Course details

This Certificate in Community Studies is a NFQ level 6 (30 credit) Special Purpose Award. It is designed to explore concepts of community and community development within a social analysis framework. It will introduce learners to key technical and analytical skills that support and encourage participation within a community setting.

This course is suitable for anyone who is,

  • Working in a community setting, housing authority or NGO (paid or voluntary) who would like to broaden their understanding of community.
  • Hoping to become more involved in their community and looking to learn more about how this can be achieved.
  • Interested in the social structures that shape community living.

By the end of the course successful participants will have,

  • Explored concepts of community and community development.
  • An increased their understanding of theories and concepts that shape modern society.
  • Developed their capacity in group work and facilitation.
  • Gained a range of other skills required when engaging with communities.
  • Obtained 30 credits at NFQ Level 6. These credits may potentially be used in applying for exemptions on other similar courses at Certificate and Degree level (e.g. BA in Housing and Community Studies delivered by Respond! College and validated by QQI).

What are the modules?

  • Community studies (10 credits)
  • Group work and facilitation (10 credits)
  • Introduction to sociology (10 credits)
  • How will the course be delivered?
  • The teaching methods employed will be experiential and participatory and will include group discussions, case study analysis, theoretical inputs and practical applications in a classroom setting.
Updated on 08 November, 2015

About Respond College

Respond! was founded in Waterford in the early 1980s from Franciscan roots and membership. At the time there was a need for housing for both young families and older persons in the city. The legal incorporation of Respond! as a company limited by guarantee took place in 1982, and as an approved housing association by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in 1984.

Respond!’s first ever housing scheme was in Larchville, Waterford on a piece of land kindly set aside by Waterford City Council. This development contained 15 houses for older persons, along with a community room. Named Francis CTheirt, it was officially opened on October 4th 1983 and was jointly funded by Waterford City Council and Respond! who depended on the very kind generosity of the people of Waterford at that time and throughout the 1980s, through all sorts of community collections and fundraising. The South Eastern Health Board also donated money in order to furnish the houses.

See all Respond College courses
Are you from Respond College ? Claim your course!
Courses you can instantly connect with... Do an online course on Unity starting now. See all courses

Is this the right course for you?

Rate this page

Didn't find what you were looking for ?

or