Diploma in Arts in Family Youth and Child Studies

Course details

Entry Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent in the discipline or a related discipline of the chosen pathway.

Programme Overview

• This is a modular programme completed over two years. Modules include four 15 ECTS modules in Year 1 of the Programme:
• Professional Development and Reflective Practice
• Family Studies
• Curriculum/ Programme Development and Evaluation
• Organisational and Management Processes or Youth and Child Studies

Research methods are critical to successful study at MA level and will incorporate problem-solving activities, action research in professional contexts and the opportunity to link theory and practice in general and in terms of the execution of coursework. Participants accepted onto the Masters stage of the programme will have achieved an increased level of competence and confidence within their chosen pathway.� They will also be looking forward to choosing the area of study for their MA dissertation and beginning to reflect on possible research methodologies for their dissertation. The Advanced Research and Dissertation Module (60 ECTS) will provide students with the opportunity to make and implement informed choices regarding professionally relevant areas of research for their dissertation and to do this with the guidance and support of tutors and peers. Lectures take place at weekends between September � December and students use the remainder of the year to carry out research and draft material for their MA Dissertation.

Assessment is continuous, with each module being assessed independently on the basis of a 5,000 word assignment or equivalent. Given the core concepts of the programme of �reflective practice� and �responding to the professional and personal needs of the participants�, all forms of assessment will be based on and contribute to the contextual needs of participants and will arise from the aims and learning outcomes of specific modules. The assessment tasks will be negotiated between tutors and participants in the light of the course requirements and the participants� learning needs within specific contexts. Successful completion of a 20,000 word dissertation is also required for the full MA award. The dissertation will relate closely to the participant�s professional and personal learning needs and interests.

Career Opportunities

Students of this part-time programme (Level 9, university-accredited) will be enabled to become more effective practitioners by further enhancing their investigative, analytical, collaborative and cultural competencies. This appropriately designed curriculum will equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that empower them to become change agents for the betterment of themselves, their families and communities.

This pathway is devised to meet the personal and professional needs of personnel involved in Education, Training, Youthwork Management, Policy and Programme Development, Research and would be of particular interest to Teachers, Youth Workers, Health Service Executive personnel, Community Workers, Social Workers and those working in Government Agencies who are involved with families and young people. Participants are challenged to critically reflect on practice and to consider how best to provide opportunities and learning experiences that empower individuals and families to become change agents for the betterment of themselves and their community.