Youth Work

Youth work encompasses a broad and diverse range of social, cultural, educational and political activities, which are based on young people’s voluntary participation in leisure time activities that emphasise social inclusion and support civic engagement.

The Youth Work course at University College Cork prepares students for exciting, meaningful, and challenging careers in youth work and related organisations that aim to promote young people’s wellbeing and to empower young people as active, critical citizens who can contribute to positive social change at local, national, and global levels.

Careers Information

What can I do after I graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Youth Work?

On this program you are encouraged to engage in high-level professional education through academic study and work placements, ensuring that the skills you develop will be at the forefront of professional youth work practice. Through participation in the program, our students develop skills in critical policy analysis, youth advocacy, policy advocacy, ethical engagement with young people, individual and group work facilitation, informal and non-formal education, and reflective practice.

Courses include:

• Principles and Practice of Youth Work

• Youth Work: Skills for Working with Individuals and Groups

• Youth, Ethics and Welfare

• Youth Work, Informal and Non-Formal Learning

• Practice Placement