LLM Law
University College Cork offers an LLM (Master of Laws) program designed to provide adva...
BSocSc Hons Youth & Community Work
Cork
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSocSc Hons in Youth & Community Work program at University College Cork (UCC) is a comprehensive undergraduate degree designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for effective practice in the youth and community development sector. Grounded in principles of social justice, equality, and empowerment, this program prepares students to work with diverse communities, address social issues, and advocate for positive change. Through a combination of academic study, practical placements, and reflective practice, students develop the competencies needed to engage with young people, families, and communities, promote social inclusion, and facilitate personal and collective empowerment.
Interdisciplinary Curriculum: The BSocSc Hons in Youth & Community Work program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates theories and perspectives from sociology, psychology, social policy, community development, and youth studies. Students explore key concepts such as social exclusion, inequality, empowerment, and social change, gaining a holistic understanding of the complex factors that shape individuals, families, and communities.
Professional Skills Development: The program emphasizes the development of practical skills essential for effective practice in youth and community work. Through workshops, simulations, and experiential learning activities, students learn communication skills, group facilitation techniques, conflict resolution strategies, and community organizing methods. They also acquire skills in program planning, needs assessment, advocacy, and evaluation, preparing them for roles as competent and ethical practitioners.
Field Placements and Practical Experience: Practical experience is a central component of the program, with students undertaking supervised field placements in youth organizations, community centers, schools, social service agencies, or non-profit organizations. During placements, students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world settings, engage with service users, and develop professional relationships with practitioners and stakeholders. Placements provide opportunities for students to develop practical skills, build professional networks, and gain insight into the challenges and opportunities of youth and community work.
Reflective Practice and Critical Inquiry: The program encourages reflective practice and critical inquiry, fostering students' ability to critically analyze social issues, interrogate power dynamics, and challenge dominant discourses. Through reflective journals, group discussions, and critical reflection exercises, students examine their own values, assumptions, and biases, and consider the ethical implications of their practice. Critical inquiry skills enable students to advocate for social justice, challenge oppression, and promote inclusive and participatory approaches to youth and community development.
Community Engagement and Partnership Building: Community engagement and partnership building are core principles of the program, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, participation, and asset-based approaches to community development. Students learn to engage with diverse stakeholders, including young people, families, community groups, and policymakers, to identify needs, strengths, and priorities. They develop skills in community organizing, partnership building, and grassroots mobilization, working collaboratively to address social issues, promote social inclusion, and create positive change.
Global Perspectives and Social Justice Advocacy: The program explores global perspectives on youth and community development, examining international models, policies, and practices. Students critically analyze global challenges such as poverty, migration, environmental sustainability, and human rights, and explore strategies for global solidarity, social justice, and sustainable development. Through coursework, research projects, and study abroad opportunities, students develop a global outlook and a commitment to social justice advocacy at local, national, and international levels.
Location
Cork
Score
IELTS: 6.5
Tuition Fee
€ 19200
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: € 50
Academic Qualifications: For undergraduate programs, applicants require a minimum academic score of 80-85% or above in their previous studies.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.0 or 6.5, with no individual band below 5.5.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90, with specific section requirements: Listening 20, Reading 20, Speaking 21, Writing 20.
- PTE: Overall score of 63, with no section below 59.
- DET: Overall score of 120, with a minimum of 110.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.
University College Cork (UCC) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships are aimed at assisting students with tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs.
International Merit-Based Scholarships: UCC provides merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international students entering undergraduate or postgraduate programs. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and may cover partial tuition fees or provide stipends.
Government and External Scholarships: International students may also be eligible for scholarships offered by their home governments, non-governmental organizations, or external funding bodies. UCC assists students by providing information and support in applying for these external scholarship opportunities.
Research Scholarships and Grants: For postgraduate research students, UCC offers various grants and scholarships to support research endeavors. These scholarships often cover tuition fees and provide additional stipends for living expenses.
Sports Scholarships: UCC recognizes talented athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their academic and athletic pursuits. These scholarships assist students in balancing their sports with their studies.
Faculty-Specific Scholarships: Certain faculties or departments within UCC offer scholarships tailored to specific academic disciplines. These scholarships aim to attract exceptional students to particular programs and fields of study.
Need-Based Financial Aid: The university understands the financial challenges international students might face and offers need-based financial aid programs to assist students who demonstrate financial need.
Graduates of the BSocSc Hons in Youth & Community Work program at University College Cork (UCC) are well-prepared for diverse and rewarding career opportunities in the youth work, community development, social services, and non-profit sectors. With a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical values, graduates play crucial roles in empowering individuals, families, and communities, addressing social inequalities, and promoting social justice.
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Youth Worker: Many graduates pursue careers as youth workers, working for youth clubs, community centers, schools, or youth-focused organizations. They engage with young people, providing support, guidance, and opportunities for personal and social development. Youth workers organize recreational activities, educational programs, and youth-led initiatives, helping young people build confidence, resilience, and life skills. They also offer counseling, advocacy, and referral services to address the needs of marginalized or at-risk youth.
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Community Development Worker: Graduates may work as community development workers, collaborating with local communities to identify needs, assets, and priorities, and facilitate collective action for positive change. They empower communities to address social issues, improve infrastructure, and enhance social cohesion through community organizing, capacity-building, and participatory decision-making processes. Community development workers advocate for social justice, facilitate partnerships, and mobilize resources to create inclusive and sustainable communities.
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Social Services Coordinator: Some graduates become social services coordinators, working for social service agencies, non-profit organizations, or government departments. They design and implement programs and services to support individuals and families facing challenges such as poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, or mental health issues. Social services coordinators assess client needs, develop individualized support plans, and coordinate service delivery to promote client well-being and independence.
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Youth Outreach Worker: Graduates may work as youth outreach workers, reaching out to marginalized or vulnerable young people who may not access traditional youth services. They engage with young people in community settings, street outreach programs, or drop-in centers, offering support, information, and referrals to address their immediate needs and connect them with appropriate services. Youth outreach workers build trusting relationships with young people and provide a bridge to other support systems.
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Community Organizer or Campaign Coordinator: Some graduates pursue careers as community organizers or campaign coordinators, working for advocacy groups, grassroots organizations, or social justice movements. They mobilize communities around specific issues, advocate for policy change, and campaign for social justice and human rights. Community organizers build coalitions, organize events, and lead grassroots campaigns to raise awareness, influence decision-makers, and bring about systemic change.
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Family Support Worker: Graduates may work as family support workers, providing practical assistance and emotional support to families facing challenges such as parenting difficulties, domestic violence, or financial hardship. They offer home visiting services, parenting classes, and referrals to community resources to strengthen family functioning and promote child well-being. Family support workers empower families to build resilience, develop coping strategies, and access the support they need to thrive.
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Educational Mentor or Youth Development Coordinator: Some graduates become educational mentors or youth development coordinators, working in schools, colleges, or educational programs to support young people's academic success, personal development, and career aspirations. They provide academic tutoring, career guidance, and leadership development opportunities to help young people achieve their full potential and transition successfully to adulthood. Educational mentors and youth development coordinators foster a positive learning environment and advocate for inclusive and equitable educational opportunities.
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Policy Analyst or Researcher: Graduates with strong analytical and research skills may pursue careers as policy analysts or researchers, working for government agencies, research institutes, or advocacy organizations. They analyze social policies, evaluate program effectiveness, and conduct research on youth-related issues such as education, employment, housing, or juvenile justice. Policy analysts and researchers provide evidence-based recommendations to inform policy development, program planning, and advocacy efforts aimed at improving outcomes for young people and communities.
