Department of Applied Social Studies

The Department of Applied Social Studies is currently offering two courses over two years, leading respectively to a Diploma in Community Work and a Diploma in Town Planning ( urban social management), as well as a third year course preparing for a vocational BA in Social Intervention. All three courses are on a full time basis.

Diploma in Community Work

The objective of this course is to train future professionals for different areas of social and community work by providing students with good knowledge of various client groups (families, young people, older people, minority groups …) and of the existing policies and schemes that will guide their intervention. It also aims to give the students an understanding of the relevant theory and concepts from psychology, sociology, education science and economics that are required for analysis, while developing their skills in using such tools as project methodology, information technology and management.

Diploma in Town Planning

This course aims to train professionals who will work in the field of urban policies and be able to lead projects in a variety of settings, mainly local government, statutory agencies and private organisations. The concept of town planning relates social work to an urban environment.

The main course subjects provide students with good knowledge of political, economic and social institutions and of the legal environment. There is also special emphasis on the study of areas and territories and the issues affecting specific groups. In addition, students learn methodologies that enable them to conduct survey interpret results and set up projects.

Both courses are organised in four semesters, including 12 weeks of practical experience in approved settings (a 4 week placement during Semester 2 and an 8 week placement during Semester 4). Optional modules allow students to choose between pursuing their studies or entering the job market immediately after graduating.

Career opportunities

The Diploma in Community work leads to employment in the organisation of social and cultural projects, the provision of care services, including personal care management, the setting up of programmes of activities for a variety of client groups (families, youth, people with special needs…) The most common work settings are community centres, residential care homes, children centres, job centres.

Graduates of the Diploma in Town Planning are likely to find employment with the local authorities and access jobs in urban mediation, assist in setting up and managing local development projects and social inclusion projects.

Vocational BA in Social Intervention

This vocational degree enables students to develop a wide range of skills required to

• design a global social project : knowing the social, cultural and political environment of an area , drawing up a map of partners, analysing needs and demands, designing, negotiating.
• organise and implement a global activity project, mobilise the methods and tools of social intervention: listening skills, communication techniques, administrative management, finance and human resources management.

This BA course involves alternate periods of one week’s academic study and three weeks’ work experience.

Entry Requirements

• graduates of two year university diplomas in social studies, community work, sports, science, technology (…) who wish to apply their qualifications to the field of social and cultural intervention

• wage-earners or job seekers engaged in continuous education are eligible through the “Validating Acquired Experience” System.