Youth Work

We are proud that University College Cork is the highest-ranked institution in the world (Times Higher Education Rankings) providing Youth Work Education and Training.

In addition, our Postgraduate Diploma in Youth Work is professionally endorsed by the North/South Education and Training Standards Committee for Youth Work (NSETS). This means that on completion our graduates qualify as professional youth workers in less than one year.

This programme is ideally suited to graduates who have completed undergraduate studies within a related discipline, and who have a keen interest in impacting positively the lives of young people.

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

• In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
• Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.

English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

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

On this programme 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 programme, 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.

Occupations associated with Youth Work 

Our graduates find employment in youth work and youth justice organisations, in the public sector, in the voluntary/community sector, in local authorities, and in community-based organisations where expanding youth participation is a priority.

Pathways onwards - what are our graduates doing now

Our graduates have developed careers in youth work across the world, with former students making an impact on young people in the USA, Australia and the UK. Many graduates have gained employment with Irish Youth Organisations such as Youth Work Ireland, Foroige, the Education Authority of Northern Ireland’s Youth Service and the YMCA. Many of them have led youth groups on international exchanges.

Some of our graduates have moved into related occupations such as school completion projects, youth justice projects, organisations for the homeless, support for asylum seekers and refugees, family support organisations, and youth arts organisations. Our graduates have also become youth work managers and youth sector representatives on national bodies.

Applicant profile

Our students are typically highly motivated people who want to make a positive impact on young people’s lives. They also tend to be energetic and fun-loving people with varied interests in creative areas such music, art, and sport.  Although our students’ primary degrees are usually in social sciences, sociology, early childhood studies, teaching, and psychology we have had (and welcome) students with diverse academic background in areas such as Arts, Geography, Public Relations and Economics.  We have had students from across the world on the programme e.g., Brazil, USA, Malaysia, and Slovakia.