Leadership in Community, Social and Youth Work Level 6

Programme Progression 

Progression to Higher Education

Students who successfully complete the course may gain entry to Third Level Institutes and Colleges through the  QQI Higher Education Links Scheme.

The following suggested courses are the most relevant;

• GMIT  – Bachelor Arts Community Development &Youth Work, Applied Social Studies
• Institute of Technology Sligo – Social care Practice
• NUI Maynooth – BA (Hons) Community & Youth Work
• University College Cork – BsocSc (Hons) Youth & Community Work
• Athlone Institute of Technology – Social Care Practice.

Career Opportunities

Students who successfully complete the course may be employed under supervision in a variety of youth and community organisations such as Youth clubs, community projects, residential centres, family support services, educational organisations.

Entry Requirements

Education: No formal education or qualifications are required although applicants may have participated in primary and secondary education. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a standard of knowledge, skill and competence equivalent to NFQ Level 5 when accessing a Level 6 programme.

Aptitude: Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.

Previous Experience: Applicants must be able to demonstrate a broad range of knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to the course and be able to exercise initiative and independence when carrying out course activities.

Course Content

Further Details

Below is a more detailed description of each of the Components

Community Development Theory

Community Development Theory helps students to understand some proven techniques for working with people in diverse communities, including geographic communities and communities of interest. (e.g. clubs, groups of people with shared concerns or interests, unions, etc.). In particular Community Development Theory looks at 5 key principles of empowerment, social justice, participation, collective action and equality and anti-discrimination. These principles can be applied to any group situation from youth groups to parent’s associations to bodies that promote local interests.

Community Development Practice

Community Development Practice is the practical application of the learning from all modules but in particular this module trains students in project leadership. This practical module requires students to lead a small project. The project management skills learnt in this module are useful in many aspects of life.

Working with Young People

This component will facilitate learners to explore ways of relating to young people in youth work settings by developing skills in organising and reviewing youth work activities and by reflecting on their abilities and aptitude in youth work.

Group Work Theory and Practice

Have you ever wondered why some groups work well and others don’t. Cliques, poor leadership, no clarity of purpose and lack of consultation are some of the reasons why enthuiastic people get disgruntled and walk away from good projects.

Group Work Theory and Practice focuses on understanding how to facilitate groups of people so that they can be highly effective and inclusive. In this module you learn how you can facilitate a group to work well together. This module equips learners with highly valuable skills that they can use in a variety of settings.

Conflict Management

This component will allow the learner an understanding of the role of conflict in group and organisational life and how to manage the conflict. To achieve this first the learner needs to be aware of their own approach to conflict and how they manage conflict situations. Once the learner has this awareness and understanding they are then able to develop conflict management skills to use in their personal and work life.

Team Leadership 

This component is essential to understand the dynamics of the people working on your team. Throughout the component  you will gain a knowledge and understanding of:

• Different kinds of teams and what makes them successful
• Different leadership and management styles
• The importance of organisational strategy, objectives and goals
• Current motivation theories and practical strategies to enhance motivation in teams.

Social Analysis

In the Social Analysis component we question what is happening in the world around us. Asking questions about society and looking for answers about what is going on and who it affects. By examining social problems we can analyse the issues, try to understand them and find ways to help bring about social change.

Work Experience

Students will find work placement in a suitable Health and Social Care settings where they will apply their skills including demonstrating the ability to work in a supervisory capacity.  Work-experience classes will prepare the student to apply for this work placement, and future work, by focusing on interview preparation.  Students will assess their skills and qualities to produce a CV and cover letter.  They will investigate their employment sector and identify job openings and future training opportunities.  The placement reinforces the skills learned at North Connaught College and aids the development of employability/transferable skills.  The learning during the placement will be documented, and opportunities and challenges encountered will be reflected upon.