Youth and Community Studies – (M.A.)

Contents

The programme comprises eight core modules of 15 credits that, together with a dissertation of 60 credits, provide the required 180 credits for the MA.

Study is primarily by means of distance learning study packs containing sessional notes, reading and work-based tasks. Students access these through the Web. The Induction Period is held in September of the first year. The Research Methods Study Block provides theory and practice in preparation for the research dissertation. Students complete this Block either at the end of the first year or the second year, depending on when they undertake their dissertation. The modules available and their sequence over the two years are as follows (there may be additions to these modules during the academic year):

Part One

Year One

* Psychological Development
* Sociology of Youth and Youth Work
* Social Policy and Youth Work

Vacation Module

* Quality Work in Partnerships

Year Two

* Management in Youth Work
* Training and Staff Development
* Contemporary Issues in Youth and Community Work
* Research Methods - part included in study block

Part Two

Dissertation

Recent examples of dissertations by students taking this course include:

* A study investigating attitudes to adolescent sexuality amongst youth and community workers;
* An investigation into the role of youth workers in the spiritual development of young people;
* A study of limitations faced by community development projects in SE Ireland in tackling social exclusion.