GMIT launches new programme in Community Development and Youth Work

GMIT is pleased to offer a brand new degree programme in Community Development and Youth Work, commencing in the Mayo campus (Castlebar) September 2021.

Recently, Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities Joe O’Brien, TD, announced funding, through the All Ireland Endorsement Body for Community Development, which will support the future growth and development of community work in Ireland and promote the highest standards of community work and education & training at all levels in the context of the agreed all-Ireland standards.  As a national commitment it indicates that in the future community and voluntary sector workers should be holders of appropriate qualifications, and this new GMIT Mayo course aims to support this effort.

“It is without doubt that during this Covid-19 crisis, the community development and youth work sectors have come to the fore in supporting individuals, families and communities”, says Programme Chair Dr Sheila McArdle, Department of Nursing, Health Science and Social Care, GMIT Mayo.

“Many of these organisations work tirelessly, always, to bring about social change, promote equality and social justice, and we are delighted to offer this new course at both ordinary degree (L7) and honours degree levels (L8) which will enhance education and training offerings and opportunities for those entering the sector as well as those who wish to upskill.”

“If you see yourself working with people from various backgrounds to respond to local identified needs, advocating when appropriate, lobbying for change, participating in social transformation please get in touch with us, or visit for further information about how to apply www.gmit.ie/nursing-health-science-and-social-care/bachelor-arts-honours-community-development-and-youth-work or directly through the CAO using the following code for the Level 7 GA876 and for the Level 8 GA892.”

Areas of study include sociology and psychology, community and youth work values, principles and theory, law, youth work, theory, principles and practice, conflict resolution and mediation, diversity and social inclusion, health promotion, and research (project). The course includes professional practice placement in both community development and youth work settings throughout the programme. All students are Garda vetted for this programme by GMIT on commencement of their studies.

Justin Kerr, Head of Department of Nursing, Health Science and Social Care, GMIT Mayo, says: “This new BA in Community Development and Youth Work complements the range of programmes we currently offer in our campus, and further strengthens our valued partnerships and collaborations with community and youth organisations in the region to contribute to social transformation”. 

For further details contact Programme Chair Dr Sheila McArdle at sheila.mcardle@gmit.ie or visit the GMIT website to read more about the campus and variety of course offerings https://www.gmit.ie/mayo/mayo

ENDS

Issued by Regina Daly, GMIT Communications & Press Officer, GMIT, Dublin Road, Galway.
0879618355 (m) regina.daly@gmit.ie   www.gmit.ie/news

Galway-Mayo IT, IT Sligo and Letterkenny IT working together to become a TU for the West and North-West of Ireland www.cualliance.ie