The Department of Youth and Community Studies is one of the departments within the Faculty for Social Wellbeing. It has been established in 1993, first as an autonomous Institute, later as a Programme within the Department of Educational Studies, and now it forms part of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing. During this time it has developed extensively both in vision and range of activities. Mission Statement: To carry out research within the areas of youth and community studies, and in conjunction with other interested bodies To set up and deliver courses in youth and community studies which lead to academic / vocational qualifications To engage in public debates on issues that concern young people through the organisation of conferences and fora with the aim of contributing to the identification of efficiencies and lacunae in legislation and in the youth service and to challenge dominant discourse on youth.