Community Learning and Development (workplace-based)

Description

Why study Community Learning and Development at Dundee?

This is an exciting, new and vibrant programme which reflects the current field of community learning and development practice in Scotland and the UK. Community learning professionals engage with people living within a geographical area or sharing a common interest to develop a range of learning, action and reflection opportunities determined by their personal, social, economic and political needs.

Our programme has been designed around the concept of the self-monitoring critically reflective professional, in other words the willingness and ability of professionals to question, analyse, and evaluate their values, practices and experiences.

Who should study Community Learning and Development?

If you:

• enjoy working with people
• enjoy engaging in lively discussions about the issues in society today
• are someone who is willing to share ideas and be open to the ideas of others

then you are likely to do well on this programme.

Community learning and development workers need to demonstrate competence in their ability to:

• engage with the community
• develop relevant learning opportunities
• empower participants
• organise and manage resources use evaluative data to assess and implement appropriate changes.

Employability

The knowledge and skills that you acquire on this programme will prepare you for a variety of employment opportunities in working with adults, young people and communities in both the statutory and voluntary sector. This qualification is especially attractive to employers because it includes studying policy initiatives in relation to social justice and partnership working between local authority departments; further education; housing associations; health services; employment agencies; and the police services.

The majority of our graduates go directly into employment, which recently has included working in a variety of settings such as community centres and libraries; neighbourhood projects; primary and secondary schools; off site school provision; further education; housing associations and homeless units; training, employment and voluntary organisations.

Graduates can enter a wide range of roles including:

• Youth participation and citizenship
• Adult and youth literacies
• Community based adult learning
• Local authority community planning officer
• Equalities and diversity
• Mental health project
• School pupil support
• Volunteer co-ordinator
• Employment support

UCAS Code: BA(Z009)

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 2014 Tuition fee

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.

Fee category

Fees for students starting September 2015

Scottish students

£1,820 per year of study (for Sept 2014 entry). Fees for September 2015 will be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2015.

Rest of UK students

£9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree. See our scholarships for rest of UK applicants.

EU students

£1,820 per year of study (for Sept 2014 entry). Fees for September 2015 will be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2015.

Overseas students (non-EU)

£12,950 per year of study. See our scholarships for international applicants.

Not specified Start date September 2015 This Course Starts in September Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time

Course Content

This degree course is based in the School of Education, Social Work and Community Education.

It is also possible to study for this degree on a work-based mode.

Students studying on the work based mode are subject to a programme fee which can either be met by the student, the employer or other source, as identified by the student.

How you will be taught - Work-based mode of study

During your time on the programme you will experience a range of teaching methods, such as lectures, seminars, practice based learning, projects and e-learning.

With the support of tutors you will be encouraged to become an independent learner and to participate in a range of peer learning communities.

Experienced practitioners also contribute to the delivery of the programme and this supports your engagement with the ongoing changes in the professional field of practice.

Where you will learn

Students on the work based mode are required to be employed for a minimum of sixteen hours per week in a community learning and development workplace setting. This setting must allow the student to undertake practice learning and demonstrate professional competence as required by the community learning and development professional body.

Teaching and learning on this mode of the programme is delivered via student attendance on campus at four study blocks per year (five days per study block) and also practice learning in the workplace, which is supported by a workplace Practice Learning Tutor. Additionally, the university provides a range of support, such as work based visits and ongoing tutor support via telephone, e-learning and email. Students will also be encouraged to support one another by engaging in peer learning communities.

Tutorial support

In order to maximise opportunities for personal, professional and academic growth, a system of professional development tutorial support is provided to all students both within the University and the practice learning setting.

What you will study

Honours Degree

An honours degree normally takes four years, full time, you study levels 1-4, as described below.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

Prior learning and experience will be accredited and those who possess relevant entry qualifications are encouraged to apply for advanced entry.

Typical Degree Programme with Professional Endorsement

Level 1

In the first year (Level 1) we lay the foundation of knowledge and build on your own experiences and values about social science and education concepts and methods and about working in the community. You will spend time with other students within the School of Education, Social Work and Community Education studying common programme modules.

• Self as an Emerging Community Learning & Development Professional
• Working Together to Achieve Social Justice
• Making Sense of Community Learning and Development
• Developing Communication Skills and Inclusive Safe Practices (includes Practice Inquiry)

Level 2

In the second and third years (Levels 2 and 3) we provide opportunities for you to develop your understanding in depth and there is scope to select from a range of options.

• Developing Conceptual Frameworks
• An Introduction to Social Research
• Developing Sustainable Organisations
• Working Together to Achieve Social Justice
• Practice Learning (70 days)

Level 3

• Reading and Understanding Research
• Negotiated Independent Study
• Working Together to Achieve Social Justice
• Practice Learning (70 days)

Level 4

In the fourth year (Level 4) you undertake independent study and research which culminates in a dissertation. The programme provides substantial periods in practice settings in a variety of agencies and locations in Scotland, the UK and abroad.

• Practice Based Dissertation/Internship (100 days)
• Analysis and Critique in Community Learning and Development

How you will be assessed

Assessment is continuous and the methods of assessment include professional development learning plans, professional development reviews, essays, reports, practice e-portfolios and practice assessment reports.

Requirements

See the Course Homepage for Full Details

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Dundee.