Tertiary degree · Level 7 · Health & Social Care

BA in Applied Social and Community Development starting in Tralee

A three-year degree for people who want to work in community development and social change. You start in an ETB college, then finish at MTU Cork with real community placements. It suits people who want to make a difference locally.

How tertiary degrees work: you apply directly to the further education college, not through the CAO, and you don't need CAO points. You start in the further education college and then move on to the university or technological university to finish the full degree. Applications usually open early in the year; 2026 closing dates ranged from March to May.

Key facts

How long
3 years (Year 1 at Kerry College, Denny Street Campus, Tralee, Years 2-3 at MTU Cork)
Award
BA in Applied Social and Community Development (MTU)
Where you study
  • Year 1: Kerry College, Denny Street Campus, Tralee → Years 2–3: Munster Technological University, Cork Campus (Bishopstown)

Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert with five O6/H7 grades, or four O6/H7 plus LCVP Distinction
  • Or Leaving Cert Applied with Distinction
  • Or QQI Level 4 award with a Distinction profile, or a full QQI Level 5/6 award
  • Mature applicants (23 by 1 January) assessed individually
  • Or 17+ with 2 years of relevant experience after Junior Cert
  • Applicants must show they meet access criteria (SUSI special rate grant, long-term means-tested social welfare, or a priority group)
  • Interview and personal statement required
  • Merit profile in the Level 5 award (5M2181) needed to progress to Year 2
  • English: B2 (CEFR) if not first language

How to apply

Apply directly to Kerry ETB (not through the CAO). The ETB runs the selection process with MTU. No application link is given on the page.

Apply to Kerry College of FET Denny Street Campus (fetchcourses.ie) ↗ Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Psychology, social policy and community development
  • Equality, intersectionality and social justice
  • Community group work and community education
  • Research methods
  • Community placements and project leadership

Where it can lead

  • Community work and leadership roles
  • Statutory agencies
  • NGOs and community youth services
  • Social enterprises
  • Community arts and equality projects

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Politics and Society, History, Religious Education

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

This degree is also offered starting in

Apprenticeships in Social and Behavioural Sciences

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

Take the CAO Interest Test → Try the free 3-minute test

Information from the National Tertiary Office (nto.ie), checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.