Course Summary
This programme is primarily designed for graduates from relevant undergraduate programmes in a range of disciplines who wish to develop appropriate knowledge and competence to empower and professionally support adolescent development.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
The knowledge, skills, and competence required to successfully participate in and complete this Level 9 programme will normally require applicants to have successfully achieved a Level 2:2 award in a relevant Level 8 Honours Degree in areas such as Early Learning & Care, Primary & Post Primary Education, Nursing, Social Care, Psychology, Sociology, Social Science, Youth Work & Community Studies, and related Social Science disciplines.
Those who have completed other relevant educational programmes or have relevant professional experience etc., where Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Acquired Prior Learning (APL) can be applied to the programme by submission of programme content, qualification, and assignments equivalent to an appropriate Level 8 award at an Honours 2:2 standard, can also be considered.
English Language:
For non-native speakers of English, an IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) is required.
Application Details
Applications for this course are submitted through the ICHAS website. When you click on "Application Weblink" above, you will be directed to ICHAS to complete your application.
How to Apply
Applicants over 23 years of age (Mature students):
If you are 23 years of age on or before the 1st of January of the year you want to enter, you may apply as a mature student. Mature students must apply to Griffith College directly online using the Apply Online facility on the website homepage or the button below. Mature applicants will be asked for a copy of their passport.
International Applicants:
In the case of overseas applications, whose first language is not English, applicants will have to provide either certification of completion of a primary degree through the medium of English or submit the official results of English Language competency demonstrated through the completion of English language proficiency tests indicating a minimum score of B2+ in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). Certification may be evidenced through the production of a certificate of IELTS Level 6.5 or equivalent) or equivalent competency tests, if applicable.
All international applicants must meet the visa requirements for study in Ireland.
All applicants will be required to attend for interview to ascertain their suitability for the programme. Successful applicants would be required to complete Garda Vetting at the College.
Intake Dates:
Limerick - Full-Time - September 2026
Limerick - Part-Time - September 2026
Dublin - Full-Time - September 2026
Dublin - Part-Time - September 2026
Cork - Part-Time - September 2026
Cork - Full-Time - September 2026
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
Project Worker
Family Support Projects
Youth Workers
Afterschool Assistant
Childcare Development Officer
Youth Advocate
Duration
Timetable
Full-time: (1-year option) The full-time programme is normally scheduled over 3 consecutive days per week over 2 Semesters from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.
Part-time: (2-year option) would normally require attendance, either in class or online, on 1 evening per week from 6pm-9pm and approximately eight Saturdays from 9.30 am-4.30 pm in the academic year.
The timetable has been structured to optimise the utilisation of online learning where this allows. Still, skills-based components do require in-person attendance, and it is taught using a combination of classroom-based and blended learning techniques. In specific skill-based modules, attendance will be a mandatory requirement.
*This is an ICHAS course promoted by Griffith College.
Full-time classes: delivered at ICHAS, Walton House, Lonsdale Road, National Technology Park, Castletroy, Co. Limerick
Part-time classes: Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8.