Wednesday, 16.07.2008
Rural Development

The term rural is one which is commonly misunderstood. People may imagine rural development is only needed and used in areas reminiscent of the isolation of Craggy Island however this is not the case. The census of population defines rural as all areas outside towns of more than 1,500 people; approximately 43% of Ireland’s population.

The extensive economic growth of the last ten years affected different areas of the country in various ways. Urban centres flourished with new buildings sprouting up in a speedy fashion and people hailing from all corners of Ireland flocked to these areas to benefit and experience the surge. This sudden depopulation had a huge impact on the rural areas of Ireland; although the nation was revelling in its success the growth wasn’t evenly distributed and this led to high levels of disadvantage and marginalisation.

There’s no doubt that a course in rural development would be hugely interesting; the subject is especially suited to those with an enquiring mind who have a flair for analysis and economic discussion. The ultimate aim of rural development is not to make all areas as successful as possible but rather to make it a more even playing field; i.e. to ensure that the prosperity of one sector is closely associated with that in another.

A part-time rural development degree is now offered as a venture that has seen the combination of four NUIs around Ireland meaning students will benefit from Ireland’s leading experts due to the pooled input of these universities. This is a distance learning programme that aims to allow mature student an accessible method of getting the qualifications that may be required for their desired career. A diploma in rural development is given at the end of the second year; when students can choose to exit or go on to the degree programme. Although most of the study will be done on an individual basis students are required to attend monthly workshops which will consist of fellow students and staff. This course is ideally suited to those who are already involved in rural development and wish to expand their knowledge and accredit their skill although experience is not a prerequisite for admission; it’s offered every two years.

So if you feel like making an impact on some of the most burning issues of our time like depopulation and poverty then taking a course in rural development could be your first step.

Related Articles

• All about Genealogy
• History