B.A.(Hons.) in Citizenship and Community Studies.

Introduction
Social Studies Courses
Work Experience
Mission Statement
Contact Social Studies

Introduction.

This new and exciting degree gives students an opportunity to explore and understand contemporary society. Its key aim is to enable students to respond to the challenges, cultural, social, economic and environmental, that face individuals and communities. Students will be enabled to grow in self-confidence, social awareness and social responsibility as well as develop the necessary practice skills to engage in professional Community Work. The programme is validated by HETAC (The Higher Education and Training Awards Council). The final award, The B.A. (Hons.) in Citizenship and Community Studies, is at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. However students may exit the programme at Higher Certificate (level 6) after two years and at B.A. (level 7) after three years.

Who is the programme for?

The programme is aimed at those interested in pursuing a career in Community Work, Community Development, Intercultural Facilitation, Community Empowerment and Advocacy Work. The programme also provides a solid foundation for further study/research in the areas such as Citizenship Studies, Community Studies, Globalisation, Development Studies. For others the pursuit of study at third level is aimed towards developing a deeper understanding of contemporary Irish life in the context of a changing world. This degree programme provides an opportunity to engage in active study and structured reflection on the relationships that exist between the individual and their community at a local, national and global level.

Programme Structure and Content

The programme will be offered through modules of either 5 or 10 credits. Each year contains a total of 60 credits. These modules are delivered through an innovative and flexible class timetable. Students will attend college on two days per week through two 12 week semesters. Each semester will also contain one ‘Block-week’ of study. Students also have an opportunity to develop their practice skills through directed tasks in community-based professional settings. Emphasis is placed on Continuous Assessment built up through project work, presentations and assignments with less emphasis on examinations.

Subjects

Year One
Sociology, Social Policy, Introduction to Citizenship, Citizenship Identity and Difference, Community Studies, Communications, Research and Study at Third level,
Practice Workshop*, Creative Studies.

Year Two
Social Psychology, Models of Citizenship, Ethnicity and Integration, Exploring Community Development*, Group Dynamics and Facilitation Skills, Advocacy Skills, Legal Studies, Creative Studies , General Ethics,.
Year Three
Equality Studies, Economics and Social Analysis, Citizenship and Human Rights, Partnership and Representation, Applied Community Work Skills, Introduction to Conflict Resolution, Media Studies, Creative Studies, Elective Studies, Research Project*

Year Four
Ethnic Diversity and Human Difference, Emerging Issues in Community Work*, Leadership and Management, Dissertation, Comparative Social Policy, Disability Studies, Social Ethics.

* denotes Practice-based module.

The modules above represent a mix of Theory, Professional Skills and Personal Development. The learning experience is one in which the student is encouraged to bring their own life, volunteer or professional experience to the classroom and to explore links between course material and contemporary lived experience.

Entry Requirements

Applications are welcome from Leaving Certificate students and mature applicants. Application is through the CAO. Leaving Certificate Applicants are required to have at least six passes to include a language and at least two higher C3’s. Mature and Non-standard Applicants should also apply through the CAO and will be called for interview by the college. Further enquiries can be made by contacting Carlow College, St. Patrick’s on 059 9153200.