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Community Learning & Development

Background

Launched in 2010, this programme builds on over ten years of experience of running the BA in Community Development. The programme leads to a professional qualification in Community Learning and Development, which is approved by the Community Learning and Development Standards Council in Scotland. The programme ties into networks of community development projects and workers who provide placement opportunities and feed into teaching.

Who is the programme for?

This programme is for anyone out there who still wants to change the world! If you want to discover ways in which you can help people realise their potential and work together for a fairer, healthier and happier world, this may be the programme for you. The professional qualification is awarded on successful completion of the PgDiploma.

So far most students have come from the UK or North America. Students would be able to carryout their placement abroad and there is the opportunity for an international field trip, which runs in addition to the programme.

What will you get from this programme?

From this programme students will gain:

  • An understanding of models of change, drawn from both local and international experience and the values and principles that underpin them.
  • Examination of “big ideas” that claim to explain how the world works and the chance to develop your own analytical framework with which to understand your practice and the context within which it happens.
  • The skills and knowledge required to understand and contribute to social change, human rights and anti-oppressiv.

Introductory reading

If you have a chance to do some reading before beginning your programme, any one or more of the following books will be useful as background:-

  • Beck, D. and Purcell, R. (2010) Popular Education for Youth and Community Work, Learning Matters, Exeter
  • Craig, G.  & Mayo, P (1995) Community Empowerment, Zed Books
  • Furlong, A. and Cartmel, F. (2007) Young People and Social Change: New Perspectives, (2nd Edition) Open University Press, Buckingham.
  • Ledwith, M. (2005) Community Development a critical approach BASW/Policy Press
  • Purcell, R. (2005) Working in the Community: perspectives on change revised edition Lulu.com
  • Young, K. (1999) The Art of Youth Work, Lyme Regis: Russell House

Accredited Prior Learning (APL)

Accredited Prior Learning (APL) and Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) may be considered by the programme leader prior to registration.