Youth Work
This programme provides students with an understanding of youth work practice and the role of the youth worker, exploring the current challenges facing young people and those working in the field.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
48 weeks.
Entry Requirements
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum:
• Applicants must be 16+ years of age on entry to the course.
• Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B2 or Higher).
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Additional:
• Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
Careers / Further progression
What are the progression opportunities?
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology). You may also apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year. Example includes:
• B.A. (Hons) Social Science – Youth & Community Work at University College Cork (UCC)
You should check the university website for specific entry criteria for courses.
There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results.
What are the employment opportunities?
Direct employment in the youth services or community development sector in the following areas:
• Youth Support Work
• Family Work
• Youth Justice
• Community Work
• Learner Mentoring
• Sports Development Work
Further information
Start Date: 07/09/2026.
Applications for all full-time programmes should be made online via the Kerry College. Your application will be processed using our FETCHCOURSES system.
If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Why should I apply?
This course combines learning in the classroom and experience in the workplace, with 30% of learning taking place “on-the-job” during Work Practice. This course is designed for those who would like to pursue a career in the youth and community sector, working with young people in a range of community-based settings. Focusing on young people, this course provides insight into topics including substance misuse, youth unemployment, homelessness and the impact of social media.
What is the certification?
QQI Level 5 Major Award Certificate in Youth Work (5M4732).
What will I study?
Community Arts Practice (5N4709)
Peer Education (5N2709)
Personal Effectiveness (5N1390)
Social Justice Principles (5N2708)
Understanding Youthwork (5N1366)
Work Practice (5N1433)
Working With Young People (5N1384)
Young People & Society (5N2002)
5M4732 - Youth Work
Caragh Lake,
Killorglin,
County Kerry,
Ireland.
V93 EY00
t: (066) 9769244
e: outdoors@kerrycollege.ie
Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm