This is our three-year full-time degree in Community and Youth Work.
The Bachelor and Master of Social Science Community and Youth Work is endorsed as a professional qualification in youth work by NSETS (nsets.ie) and community work by AIEB (aieb.ie).
Community work involves the development and empowerment of communities, and facilitating the active participation of people in addressing issues that affect them collectively. Youth work is based on the same principles as community work but focuses on young people, and is defined in Irish legislation and policy as a process of personal and social development based on voluntary participation and principles of equality and inclusiveness.
By taking our degree in Community and Youth Work you will be participating in a programme of professional education and training that engages you as an active participant in your learning while working in solidarity with those affected by human rights denial, poverty and inequality.
Choose this degree if you are interested in:
Professional education and training that engages you as an active participant;
Working in solidarity with those affected by human rights denial, poverty and inequality;
Community work - the development and empowerment of communities, and facilitating the active participation of people in addressing issues that affect them collectively;
Youth work - focusing on young people (defined in Irish legislation and policy as a process of personal and social development based on voluntary participation and principles of equality and inclusiveness).
Career Options:
Graduates are equipped to take up professional employment in a range of community and youth work organisations and agencies - community development projects, local, urban and rural development groups, community youth projects, neighbourhood youth projects and local youth services, as well as organisations concerned with particular groups (e.g. women, Travellers, new communities) or issues (e.g. unemployment, migrant rights, drugs, poverty).
Postgraduate options in the Department include an MA in Community and Youth Work, an MA in Applied Social Studies and an MSocSci Social Science (Rights and Social Policy).
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
Expected September 2025
Maynooth University
Maynooth University, Maynooth,
MAYNOOTH,
Kildare,
W23 F2H6, Leinster, Republic of Ireland
Students must have completed a Leaving Certificate equivalent to the Ireland Leaving Certificate.
IELTS - 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band; TOEFL internet-based test - iBT: 90 with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in all other sections; Pearson Test of English - 63 with no less than 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section; Duolingo English Test (DET) - 120 with no less than 110 in literacy, conversation, and comprehension subscores and no less than 95 in production. (This lower production subscore applies to non-EU applicants only), Cambridge Proficiency Cert. - 176+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English. Proficiency Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2); Cambridge Advanced Cert. - 176+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English Advanced Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2); Cambridge First Cert. - 176+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English First Certificate, Grade A (CEFR Level C1); ETAPP - C1 or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2); Oxford Test of English - 140 with no less than 125 in each skill; Trinity College London ISE - ISE III with at least merit in each skill category. International Baccalaureate – English A1, A2, or B5 at Higher Level (4at either Level if presenting IB through English) NOTE: Applicants whose school-leaving examinations are more than two years old should present additional proof of English.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
Maynooth is an internationally esteemed ‘young’ university with a rich heritage, offering an excellent student learning experience.
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