J.E. Cairnes School of
Business & Economics
Certificate
Diploma/BSc
in Rural Development
PART-TIME & FULL-TIME
IS THE DIPLOMA / BACHELOR IN
RURAL DEVELOPMENT FOR YOU?
•
Are you involved in, or do you have an
interest in rural development?
•
Do you wish you had a university degree but
never had the opportunity?
•
Would you like to study in your own time,
without giving up your work?
•
Would you be prepared to attend a weekend
workshop 5-6 times during the academic year
with other mature students from all over the
country?
The course is targeted towards mature learners seeking
a third level qualification with an interest in rural
affairs and community development, as well as Rural
Enterprise managers and entrepreneurs, Enterprise
support and Local authority staff, and Rural and
Community Development activists seeking continuing
professional development opportunities.
Programme Objectives
•
To deepen your understanding of the issues that have and will
continue to shape modern Irish rural life in the areas of economy,
society and environment.
•
To introduce participants to a broad ranging knowledge of theory
and practice in the field of rural development.
•
To train participants in the planning and management of rural
development activities such as community/area analysis and project
management.
•
To assist participants in critically appraising the multiplicity of
local, national, and EU policy strategies and approaches to rural
development issues.
•
To provide participants with the knowledge and skills required
to successfully establish and manage rural farm/non-farm based
private, community, co-operative and social enterprises.
•
To give participants the competence to communicate on a range of
rural development issues and engage local stakeholders.
More Information
Web:http://www.nuigalway.ie/business-pub-
lic-policy-law/cairnes/courses/adultcontinuingeducation/ruraldev/
Department of Economics, NUI Galway
T:+353 91 492501/492177
E: rutac@nuigalway.ie
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25/04/2013 19:33
Certificate / Diploma / BSc
Rural Development
Programme Structure
•
5-6 weekend workshops at the participating
universities, which do not exceed two full days.
•
Learning material provided through a combination
of online (Blackboard) and text-based modules,
tutorials, and lecture presentations.
I have realised that I have earned not just an
Honours Degree but also a toolkit for both my own
personal and professional development. The degree opened
up opportunities for me to teach part-time in primary
and adult education, gain recognition from the Teaching
Council and ultimately to establish my own business.
Bernard Joyce (B.Sc.), New Paradigms
Programme Content
Certificate – 30 ECTS
Diploma – 60 ECTS (full or part-time)
Degree – further 120 ECTS (60 ECTS per annum)
Diploma
Continuing Professional Development – 10 ECTS
YEAR 1 Full-Time
Year 1 (Part-time)
Introduction to
Rural Development
Rural Organization
Rural Economy
Diploma €1,676/year part-time, €3,352 full-time (EU)
Degree € 3,352 / year (EU)
Please contact rutac@nuigalway.ie for non-EU fees.
Degree
Application Process
CPD €838 (EU), Certificate €1,676 (EU)
Rural Society
Community
Education OR
Social Farming OR
Communications for
Rural Development
Applicants will meet university requirements for
matures students, that is, over 23 years of age at time of
enrolment. Applicants should also have at least 2 years
of rural development experience, in either a voluntary
or a professional capacity. An interview may also form
part of the selection criteria.
Programme Fees for Academic Year 2013/14
Options*
Rural Environment
Entry Requirements
To apply, please visit the website http://www.
nuigalway.ie/apply/ for our online application system.
Applications will continue to be reviewed up to midAugust if there are still programme places available.
Year 2 (Part-time)
YEAR 2 Full-Time
Rural Research
Methods
Integrated Rural
Development Policy
Rural Enterprise
Integrated Rural
Community Planning
Professional
Placement
YEAR 3 Full-Time
Marketing &
Business Skills for
Rural Enterprise
Financial
Management
Project Planning &
Development
Food Business
Rural Tourism OR
Renewable Energy
OR
Social Economy OR
Marine & Natural
Resources OR
ICT & Rural
Development OR
Conservation &
Management of the
Rural Landscape OR
Eco-politics of Food
& Nutrition
Research Project /
Minor Thesis
*Not offered in all years and subject to a minimum enrollment
I
More Information
Web: http://www.nuigalway.ie/business-public-policy-law/cairnes/courses/adultcontinuingeducation/ruraldev/
Department of Economics, NUI Galway
T:+353 91 492501/492177, E: rutac@nuigalway.ie
Project.indd 2
25/04/2013 19:33
NUI BSc Rural Development Module Descriptions
Communications for Rural Development (10 credits)
The module provides the student with an understanding of the role of communications in rural development
and the main requirements for effective communication in development at all levels. It will provide the
student with an insight into the main communication methods used in rural development and will help in
developing skills in disseminating information. Particular communication media and methods are addressed
in the context of rural development processes. Specifically skills related to the use of mass media; public
speaking, group communications and written communications methods are developed due to their
importance in enabling rural development.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Explain the critical role of communications in the development process
• Understand the theory of human communications
• Describe the media and methods used in professional communications and evaluate the
appropriateness of each for a given situation
• Plan a communications campaign
• Analyse how groups work and how they achieve their goals
• Demonstrate skills to participate effectively as a group member, lead group processes & facilitate
meetings
• Demonstrate skills related to the use of selected communications methods (individual
communication / consultations, group methods such as lecture presentations and meetings, mass
media such as preparing press articles and radio presentations, write effective project proposals and
reports.
Community Education (10 credits)
The module aims to provide an understanding of education and development in a rural community context,
to give the student an understanding of how community education is an integral part of community
development and to explore how to enhance community education. The module will define education and
community education, the theory and skills of community education, the place of community education in
rural development, and developing community education programmes.
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
• Recognise the role of adult & community education in Ireland
• Discuss women's education in Ireland, present position and new directions
• Analyse the role of adult & community education in rural development
• Apply and link the theory of adult & community education to its practice in Ireland.
Conservation and Management of the Rural Landscape (10 credits)
Students will be introduced to the principles of ecology and the evolution of the Irish agricultural landscape.
Topics covered include: definition and components of biodiversity; importance of biodiversity and
contribution to sustainable rural development; threats to biodiversity; current and prospective legislation to
protect biodiversity within the rural landscape; relationships between farm management practices and the
resultant ecological status of rural ecosystems; current issues in agri-environmental research.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the components of biodiversity
• Appreciate the functions and ecological services, which are facilitated through biodiversity in the
rural environment
• Assess the principal threats to biodiversity both at global and national scales
• Demonstrate an understanding of the national, EU and international legislation currently in place to
protect biodiversity within the rural landscape
• Demonstrate an understanding of the complexity of the relationships between farm management
practices and the resultant ecological status of rural ecosystems
• Be aware of the fundamental issues currently being addressed through agri-environmental research.
Eco-Politics Of Food And Nutrition (10 credits)
The purpose of this module is to inform the students of the contemporary issues in the food system and
provide an understanding of the impact of internal and external factors guiding the debate .The changing
European and global food industry along with a rapidly evolving policy environment provides the context for
this module. The contribution of the various stakeholders is explored and the issues are discussed.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
● Explain the contemporary health and nutritional issues associated with food and lifestyle
● Examine the role of the food system stakeholders
● Appraise the impacts of the various food supply chains in the context of the environmental impact
● Evaluate the nutrition value of consumer food choices
● Analyse the contemporary debate on the role of food and predict outcomes to the principal issues in
the food system.
Financial Management (10 credits)
The module gives participants an understanding of financial accounting systems and presents the student
with a methodology for the preparation and interpretation of financial plans and final accounts. Content
includes preparation of annual reports, financial statements, profit and loss accounts and balance sheets
with particular relevance to rural development projects and rural based enterprises, as well as financial
management and accounting tools, financial proofing and risk assessment.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate competence in interpretation of annual reports, financial statements, profit and loss
accounts, and balance sheets relevant to rural development programmes and rural businesses
• Identify familiarity with performance indicators relevant to financial management of rural
programmes
• Appraise the strengths and weaknesses of the application of financial management tools to the
holistic approach of integrated rural development
• Demonstrate competence in writing financial reports and completing funding application forms
• Demonstrate competence in financial proofing and risk assessment of Rural Development projects
in conjunction with financial and business specialists.
Food Business (10 credits)
The module provides an understanding of food business chains through an examination of the food
business chain from producer to consumer with an emphasis on the roles and needs of the various
stakeholders, particularly the rural producer and consumer. The module will examine the roles and needs of
stakeholders along the food chain, in the context of the farmer viability, consumer demand and niche
markets, retail structures, quality and traceability of food, environmental impact and sustainability. Both
conventional and alternative approaches to addressing these issues will be discussed including CSA.
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
● Understand the functions of the food supply chain and the role of the actors in the chain
● Identify the ethical and environmental implications of the current food business model
● Assess the role of the emerging models in the context of sustainable development
● Explain the dimensions of organic food production, shortening the supply chain and the role of the
consumer
● Analyse the policy framework directing the sector.
ICT and Rural Development (10 credits)
This module provides participants with an understanding of how Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs) contribute to sustainable rural development. The module allows students: to explore the
European, Irish and International policy environment governing the development of ICT; examine issues
relating to current ICT infrastructure in rural areas; assess the contribution of ICT to Rural Development;
and examine development and management of community portals and websites.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Discuss the European, Irish and International policy context for the growth and development of ICT
as a sector
• Describe and analyse the current ICT infrastructure in a specified country
• Explain the nature, scale, scope, growth, benefits and potential of IT and e-business
• Evaluate the potential contribution of ICT to rural areas, with a particular emphasis on rural business
and Community Economic Development
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•
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Evaluate websites and portals and participate in web site development
Discuss the role of Social Media in contributing to communications in rural areas
Discuss the contribution of ICT to social inclusion through the aspects such as eLearning,
employment, eCommerce and eGovernance.
Integrated Rural Community Planning (10 credits)
The module provides an understanding and critique of the processes, procedures and requirements of
effective and sustainable rural planning and development. It includes stakeholder and consultative
processes, as well as sustainable planning and development in rural area.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Describe the process, procedures and requirements for effective rural area planning
• Critique practice of area planning in rural areas
• Appraise the role of the range of stakeholders involved in integrated planning for rural areas
• Debate a holistic planning approach incorporating social, economic, cultural and environmental
aspects of sustainable rural planning
• Demonstrate skills of managing a community driven integrated rural community planning process.
Integrated Rural Development Policy and Practice (10 credits)
The module examines and reviews contemporary integrated rural development policy within a European
context. The key content areas include the development of a theoretical and policy context for the
understanding of contemporary European rural development strategies, and case study analysis of
contemporary European integrated rural development strategies.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Describe the practice of Integrated Rural Development (IRD) with reference to Irish and European
policy & practice
• Explain & describe the emergence of the IRD approach at a national and European level
• Discuss the current policy issues of IRD strategies
• List the skill and knowledge sets required for effective IRD.
Introduction to Rural Development (5 credits)
The introductory module gives the student an understanding of the concept of rural development, the issues
in rural development and the policies and practices affecting rural areas. It provides a context for many of
the ideas and concepts explored in later modules, such as key concepts, approaches, theories and practices
associated with rural development; evolution of rural development in Ireland and EU; current issues of
development in rural Ireland; and the role and functions of organizations and agencies involved in rural
development.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Define and explain the major concepts and approaches associated with rural development
• Describe the evolution of rural development in Ireland and EU
• Discuss the current issues of development in rural Ireland
• Identify the most significant organizations and agencies involved in rural development and discuss
their role
• Participate in debates on rural development in Ireland.
Marine Resources (10 credits)
The module covers the study of the marine environment, with a focus on Ireland, in the context of
understanding the nature of marine resources and how these are impacted. It integrates economic, social
and natural sciences. The module describes and analyses the economic utility of the marine environment
(e.g. transportation, recreation) and ecological value (e.g. fisheries, aquaculture) derived from the
productivity of associated ecosystems and associated policy, planning and management approaches.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Define and describe the structural organization and processes of marine ecosystems
• Discuss the political, social, economic and natural science perspectives of natural resources
management
• Analyse the contribution of marine/coastal resources to the local resource base and evaluate
different policy, planning and management approaches
•
Demonstrate an understanding of the marine tourism environment and its various elements
(ecotourism, fisheries, marine environmental education, parks and protected areas, etc.).
Marketing & Business Skills for Rural Enterprise (10 credits)
The module will provide the student with an understanding of the role enterprises play in the rural economy,
the importance of stimulating a thriving enterprise environment in rural areas, the role marketing plays in the
rural enterprise and how this supports sustainable rural development.
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
● Discuss how businesses get started and evaluate the different stages of business development
● Discuss the types of business ventures that are most likely to succeed and the support needs of
businesses at various stages of development
● Discuss the marketing concept and describe the role marketing plays in the development of the
small-scale rural enterprise and the basic activities of marketing
● Formulate a marketing strategy and set marketing objectives
● Evaluate the potential of new enterprise proposals
● Prepare a business plan for a new venture, including production, marketing and financial plans.
Professional Placement (10 credits)
The module aims to develop professional and transferable skills and experience by working in a rural
development environment/organisation. It will provide students with exposure to, and experience in, a rural
development environment/organisation relevant to the degree and to a working environment. Performance
will be monitored by both the employer and academic staff.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Evidence their Rural Development skills in a professional Rural Development environment for at
least six working weeks
• Have completed the required assignments, portfolios, or learning journals required to evidence
professional practice skills
• Demonstrate application of the Rural Development BSc programme learning to practice in a working
environment
• Demonstrate cross programme competence in a placement situation
• Reflect on the value of work placement in the context of learning from the course.
Project Planning and Development (10 credits)
The purpose of this module is to introduce the student to the concept and practice of Project Planning and
Management. Project Planning and Project Management are two practices that are critical to the successful
implementation of rural development programmes and projects. The module deals with definitions and
concepts of planning and management; composition of projects, factors that affect project success; types of
planning and approaches to planning; the process of planning and the planning cycle.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Explain the composition of a project and how it is assembled
• Explain the links that exist in a policy to project hierarchy and be able to apply this to rural
development scenarios
• Analyse the contextual factors that impact on project success
• Apply the concepts and methods of needs analysis as they relate to project identification
• Design and present a project proposal which comprises goal to inputs linkages, indicators and
means of verification as well as critical underpinning assumptions
• Explain and apply through examples the flows and sequencing associated with the Logical
Framework Approach to planning, appraising and managing projects
• Illustrate the key roles and functions associated with project management
• Demonstrate an understanding of people management and motivation theories as they relate to
rural development projects.
Renewable Energy - Community & Co-operative ownership (10 credits)
The changing European and global environmental policy framework provides the context for this module.
The key technologies and their application in Ireland will be discussed through the use of case studies
highlighting the strategic options available, the support needed to develop this sector and the benefits for
sustainable rural development.
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
• Outline the key technologies that generate renewable energy - wind, wave, biomass and bioenergy
(anaerobic digestion and PVO and Alcohol based transport fuels)
• Explain the issues and constraints in applying these technologies and the value of collective
ownership models
• Explain the benefits of employing renewable energy technologies in rural areas
• Critique some of the main policy instruments to support renewable energy development
• Evaluate the applicability of these technologies to rural areas.
Research Project/Minor Thesis (20 credits)
The module includes researching and writing of a minor thesis under academic supervision.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Conduct an analytical review of relevant scientific literature in a national and international context
• Develop specific research questions and present a research proposal
• Conduct comprehensive secondary and primary research
• Design, develop and deliver a quantitative study and a qualitative study
• Complete detailed interpretation and analysis of data
• Coordinate and manage a research project
• Analyse data using appropriate techniques with supporting statistics
• Present the outcomes of data analysis in appropriate formats.
Rural Economy (10 credits)
The module aims to develop an understanding of the economic elements of consumption, production and
trade in rural areas and to provide the tools to analyse them. It explores basic micro and macroeconomic
concepts related to agricultural and non-agricultural activities in rural areas, the role and impact of regional,
national and international policies and the implications of the changing economic landscape for social and
political development in rural.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Identify the components of the rural economy
• Describe and be able to discuss the changing role of agriculture in rural economies
• Demonstrate an understanding of the economic linkages at the local, national and international level
• Understand the concepts of production functions, production costs, and the interaction of
businesses in a marketplace
• Identify current and potential alternative income sources in a rural area (multifunctionality)
• Analyse the drivers of rural labour demand and labour supply and how they interact
• Identify and evaluate issues of income distribution in the context of Rural Development
• Analyse the role and impact of policy incentives on rural economic activity.
Rural Enterprise (10 credits)
The module will examine the unique characteristics of rural enterprises and the nature and importance of the
rural business and policy environment in stimulating a thriving enterprise environment in rural areas. The
module identifies the many ways in which rural SMEs can serve a variety of rural stakeholders as well as the
role of socio-economic development agencies and policies conducive to entrepreneurship and innovation.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Discuss the concepts of entrepreneurship and innovation and the social, economic and political
factors that impact on them
• Explain and evaluate the reasons why governments and enterprise supporting agencies intervene to
develop and support rural enterprises
• Critically evaluate national and international enterprise and innovation policies in their historic
context and their impact on rural enterprises
• Demonstrate and understanding of the role of statutory and non-statutory agencies at the national
and international level in supporting small and medium businesses in rural Ireland
• Evaluate why and how enterprises develop in response to market demand.
Rural Environment (10 credits)
The module will deliver an understanding of the Irish rural environmental heritage and to develop skills and
tools for its analysis and management. It provides the tools for economic evaluation of the environment and
of natural resources, and the rationale and impact of key environmental policies affecting rural areas.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Define and describe the structural organisation and processes of natural and agricultural
ecosystems
• Analyse the role of natural resources, such as renewable energies, in the economic base of a rural
area
• Demonstrate skills to critically analyse the role of sustainability and biodiversity and rural resource
management
• Discuss the theories that underlie environmental policies to correct market failures
• Discuss and evaluate global and national environmental policies and their impact on local rural
communities.
• Explain and evaluate basic measures of environmental sustainability
• Discuss the sources of greenhouse gas emissions and the contribution of the various sectors
nationally and internationally
• Appraise the environmental impact of rural enterprises and rural actions.
Rural Organisations (5 credits)
The module will examine the different types of organisations that exist and will investigate the distinguishing
features of these organisations. In addition, the module will explore the factors that led to the emergence of
this organisation and how they contribute to sustainable rural development.
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
• Differentiate different types of organisations in a rural context
• Describe and discuss the different legal structures available to rural based organisations
• Discuss differences between conventional and alternative forms of organisations
• Compare and contrast different forms of organisations
• Discuss the development of the partnership approach to rural development
• Classify co-operatives according to their prime beneficiaries and define the concept of the cooperative according to co-operative principles and according to the co-operative theory of action.
Rural Research Methods (10 credits)
This module focuses on developing students’ socio economic research capacity. The issues selected for
study include: research approaches; problem/topic identification; literature review; development of
objectives; sampling; questionnaire design; questionnaire delivery; data coding and data entry; data analysis
and presentation of research findings.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Describe the role and principles of research in rural development
• Discuss the theoretical underpinning of quantitative and qualitative research
• Differentiate and critically assess the role of secondary and primary data in research.
• Critically analyse a variety of research methods and techniques
• Write research proposals for given rural development contexts (needs analysis, monitoring and
evaluation)
• Develop data collection schedules
• Prepare a database, perform simple data analysis tasks using MS Office software and write a
research report
• Present research findings to diverse audiences
• Critically analyse research reports and papers.
Rural Society (10 credits)
The module introduces the participants to a sociological interpretation of the changing nature of rural
society. It includes an introduction to rural sociology and an examination of rural social change and the
related consequences for rural society.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Competently describe the key aspects of rural society in a state of change
• Describe the changes that have taken place in rural society in Ireland over time
•
•
•
Relate social theory to traditional, modern, and post-modern rural society
List the differentiations between urban and rural sociology
Outline the challenges for rural society globally and locally.
Rural Tourism (10 credits)
Tourism is a key lever of economic development in a growing, dynamic but uncertain sector. This module
seeks to locate opportunities and provide analysis tools for rural tourism. The module provides depth
knowledge and understanding of the various aspects of rural tourism and tourism policies, the set of
complex challenges and relevant solutions faced by the sector, as well is applied research methodology
appropriate to the study of rural tourism.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Analyse the role of the tourism sector as part of the wider economy
• Discuss the evolution of tourism policy in Ireland
• Identify different sources of rural tourism (cultural, heritage, eco-tourism, marine, food, etc.)
• Analyse the direct, indirect and induced effects of tourism on a local rural economy and outline the
methods to measuring the local economic impact of tourism
• Discuss the elements of sustainable rural tourism development and how it can be implemented
• Evaluate national and international case studies of successful rural tourism and their applicability to
Irish rural communities.
Social Economy (10 credits)
The module discusses key concepts, role of and policy considerations for the social economy in a rural
context.
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
• Understand and explain the concept of the social economy and its potential for rural development
• Discuss the policy environment of the social economy in general and social enterprises in particular
• Explain the role of the social economy as a strategy for local rural based social and economic
development
• Discuss the survival strategies of rural based social enterprises through case study analysis
• Discuss, evaluate and illustrate the impact of rural based social economy initiatives through specific
case study material.
Social Farming (10 credits)
This module develops participants’ awareness and understanding of the concepts, the applications and the
policy environment that surround the use of social farming practices in an Irish and European context. The
term social farming covers all activities that use agricultural resources to promote, or to generate, social
services in rural areas. Examples of these services include rehabilitation, therapy, sheltered employment,
life-long education and other activities that contribute to social inclusion.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Define Social Farming and describe how it has emerged as a form of service provision in rural areas
• Explain the principles of Social Farming how it may be applied both for the benefit of people using
services and for rural development
• Map the nature, extent and range of settings in which social farming initiatives are being undertaken
within Ireland and in the broader European context
• Outline the drivers of Social Farming from a Rural Development and Health and Social Care Policy
perspective
• Critically assess the relevant national and European policy context across a wide range of policy
domains and analyse how it impacts on the operation and development of Social Farming
• Evaluate the development requirements to establish a Social Farm from the perspective of multiple
stakeholders.