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Social Sciences
Duration
4 years
Level
Bachelor
Outlook
Stable
A Bachelor in Community Development equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to work alongside individuals and communities to bring about positive social change. You will explore topics such as community organising, social policy, equality, advocacy, and project management. The course places a strong emphasis on fieldwork and placement, giving you hands-on experience with local development companies, community organisations, and voluntary sector bodies. In a typical week you might attend lectures on social theory in the morning, work on a group funding proposal in the afternoon, and spend time on supervised placement with a community project. Some programmes offer opportunities to study or volunteer abroad, including Erasmus+ exchanges in European community development contexts. Specialisms can include youth work, rural development, equality studies, and community education.
Entry is typically through the CAO with a Leaving Certificate that includes at least six subjects, with passes in English and Mathematics at Ordinary level as a minimum. Higher-level English and subjects such as CSPE, Politics & Society, or Home Economics can be advantageous given the social focus of the course. CAO points requirements for these programmes are generally moderate, making them accessible to a broad range of applicants. Alternatively, you can enter through a QQI Level 5 or Level 6 FET/PLC award in areas such as Community Development, Social Studies, or Health & Social Care, which may provide a direct progression route. Mature applicants aged 23 or over can apply through the mature student entry route, and HEAR and DARE schemes support access for eligible candidates from socioeconomic or disability backgrounds. Some institutions also accept applicants with relevant voluntary or community work experience as part of their mature entry assessment.
The outlook for community development graduates in Ireland is reasonably positive, with continued government investment in social inclusion programmes and community infrastructure supporting demand. Salaries in the community and voluntary sector typically range from around €28,000 at entry level to €45,000 or more for experienced project managers and development officers. Job security can vary depending on funding cycles, as many community organisations rely on state and EU grants. Graduates who combine their degree with further study or specialist qualifications often find stronger and more stable career pathways.
AI tools are beginning to influence how community organisations manage data, write funding applications, and measure social impact, and an awareness of these tools is becoming useful for practitioners. However, the core of community development work — building trust, facilitating dialogue, and advocating for marginalised groups — relies heavily on human relationships and cannot be replicated by AI. Graduates will benefit from understanding how digital technologies can both support and exclude communities, particularly in relation to the digital divide. Critical digital literacy is increasingly part of community development training in Irish institutions.
3 CAO courses lead to this qualification. Points shown are last year's Round 1 score.
Providers and indicative points are curated with AI support. Always double-check with the institution itself.
CAO points (indicative): 240-430 (2024)
* Indicative only: CAO points change every year. Always check the current points on cao.ie and with the institution.
How to apply
Most BA Community Development programmes are full-time undergraduate courses applied for through the CAO (cao.ie) by 1 February each year, with a closing date for late applications in May. Some institutes also offer part-time or flexible-entry routes applied for directly with the institution, which may suit applicants with relevant work or voluntary experience in the community sector.
€30,000 - €55,000
Professional€32,000 - €55,000
Professional€38,000 - €62,000
Professional€32,000 - €55,000
Professional€35,000 - €58,000
Professional€32,000 - €58,000
Professional€28,000 - €52,000
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