An Cosán in collaboration with IT Carlow provides the following short accredited, blended online modules which can be taken as standalone modules.
Each module consists of:
Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, all modules are being delivered fully online
Designed to support learners to develop skills and confidence in preparing for education at third level. Students will explore a range of different learning styles and will be introduced to academic reading and writing; reading techniques and strategies; planning, structuring, writing assignments and using academic conventions. The module will also introduce learners to key ideas in social studies.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 6
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBC
Explore theoretical concepts of democracy, citizenship and social action. Students will also analyse specific case studies in relation to citizenship, social action and democratic participation in the age of the internet. Alongside this, you will investigate and identify strategies and practical approaches to support digital citizenship. Finally, learners will examine the Irish and European Union policy frameworks with regard to citizenship and participation.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 6
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
Explore the role of leadership in the community sector. Learners will investigate a model of grassroots community leadership in practice, nationally and globally. Learners will also examine the concept of leadership within the context of social activism and analyse different leadership styles and qualities. Learners will identify their own leadership skills and style and identify strategies and practices fitting to community leadership development. Learners will also explore the contribution of technology to community leadership.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 6
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
Designed to support learners to develop skills and confidence in creating social enterprises. Learners will explore key theories, concepts and practice of social enterprise, in the context of leadership and community development. The purpose of the programme is to build the capacity of participants working or volunteering in the wider community or in a social enterprise context, examine the role of social enterprise in the community, and undertake a basic analysis of local community needs. Learners will gain a better understanding of business planning and funding, as well as key governance and management issues. Learners will also plan their future progression paths as social entrepreneurs.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 6
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
Explores the key principles and practices of community development. It provides an overview of the historical and contemporary infrastructure of the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. Learners will assess diverse community development case studies and approaches, exploring their implications within local communities and wider Irish society. Learners’ own participation in the community development process will be examined throughout and consideration given to assessing their practice and approaches through the lens of community development theory.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 6
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
Develops learners’ understanding of group dynamics, of the principles underpinning facilitation styles and interventions, and of a range of group work techniques. Learners will practice and improve their facilitation and presentation skills as well as their capacity to plan, deliver and evaluate a group. The programme will build on learners’ ability to critically reflect on their own knowledge, skills and experience both as a group participant and a group facilitator.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 6
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
Explore key concepts of sociology, including the concept of power and social change. Learners will examine the relationship between social, economic and political development as well as analyse the potential of community activism to effect social change. Particular attention will be paid throughout the programme to Irish society and to the key influences shaping its development.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 6
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
Introduces students to the meaning and nature of addiction. Will provide an overview of predominant theories of causation – biological, psychological, sociological and cultural. Will introduce students to the theoretical orientations in the treatment of addiction – medical, pharmacological, spiritual, psychological and psychoanalytic. Will provide an overview of the pharmacology of drug use. Will introduce learners to models of treatment.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 6
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
Introducing students to best practice in the area of preventative education and family support in an Irish context, and providing a general introduction to prevention education theory & practice.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 6
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
The aims of the module are to provide an understanding of a range of models and approaches to the treatment of addiction problems. To provide an historical overview of approaches and rehabilitation to substance abuse. To develop an understanding of treatment and rehabilitation as central tenet of the National Drugs Strategy. To give an outline of harm reduction principles, context & approaches.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 6
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
The aims of the module are to examine community development practices using a cross-sector sample of established community and voluntary organisations. Demonstrate the application of the community development process using a framework to investigate the sample organisations. Identify any barriers and challenges within the community development process observed. Support learners to develop practical skills which are central to the community development process.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 6
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
The aims of the module are to introduce the main models and strategies for conflict resolution and mediation within a social justice context. Consider the issues which contribute to conflict in disadvantaged communities. Introduce essential skills for conflict resolution and negotiation. Build on participant’s ability to critically reflect on their own response to conflict both as an individual and as community leaders.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 6
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
The aims of the module are to support students to gain experience as a practitioner in a community development context and integrate relevant theory with practice. Develop self-awareness and core skills to critically reflect on their practice in a comprehensive and ethical manner. Be responsible for managing their continuous professional development.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 6
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
The aims of the module are to define the role of leadership and its relationship to management in the community and voluntary sector. Examine appropriate organisational structures in community organisations. Explore the importance of governance and current legislation governing the community sector. Explore the process of strategic planning and development and the relevance of evaluation. Explore the shadow side of organisations.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 6
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
The aims of the module are to introduce learners to theories and concepts of identity, equality and diversity. Explore the social construction and status implications of identity, culture and diversity within Irish society. Support learners to examine and reflect on their own understanding of equality, diversity and anti-discrimination and the relationship to community work in practice. Explore legislation, policy and practice with regard to the promotion of equality in Irish society. Consider the nature of discrimination and equality in relation to gender and ethnicity.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 6
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
The aims of the module are to examine the executive functions of state and the processes involved in decision making and social policy development within government. Outline the historical development of Irish social policy. Introduce the social policy framework with regard to Health, Education and Community and Voluntary Activity. Examine the relationship between social policy, service provision and community development in a local context.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 6
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
The aims of the module are to introduce participants to a range of counselling theories and concepts. Explore key components of each counselling methodology from an addiction perspective. Explore ethical principles of addiction counselling. Introduce participants to the key concepts of Motivational Interviewing. Facilitate the practice of motivational counselling skills and techniques
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 6
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
This module is designed to provide learners with an understanding of the role of an owner manager in an enterprise. Learners will analyse the internal and external factors that affect the functioning of an enterprise, the importance of planning and innovation. The programme will also provide learners with an understanding of the traits and characteristics of the entrepreneur and their role in an enterprise, to equip the learner with the necessary skills and knowledge necessary in running an enterprise
*Please note: Accreditation for this module is only available for this module if taken as part of the Certificate in Leadership and Social Enterprise
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 6
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
The aims of this module are to introduce the national and European policy framework which supports e-engagement and e-inclusion, to develop an understanding of the digital divide from a community development context. To gain an overview of digital planning and management concepts for community development. To introduce a range of tools to research and plan a digital communications strategy. To develop ICT skills to support the execution of a digital communications strategy.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 7
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
The aims of this module are to introduce students to project cycle management using the logical framework approach for results-oriented project planning. To provide a framework for project cycle & financial management for planning, proposal development, monitoring & evaluation and impact assessment.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 7
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
The aims of this module are to develop learners’ understanding of the research process and the role of research in informing theory and practice particularly in relation to community development/social science. Provide learners with an understanding of a range of research methodologies and methods utilised in social research. Develop learners’ critical analysis and practical research skills. Introduce a range of data collection techniques. Provide students with an appreciation of ethical issues in social research. Provide a model research framework.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 7
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
The aims of this module are to critically examine the relationship between leadership and social change and analyse the challenges within the process. Explore approaches to leadership for social change. Consider strategies for leading, influencing and promoting social change in the context of globalisation and social transformation. Examine the psychology of leadership, theories of internalised oppression and the impact of internalised oppression on leadership.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 7
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
The aims of this module are to support students to: Critically reflect on the application of theory to practice. Consider how they can exercise leadership within their work as community development practitioners. Develop their skills and capacity to undertake a specific collaborative leadership project. Critically reflect on the nature and impact of their own leadership styles within that project, the challenges faced and overcome, and areas for professional development identified. Experience the opportunities and challenges of working in a collaborative context.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 7
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
The aims of the module are to introduce students to globalisation theory and determine the implications of globalisation on the local context. To provide an overview of global & regional drug trends and crime patterns. To introduce students to international case studies on drugs & alcohol policy.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 7
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
The aims of the module are to support students to critically reflect on the application of theory to practice. To engage in the practical application of course material in a planned experiential learning activity. Develop collaborative skills and capacity with regard to a specific community drug work project. Critically reflect on the nature and impact of their own contribution within that project, the challenges faced and overcome, and areas for professional development identified. Experience the strengths and challenges of working in a collaborative context.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 7
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
The programme focuses on developing digital skills and competencies to enable learners to use a range of educational technologies. Learners will be introduced to the concept of communities of practice in technology enhanced learning. They will investigate and identify effective approaches to building digital skills in their own practice. Learners will also examine the Irish and European Union policy frameworks with regard to technology enhanced learning, community education and higher education.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 7
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
TBA
The programme will explore theoretical concepts of community education, lifelong learning transformation and social change. Analyse specific case studies in relation to community education, social action and transformation. Investigate and identify strategies and practical approaches to curriculum design, development and delivery for transformative community education and support digital citizenship and social media activism. Examine the Irish and European Union policy frameworks with regard to lifelong learning further education and training and community education. Support practitioners to appreciate the value of e-learning in community education through experiential engagement and support the continuing professional and educational development of practitioners in the sector.
Cost of Module: €300
Learners can access a small bursary and scholarship fund, if required.
NFQ Level 7
2hrs per week over 8 weeks
Next Start Date:
28th April
The following Progression pathways towards Certificate, Higher Certificate and BA Degree Programmes are open to all current and new An Cosán learners.
Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, all modules are being delivered fully online
The social enterprise sector has been growing rapidly in Ireland in recent years and gaining government supports through policy development and targeting capacity funding. This certificate will introduce learners to the international and Irish experience of diverse types of social enterprises and their place in society. It will help develop critical thinking in learners as they develop a broader understanding of the social enterprise eco-system.
The certificate will be of particular use to individuals or groups considering starting up a social enterprise, social business, or developing as social enterprise element in an existing organisation. It is also helpful to those working within a social enterprise. Some graduates of the certificate have become start-up social entrepreneurs, and this is a growing network that learners in the certificate will be helped to connect with for support and practice sharing.
NFQ Level 6
60 credits
1 year programme
€300 per module / €1,800 per stage
Next Start Date:
31st August
The aims of the Certificate in Personal and Professional Development programme are built on a foundation of academic learning and the practical publication of this learning. The successful combination of these elements enables learners:
To have a thorough grounding in the theoretical aspects of core transversal (transferable) competences, including digital literacies, for lifelong learning and work, through the higher education of those learners
To enable learners to deepen understanding of their previous experiential learning through exposure to theoretical frameworks, and to apply this learning in new contexts.
To develop self-confidence and competence to participate effectively in lifelong learning including higher education, in addition to assuming a variety of different roles the workplace.
NFQ Level 6
60 credits
1 year programme
€300 per module / €1,800 per stage
Next Start Date:
31st August
The aim of the programme is to develop early childhood professionals who have a specific expertise and a specialised knowledge to be highly competent in delivering and managing quality services to children and families.
QQI Level 8
180 credits
3 year programme
€2,650 per stage/year
Next Start Date:
Early September
The aim of this interdisciplinary blended online Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree programme is to develop graduates who are equipped with sufficient knowledge, skills and competencies in the theory and practice of leadership and community development to enable them to make a professional contribution to communities, groups, societies and organisations and to prepare graduates for life-long learning so that they will be able to further develop and consolidate their knowledge and skills through experience, professional and/or academic education.
NFQ Level 7
180 credits
3 year programme
€1,800 per stage/year – Online Blended Learning
€2,200 per stage/year – Face-to-Face Learning
Next Start Date:
Early September
The aim of this interdisciplinary blended online Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree programme is to develop knowledge, skills and competencies in the theory and practice of applied addiction studies and community development. The purpose of the programme is to build the capacity of community drugs workers and those working and volunteering in the wider community within an addiction context.
NFQ Level 7
180 credits
3 year programme
€1,800 per stage/year – Online Blended Learning
€2,200 per stage/year – Face-to-Face Learning
Next Start Date:
Early September