Community Learning and Development

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.

Professional accreditation

Our programme is fully accredited and approved by the Community Learning and Development Standards Council Approvals Committee, which means that graduates will have a professionally recognised qualification in community learning and development.

Workplace-based study

Uniquely in Scotland, we offer the opportunity to complete the programme via a workplace-based mode of study.

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.

Degrees Available

• BA Community Learning and Development, full-time
• BA Community Learning and Development, workplace-based

Teaching & Assessment

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

Careers

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

Postgraduate Study

Some graduates have continued their studies with us at postgraduate level, studying one of a range of education programmes on offer.

Entry Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements, please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.

Selection Notes

1. The programme can be undertaken on a full-time or a work-based mode.
2. A PVG Scheme Disclosure Scotland Criminal Records Check will be conducted, with permission of the applicant, prior to acceptance.
3. Experience of voluntary or paid work in community learning and development or a related field is desirable.
4. The School of Education, Social Work and Community Education is committed to widening access to higher education and will consider applicants with previous learning through study or practical experience who do not meet the standard entry requirements.

Courses starting September 2013

Level 1 entry

Qualification	Grade
SQA Higher	ABB/BBBC
GCE A-Level	AB/CCC
ILC Higher	ABB/BBBC
IB Diploma	29 points (including 5, 5, 4 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects	English or a literate subject at C (SQA Higher or GCE AS, ILC Higher or IB Higher Level).
EU & International	Visit our EU and International webpages for entry requirements tailored to your home country

Advanced Entry

Qualification	Grade
Prior learning and experience will be accredited and those who possess relevant entry qualifications are encouraged to apply for advanced entry including:
Level 2 Entry	A relevant HNC with Graded Unit B or above, or a relevant HND, along with evidence of competence in key areas of Community Learning and Development.
Level 3 Entry	A relevant HND with merits in at least six units or with BB in the Graded Unit, along with significant evidence of competence in Community Learning and Development.

Other Qualifications

Qualification	Grade
SQA	A relevant HNC (Level 1 entry) A relevant HNC with B or above in the Graded Unit, or a relevant HND, along with evidence of competence in key areas of Community Learning and Development (Level 2 entry)
Scottish Baccalaureate	Pass with CC at Advanced Higher including a literate subject (Level 1 entry) Level 2 entry considered individually
SWAP Access Programmes	Relevant subjects with ABB grades to include English Literature/Language at SCQF Level 6 (Level 1 entry)
EDEXCEL	A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with MMM (Level 1 entry) A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DMM (Level 2 entry)
Advanced Diploma	Grade C with an A-Level in a literate subject at B (Level 1 entry) Level 2 entry considered individually
Welsh Baccalaureate	Pass with BC at A-Level (Level 1 entry) Level 2 entry considered individually
OU	A relevant Open University course
Candidates can be considered for Level 3 entry with a relevant HND with Graded Unit BB and significant evidence of competence in Community Learning and Development.
Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website.

Fees and Funding

There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.

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

Fee category	Fees for students starting September 2012	Scholarships & Bursaries applicable
Scottish students	to be confirmed	School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
Students from the rest of the UK	to be confirmed	University of Dundee Bursaries School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
EU students	to be confirmed	Other Scholarships
Overseas students (non-EU)	to be confirmed	School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships

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

Living Costs

• Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
• Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
• As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

Please note that the way you apply depends on whether you wish to apply for the full-time or work-based mode of study.

UCAS Codes

Institution Code: D65

Degree	UCAS Codes	KIS data
BA Community Learning and Development (full time)	X390	View KIS data for this course
BA Community Learning and Development (workplace-based)		View KIS data for this course

UCAS Application Process

International Applicants

We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:

• Your Home Country - including information about qualifications from individual countries
• Fees and Funding
• English Language Requirements
• International Student Support

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?

• There will be a requirement to attend classes and undertake a fieldwork placement on this course. In addition you should be able to manage your own time to do the reading and activities required.
• On this course you are reading for a degree whilst also working towards a professional qualification. You should be able to balance the demands of studying with periods of practice. You may be required to undertake periods of fieldwork practice outwith your home area.
• You should be prepared to take part in discussing your views and opinions in groups.
• You should be able to provide evidence of your interest in Community Learning and Development.
• You are encouraged to make yourself aware of the appropriate attitudes and values for Community Learning and Development.
• You are encouraged to be aware of your own strengths and weaknesses.
• You are encouraged to make yourself aware of relevant social issues that affect society.
• You are encouraged to think about how this course will develop you both personally and professionally
• It is important that you understand what Community Learning and Development is before choosing this course. A period of voluntary or paid work in a relevant setting can help you to decide if this is for you. As well as this a period of experience prior to starting the course would be of great advantage to your learning.

Tips for your application

• Arrange a meeting with your local Community Education worker prior to the interview.
• Come to the interview prepared to demonstrate your prior investigation of Community Learning and Development.
• Be enthusiastic and show commitment to Community Learning and Development as your principal career interest.

The selection process

Applicants who meet the entry criteria will receive a 'Community Learning and Development Applicant Response Form' which requires them to submit a 1,200 word response to a series of questions.

The questions relate to a number of criteria including:

• your understanding of community learning and development; your motivations for a career in community learning and development
• your suitability to a career in community learning and development
• your readiness for pursuing demanding academic and professional studies
• your awareness of current social and political issues.

Applicants must complete and return the form within two weeks.

The response form, the UCAS application form and the work based application form are used by an admissions panel to review academic qualifications; personal statement; responses to the set questions; references, and prior relevant and current community learning and development experience. The panel assesses suitability for the programme, in line with set criteria, and those applicants who meet the criteria are sent an immediate offer of a place on the programme.

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.

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact: