Programme Overview
Are you concerned about some of the big issues of our time such as climate change, global conflict, migration, poverty, racism, hunger, and right-wing extremism? Consider the NUI Certificate in Global Youth Work and Development Education, a Level 8, Special Purpose award delivered by the National Youth Council of Ireland in partnership with Maynooth University. It is aimed at those working in the youth sector and will be of interest to anyone looking to develop knowledge, skills, and competence in a global youth work approach through a transformative development education practice.
The programme begins on November 15th, 2025, and is delivered over 100 contact hours of blended learning, a mixture of online and on campus learning.
What is a global youth work approach?
Youth work:
Youth work is a planned programme of education, and it is a profession based on a set of core values and principles, with a focus on challenging inequality and supporting the social and personal development of young people.
A global youth work approach:
A global youth work approach helps young people safely explore complex ideas, develop their political and civic voices, and connect their personal experiences to global narratives. This is especially vital given current global conflicts, the impact of culture wars evidenced by Ireland’s growing far-right movement, the borderless climate crisis, and widespread distrust in media and institutions. These global challenges significantly impact young people, youth workers, and wider society.
Resourcing youth workers:
Youth workers importantly need spaces where they are resourced, and where they can build skills to:
- Step into their role as educators, not as subject experts, but as curious collaborators with young people.
- Help young people to engage with multiple perspectives, starting from their own story.
- Develop an understanding of their work as an anti-oppressive practice and become confident in integrating this into the day-to-day work.
Applications are now CLOSED!
This programme is funded by Irish Aid.