Institution
Limerick Institute of Technology

Web Site
https://lit.ie/courses/lc297

Factual description
BA Community Development now the BA Community and Addiction Studies (Description of the new iteration of the program) This programme has been designed in consultation with sectoral experts and employers, to ensure that content is relevant to community and addiction services in Ireland. Students on this programme will develop competencies and skills that will enable them to enter careers in community development and work with communities affected by addiction. This will include the social, economic and political issues affecting addiction, society and social groups; the role of development in addressing poverty, inequality and social exclusion; the impact of global processes on society and an understanding of the dynamic factors affecting addiction. There is a very substantial practical and applied component to this programme, so students will develop the real skills and competencies required for the workplace. A practical placement in years two and three are a key element of the programme, which will allow students apply their learning in a real-life environment.

Relevance in complex systems
This programme looks at engaging people in new and supportive ways. Its innovative approaches looking at both community development and addiction studies under one umbrella is extremely topical. It will set out looking at root causes of addiction – examining disadvantaged areas with an aim to improve educational skills and then pathways into employment.

Strong points
Models of community work module incorporates field trip examining the different aspects of types of communities. Examines Various aspects of community work – traditional development company – upskill individuals and groups Grass roots oriented initiatives – work around areas of interest (Limerick Environmental Network etc.) Looks at the Neighborhood approach (people coming together to create a partnership to solve local challenges)

Transferability potential
Highlighting work within a community context can be utilised throughout a number of different programs and this work can be transferred into further education such as masters etc. The information obtained can also be utilised when working with different community programs and initiatives.