting.
Please note if oversubscribed, priority will be given to those who are voluntary members of youth groups or organisations.
Award Achieved: NUI Certificate in Youth Studies NFQ Level 7 (20 credits)
Course Duration: 100 hours part-time over the 2020/ 2021 academic year.
Location: Blended – Online and On Campus
Times: 1 Evening per week
Wednesdays: 7pm – 10pm with occasional Saturdays
Saturdays: 10am – 4pm.
Fees: There are no course fees for successful candidates. A contribution towards course overheads will be requested. A payment plan can be arranged.
How to Apply?
Expressions of Interest will be sent to candidates when requested to do so.
Expressions of Interest have Now Closed – and will reopen again in Summer 2023 for the Autumn 2023-2024 classes.
Bursary Available for Level 7 students of CKLP 2022: Third level bursary – Level 7 Students CKLP
All applicants successful at the shortlisting stage will be invited to attend an informal interview.
Please note: Places will not be offered to successful applicants until all interviews are completed.