This course is delivered through a series of modules centred around child, youth and family studies. These modules will introduce you to the disciplines of political science, sociology, public and social policy, economics, psychology, the creative arts, information technology and law. Many of the modules have a strong focus on personal and professional skills development, equipping you with both research skills and the range of skills necessary to work in the sector.

Year 1

• Introduction to Child, Youth and Family Studies
• Youth Development
• Children and Health
• Introduction to Politics
• Practising Politics
• Introduction to Sociology
• Practising Sociology
• Introduction to Economic Policy
• Community Development
• Social Research Skills
• Personal and Professional Development

Year 2

• Understanding Family and Society
• Youth Work Principles and Practice
• Child, Youth and Family Service Provision in Ireland
• Child Protection and Welfare
• Economics of Family Policy
• Social Issues and Policy Responses
• Sociology of Health
• Politics and Society: Themes and Topics
• Economics of Public and Social Policy
• Methods for Social and Political Science
• Professional Development Skills

Year 3

Professional Work Placement (Sept-June). Examples of placement settings include: community, youth, education, family support or cultural organisations and government agencies. International placements are also possible subject to approval.

Year 4

• Research, Policy and Practice
• Family Law
• Youth and Society
• Equality, Diversity and Collective Action
• Children and Young People in Families Today
• Key Words in Social Work and Social Welfare
• Introduction to Social Work

Equivalent modules may be substituted from time to time for any of the above under exceptional circumstances and when approved by the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies.

Curriculum Information

• By choosing to study the Bachelor of Arts (Child, Youth and Family: Policy and Practice), you will benefit from small-group teaching.
• Your lectures and seminars will be delivered by a dynamic mix of experienced professionals working in the field, expert staff from the School of Political Science and Sociology and researchers from the internationally recognised UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre. This means you're not just learning about change - you're learning from the people creating it.
• A full academic year, deeply immersive placement in community, youth, family support or government settings builds real-world skills and networks. International placement also possible subject to approval.

This programme combines core modules in sociology, political science, public policy, economics, law, psychology and the creative arts, training you in both theory and versatile practical skills.

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts (Child, Youth and Family: Policy and Practice), you will be well-prepared for diverse careers across the child, youth, family and community sectors. The programme opens doors to a future career as a Youth worker, Family Support Practitioner, Community Development Officer, Policy Analyst, Child Protection Advocate, a Public Service Administrator, etc.

The programme also acts as a strong foundation for further study in areas such as Social Work, Public Policy, Family Support Studies and more. See below a list of key skills you will develop while undertaking this programme:

• Policy Analysis & Research: Ability to assess and shape public policies affecting children, youth and families.
• Communication & Advocacy: Strong written and verbal skills to influence change and support vulnerable populations.
• Safeguarding & Child Protection: In-depth understanding of legal and ethical frameworks for child welfare.
• Critical Thinking & Interdisciplinary Insight: Drawing from sociology, law, psychology and political science to understand complex social systems.
• Project & Case Management: Planning, executing and evaluating interventions in professional settings.

Cultural Competency & Inclusion: Skills to engage respectfully with diverse communities and promote social justice.

In year 3 of the programme students have the option to undertake their placement abroad, subject to programme approval.

A major highlight of the Bachelor of Arts (Child, Youth and Family: Policy and Practice) at University of Galway is its full academic year professional placement, a unique feature that sets this programme apart. Taking place from September to June in Year 3, the placement is compulsory for all students, ensuring that everyone benefits from meaningful, real-world experience. Students can choose from Irish or International placement settings subject to approval.

You can spend the academic year in a wide range of organisations, including community and youth services, educational initiatives, family support agencies, cultural organisations and government departments. Recent placements have included partners such as Tusla (Child and Family Agency), Galway City Partnership, Foróige, etc.

Dr Deirdre Hardiman
Dr Helen Casey
Professor John Canavan
Mr Cormac Forkan
Dr Danielle Kennan
Dr Carmel Devaney
Mr Stephen McNena

Students on this programme are assessed through a balanced mix of continuous assessment, project work and end-of-semester written examinations. Continuous assessment may include essays, case studies, group presentations, reflective journals and policy analysis tasks. This is to ensure you engage consistently and develop practical academic skills.

Certain modules also feature research or community-based projects, giving you the chance to apply your learning to real-world contexts. Assessments are designed to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the course, drawing from sociology, political science, youth studies and family policy.

Read more here. 

Course queries:
Dr. Deirdre Hardiman
Programme Director
T:091 495203
E: deirdre.hardiman@universityofgalway.ie

Dr. Helen Casey
Programme Director
T: 091 493110
E: helen.casey@universityofgalway.ie
Website: School of Political Science and Sociology

Q: What do I do if I experience difficulties?
A: If you are experiencing difficulties that are having a negative impact on your studies, it is important that you let us know so that we can help or offer guidance on where you can seek assistance. Any information relating to your circumstances will be held in strictest confidence. The Golden Rule: deal with these issues as they occur by contacting the First Year Coordinator and/or the College office. If you encounter difficulties with any aspect of a module or with the First Year of the BA in Child, Youth and Family programme, we are here to help so please reach out.

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language, and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Additional Requirements
Students must satisfy the Garda/police vetting requirements.

Alternative Pathways
The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links:

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme

Other Qualifications
If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students
• EU students

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.

Admissions Office

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.

Mature Applicants
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements.

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

High-achieving undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for a range of prestigious scholarships that recognise academic excellence and support students in reaching their full potential. Click here for further Information.

Application Process
Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1^st October each year for entry for the following September.  

Further Information
Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.