Course Title: Bachelor of Arts in Community and Youth Development
Are you interested in working in partnership with people in groups and communities who experience disadvantage and oppression, and working to achieve social change in Irish society and abroad? This course promotes principles of inclusion, human rights, equality and social justice, working towards sustainable development and tackling issues such as inequality, climate change, poverty and disadvantage.
In this course, you’ll learn the knowledge and skills you need to work in community development and youth work. Subjects include sociology, psychology, community development, social policy, addiction, human rights, youth development and social entrepreneurship. The course has a strong element of experiential learning and involves fieldwork placements.
Work Placement
There are two 12-week work placements, in Year 2, Semester 2 and Year 3, Semester 2.
Information Webinar
Leaving Certificate Requirements
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Minimum Number of |
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|---|---|
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Subjects |
Higher |
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5 |
N/A |
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Minimum Grade in: |
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Maths |
English OR Irish |
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O6/H7/F2 or higher |
O6/H7 |
QQI/FET Requirements
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QQI/FET Award Required |
Additional Requirements |
|---|---|
| Any full Level 5 or 6 award | None |
In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi
Mature Applicants
Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature
English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.
Garda Vetting
Garda Vetting required through TU Dublin see www.tudublin.ie/gardavetting
Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.
View Sample Timetable
- Community Development Worker
- Youth Worker
- Programme Coordinator
- Project Worker
- Community Educator
- Working in Justice Diversion Projects
- Probation Service
- School Completion Project Worker
- Information Officer
- Community Liaison Officer in Local Authorities
- Voluntary
- Statutory and Private Sector Organisations
- Working with Charities or Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
Semester 1
- Fundamentals of Sociology [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Culture [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Psychology [Mandatory]
- Personal and Professional Communication in Community and Youth Work [Mandatory]
- Principles of Community Development [Mandatory]
- Principles of Youth Work [Mandatory]
Semester 2
Semester 1
- Community Development Practice [Mandatory]
- Youth Work Practice [Mandatory]
- Communicating Across Language Barriers [Mandatory]
- Substance Use & Addictive Behaviours within Youth Cultures [Mandatory]
- Sociology of Education [Mandatory]
- Psychological Perspectives on Development [Mandatory]
Semester 2
Semester 1
- Research Methods and Practice [Mandatory]
- Advanced Community & Youth Development Practice [Mandatory]
- Social Entrepreneurship & Funding [Mandatory]
- Social Psychology [Mandatory]
- Principles of Human Rights [Mandatory]
- Community Response to Drug Use [Elective]
- European Studies [Elective]
- Language, Culture and Identity [Elective]
Semester 2
Irish/EU Applicants
Applications from all Irish/EU citizens are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO).
Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.
The standard closing date to apply is February 1st. Late applications will close on May 1st. For restricted courses, the closing date is February 1st. Please see important dates on the CAO website. For a detailed guide on how to apply, please visit our CAO Hub.
International Students (Non-EU)
Applications from international students are welcome for this programme. If you meet any of the following criteria, applications should be made directly to TU Dublin via the “Apply Now – Non-EU” link on each programme webpage.
- You hold Non-EU Nationality, and you live in a Non-EU country.
- You hold EU Nationality, but you have not lived in an EU country for 3 of the last 5 years AND you have not attended 5 years primary/secondary education in an EU country.
- You require a Student Visa to study in Ireland
Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.
For full details on How to Apply, Visa & Immigration Information, Accommodation Information and International Fees, please visit our International Hub.
Application Dates for Non-EU Applicants
Applications for undergraduate courses commencing September 2025 are now closed.
Applications for undergraduate courses commencing in September 2026 will open in November 2025. Applications will close in June 2026.
I chose this course because I love to help people. It focusses on a wide range of areas, such as Addiction Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Family Support Studies and Youth Work.
The course also has two thirteen week placements in Years 2 and 3 and these really helped me to learn through practice, providing the skills for future employment. Class sizes are small, so getting to know everyone is very easy.
- Hayley Keogh, Community & Youth Development
On successful completion, you’ll be eligible to progress onto the final year of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Community Development & Youth Work.