Kilkenny PPN Degree Scholarship Programme

Do you have experience in the community sector but lack formal qualifications? Or are you looking to transition into a career focused on community development and social enterprise?

Kilkenny Public Participation Network (PPN) is offering up to five scholarships that reward active citizenship will be awarded to individuals from PPN member organisations across. Kilkenny. We particularly welcome candidates who have worked as volunteers in the community, looking for a career change or who have experience in business or social enterprise. These individuals will need to prove that they are active in their community and willing to become PPN Champions in their area.

These scholarships are for a Level 7 BA Degree in Business, Social Enterprise, and Community Development, delivered by EQUAL Ireland and accredited by the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). The course is starting in January 2026 and running for 18 months. The course is delivered on online.

EQUAL Ireland works to sustain the European social model of an inclusive, cohesive information and knowledge rich society for all. It operates a practical Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system taking into account knowledge, skills and experience of applicants. For more information about EQUAL Ireland, visit www.equalireland.ie

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be a member of and be nominated by a Kilkenny PPN Member Community Group or Organisation
  • Meet the minimum entry requirements with EQUAL Ireland and have enough ‘Prior Learning’ (e.g. experience volunteering or business).
  • Genuinely have the time to be a PPN Champion
  • Be over 23 years’ old
  • Be a good communicator and abide by the PPN’s core values
  • Have access to the internet and a computer
  • Enthusiastic about Kilkenny PPN
  • Attend a PPN Champions induction and regular in-person support group meetings throughout the course

PPN Champion Role:

As a PPN Champion you would act as a local leader and support Kilkenny PPN, this may include the following:

  • Be actively involved in your community
  • Attend local meetings or help organise local events
  • Promote networking and mentoring among local groups
  • Assist in getting voices especially from underrepresented groups
  • Share relevant information such as funding opportunities, consultations, training events with the community and act as a local hub
  • Be member of a PPN working group
  • Represent your community on local authority committees

Benefits of Scholarship Programme

This opportunity will benefit the successful applicants not only in academic terms but will enhance their personal, communication and organisational skills. It offers a unique opportunity to participate in a new government structure and fulfil a leadership role in their community.

  • Gain a third-level qualification
  • Develop personal, communication, and organisational skills
  • Participate in local decision-making structures
  • Network with community and statutory organisations
  • Receive ongoing support from Kilkenny PPN
  • Online, flexible learning with in person support and peer learning
  • Funding of €2,000 towards their degree from the Kilkenny PPN. Courses fee is €2,500, therefore successful scholarship recipients pay €500 for courses fees

 

Course Details- Level 7 BA Degree in Business, Social Enterprise, and Community Development

The Level 7 Bachelor of Arts in Business, Social Enterprise, and Community Development is a strategically designed programme that addresses a critical and evolving need in Irish society: the empowerment of adult learners and the development of community and social enterprise leadership capacity at local and national levels.

 

The programme is built around three core themes:

  • Social
  • Community
  • Business

The programme aims to:

  • Meet the Needs of Non-Traditional and Adult Learners
  • Enhance Community Capacity and Social Enterprise
  • Deliver Academic and Practical Relevance
  • Align with National and EU Priorities

The programme consists of 7 Modules:

  • Applied Community Development – 10 Credits
  • Entrepreneurship for Social Enterprise – 10 Credits
  • Sociology, Social Change and Social Policy – 5 Credits
  • Professional Development for Community Leaders – 10 Credits
  • Community Education – 5 Credits
  • Legal Framework for Community Organisations – 5 Credits
  • Integrated Learning Project – 15 Credits

 

For further details on these modules click on the link below:

BA in Business, Social Enterprise and Community Development

Feedback from past participants

Angela Hayes, Founder & CEO, The Thomas Hayes Trust (CLG) is a PPN representative on the Social Inclusion linkage group and Local Community Development Committee says: “As an early school leaver, I never thought college was possible for me. Putting together a portfolio of my life experience to apply for this course was a real challenge — but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The Kilkenny PPN scholarship gave me the chance to take on a new journey of learning, gain confidence, and bring those skills into my work with Teac Tom and the wider community.”

Carina Burrows – Member of the PPN Secretariat: “Having started my 3rd level education later in life, I found the amount of support from fellow pupils and tutors second to none. Obtaining this degree has opened employment doors that were previously closed and given more options for my career in community development.

To Apply:

Please complete the Application Form and please return completed applications by post or email:

Post: Kilkenny PPN, Kilkenny County Council, Patricks Court, Patrick Street, Kilkenny, R95N28F

Email:

Application Form:

Click here to download the Application Form 

Application Deadline:
Monday, 1st December 2025 at 12:00pm Noon

 

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by the Kilkenny PPN and Equal Ireland selection panel. All applicants will be required to take part in a 1:1 Recognition of prior learning interview with Equal Ireland. This will determine the suitability of the candidate (note: volunteering experience is highly valued in this process).  EQUAL Ireland will make the final decision on the suitability of the applicant to obtain the qualification.

Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on Saturday, 6th December 2025 by a panel including Kilkenny PPN and EQUAL Ireland representatives.

 

For Further Information

Contact Bortha – Kilkenny PPN

Email:

Phone: 056 7794255