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Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social Enterprise and Community Development (Ab Initio) (Part-Time)

  • Fee: Funded under the Part Time Fee Scheme (SUSI)

  • Campus: Blended

  • Years: 5

  • Status: Register Your Interest

  • Level 8

  • Study Mode Blended

  • Department Flexible & Professional Learning

  • Credits 180

Course Overview

EQUAL Ireland’s part-time distance learning BA in Business, Social Enterprise and Community Development is accredited by Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest. It will provide you with the opportunity to achieve a QQI Level 8 Degree through flexible delivery methodologies incorporating self directed, on-line, workshop, enterprise and community based learning. You will be introduced to a range of generic skills applicable in a social, commercial or community enterprise setting. You will have the opportunity to explore and develop your interests in the fields of Business, Social Enterprise and Community Development and to enhance your competencies towards becoming an effective administrator, manager or organiser in these areas, while at the same time becoming an accomplished and confident self-directed learner.

An Exit award is available upon sucessful completion of 2.5 years of this programme (120 ECTS). For more information see table below:

Higher Certificate in Arts in Business, Enterprise and Community Development (Add-On) AL_BENTP_6FS Higher Certificate 50 50 20 – – 120 2.5
Bachelor of Arts in Business, Social Enterprise, Leadership and Management L7 (Add on- 18 Months) AL_BENTP_7FS Ordinary Degree 30 30 – – – 60 1.5

Programme Overview

Higher Certificate in Arts in Social Enterprise and Community Development  (level 6) 

HC Cert Yr 1

HC Yr 2

Bachelor of Arts in Business, Social Enterprise, Leadership and Management  (Level 7)

Year 1

SEM 1

Critical Skills for Learning

5

Year 1

SEM 1

Applied Information and Communications Technology

SEM 1

Community Development

10

SEM 1

Applied Community Development

SEM 1

Computer Applications

5

SEM 2

Entrepreneurial Skills & Business Modelling

10

SEM 2

Business and Enterprise Development

SEM 2

Management

5

SEM 2

Applied Human Resource Management

SEM 2

Marketing

5

SEM 2

Fundamentals of Research

10

Year 2

SEM1

Financial Analysis

Year 2

SEM 1

Social Impact Strategies and Skills 1

10

 

SEM 1

Integrated Learning Project

SEM 1

Marketing Management in a Digital Age

5

5

Sem 1

Operations Management

5

 

SEM 2

Social Enterprise and Innovation

10

10

SEM 2

Human Resource Management

10

10

SEM 2

Applied Sociology

10

10

YEAR 3

SEM 1

Social Impact Strategies and Skills 2

5

SEM 1

Integrated Learning Project

15

This programme is funded under the Part Time Fee Scheme (SUSI) for Selected Undergraduate Programmes. For more information on this scheme see https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/370/made/en/pdf

This is a Government Funded Programme. 

This programme is only open to successful applicants for SUSI funding for this particular programme 

Students will be required to pay a deposit of €500 on registration, which will  be returned to the student on approval of SUSI funding for the student and the student’s active engagement during the first  four(4) weeks of the programme. 

For more information on funding and how to apply see https://www.susi.ie/funding-for-part-time-undergraduate-courses/

This course could be for you if you are –

  • An EQUAL Ireland Graduate of the Higher Certificate in
    Business, Social Enterprise and Community Development
  • A Community Activist, Volunteer or Workplace Representative
  • A Social or Commercial Entrepreneur
  • An Owner Manager or Sole Trader
  • A Person interested in Self Development
  • A Person involved or wanting to become involved in Rural
    Regeneration or Community Development

What kind of a job will I get with this qualification?

s one of the most frequent and persistent questions asked at EQUAL Ireland Information Sessions. The straightforward answer is that “this Degree
programme will provide you with a practical and theoretical foundation on which to successfully apply the transferable and generic business, community,
leadership and management skills, which you will have acquired.”
By graduating you will have demonstrated that you have the capacity, discipline and organisational skills not only to learn but to apply that learning in
today’s world of work, something which is always valued by potential employers.
You will be better equipped to effectively compete for employment in leadership, management and organsiational roles in business, social enterprise, the
community or voluntary sectors.
These programmes prepare graduates for career opportunities in planning, supervision and business development, administration, management and
leadership within business, and the social/community enterprise sector. In particular those interested in rural regeneration or social enterprise.
Graduating from this programme will enable you to engage in any of the following career options in either a:

A Social Enterprise

• ACCOUNTS MANAGER
• BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
• CLIENT CASE MANAGER
• COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
• COMMUNITY PROJECT OFFICER
• FUND RAISING OFFICER
• FAMILY SUPPORT

A Commercial Business

• HR OFFICER
• IT SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
• MANAGER
• PR COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
• OFFICE MANAGER
• SHOP MANAGER
• OPERATIONS CO-ORDINATOR

A Community Organisation

• OFFICE MANAGER
• PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR
• PROJECT MANAGER
• SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR
• SERVICES DIRECTOR
• SUPERVISOR/MANAGER
• TRAINING CO-ORDINATOR

• TEAM LEADER
• YOUTH WORK
• WORKPLACE/COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE

 

It is recommended that you should complete the following steps 

  1. Check that you meet the SUSI qualifying criteria 
  2. Apply to SUSI for funding for your programme of choice
  3. Register your Interest with TUS for your programme of choice, to be completed on/before 26th Aug 2024 

Please note that this programme will NOT proceed during this academic year if there are not sufficient numbers of registered students. In advance of the proposed start date of this programme in Sept 2024, you will receive regular updates from TUS as to whether this programme will proceed in Sept 2024. 

 

Application Deadline

Applications are now open 

  • Places are allocated on a first come first served basis. Course will be closed once the maximum number of applicants is reached. Courses run subject to viable numbers.

This programme is assessed through an array of continuous applied projects, both group and individual.

The aim of the programme is to equip learners with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to excel in the dynamic fields of business, social enterprise, and community development. By providing a pedagogically caring and inclusive learning environment, the programme seeks to address the identified skills gaps in these sectors and meet the growing demand for expertise, particularly in social enterprise and community development. With a focus on fostering a socially just and environmentally responsible approach, the programme aims to empower learners to make positive impacts within organisations and communities. Additionally, the programme aligns with the TUS strategy of widening access to Higher Education for mature learners, especially those from under-resourced communities across Ireland. Through flexible delivery methods, including online learning, the program aims to accommodate the diverse needs of learners and prepare them for successful employment in mission-driven organisations. By integrating feedback from stakeholders and incorporating modern content and delivery methods, the program strives to ensure relevance, accessibility, and excellence in education for all learners.

Entry Requirements and Access Routes

Entry Requirements for Year 1 of the programme 

Mature applicants (i.e. over 23 years)  

or Leaving Certificate Grade 06 at Ordinary Level in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate. Two of these subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish)  

or QQI Level 5 Full award with a minimum of eight modules 

or Recognition of Prior Learning (APL/APEL). 

Applicants with other qualifications or/and relevant work experience are encouraged to apply for entry and will be considered in accordance with TUS Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. Such applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Those working in the community, social enterprise, not-for-profit and voluntary sector are encouraged to apply. All applications must adhere to TUS Admissions Practices.

Non-native English speakers are required to have an IELTS level of 6.0 or higher, or a CEFR English level of at least B2 or equivalent.

 

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be in accordance with the TUS Recognition of Prior Learning Policy 2022 – 2025.
“This policy reflects the values of TUS as it is committed to ensuring that the achievements, attainments, skills, and talents of learners are formally recognised effectively and efficiently. The RPL policy recognises that a learners’ prior knowledge may come from formal/accredited learning, known as certified learning, or from non-certified/informal/experiential learning, which is learning through the workplace or through experience and outside of formal education systems” – TUS RPL Policy
2022-2025
Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.