BA Community Education

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) in Community Education at the University of the West of Scotland equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to work in community education and community learning and development (CLD) at local, national, and international levels. The program emphasizes CLD values and principles, critical reflection, social justice, and the transformative potential of communities. Graduates can pursue careers in youth work, adult education, community development, and other related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Program Overview:

The BA (Hons) in Community Education equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to work in the field of community education and community learning and development (CLD) at local, national, and international levels.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Provide a comprehensive understanding of community education and CLD theories and practices.
• Develop critical thinking and research skills in the context of community education.
• Foster an understanding of anti-discriminatory practice in diverse social, cultural, political, and economic contexts.
• Explore the concept of "community" in relation to globalization, communication practices, and social relationships.
• Equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively in community settings.

Description:

The program emphasizes CLD values and principles such as self-determination, inclusion, empowerment, collaboration, and lifelong learning. It focuses on critical reflection and research, social justice, and the transformative potential of communities.

Outline:

Program Content:

The program covers a range of topics, including:

• Social and psychological theories relevant to community education.
• CLD competences and Personal and Professional Development Planning (PDP).
• Social theory, power, and community contexts.
• Critical pedagogy and its application in community settings.
• Group work and communication skills.
• Core domains of practice and strategies for participation and inclusion.
• Project and community leadership.
• Critical pedagogy and its role in creating emancipatory practice for equality and social justice.
• Management of people and resources.
• Practice-based research.
• Capstone project focusing on a specific area of community education practice.
• The impact of social policy on CLD practice.
• Childhood studies and inter-professional practices.
• Research dissertation linked to practice learning.

Structure:

The program is divided into four years, with each year focusing on specific themes and topics. Students complete a capstone project in their final year, allowing them to apply their learnings to a real-world situation.

Course Schedule:

The program typically follows a semester-based system, with two semesters per year. Each semester includes a variety of modules that cover different aspects of community education.

Modules:

• Year 1: Introduction to Community Education, Social Theory in Community Contexts, Critical Pedagogy, Group Work and Communication Skills, Language Module, Practice Learning.
• Year 2: Core Domains of Practice, Strategies for Participation and Inclusion, Project and Community Leadership, Practice Learning.
• Year 3: Critical Pedagogy and Emancipatory Practice, Managing People and Resources, Practice-Based Research, Capstone Project.
• Year 4: Social Policy and CLD Practice, Childhood Studies, Inter-Professional Practices, Research Dissertation.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Essays and reports
• Presentations
• Group work
• Portfolios
• Practice-based assessments
• Capstone project
• Research dissertation

Assessment Criteria:

Assessments are based on students' ability to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of community education theories and practices.
• Apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations.
• Conduct research and analyze data effectively.
• Communicate their ideas clearly and concisely.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with others.
• Reflect on their own learning and development.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Group work
• Fieldwork
• Guest speaker sessions
• Online learning resources

Faculty:

The program is taught by experienced faculty members with expertise in community education, social work, sociology, psychology, and other relevant fields.

Unique Approaches:

The program emphasizes critical reflection, participatory learning methods, and the application of theory to practice. It also incorporates a strong focus on ethical and emancipatory practices.

Careers:

Career Prospects:

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in a variety of sectors, including:

• Youth work
• Adult education
• Community development
• Employability
• Issue-based practice
• Charitable trusts
• FE Colleges
• Campaigning for human rights, equality, and social justice

Further Study:

Graduates can continue their studies by pursuing postgraduate programs in related fields, such as:

• Community Education
• Community Development
• Social Work
• Education
• Sociology
• Psychology

Other:

• The program is accredited by the CLD Standards Council.
• Students have the option to take a language module as part of their degree.
• The program offers a strong focus on social justice and equality.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in practice learning opportunities.

Scottish £1,820 cost per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS ) All other UK & Republic of Ireland £9,250 Cost per year of study, but not more than £27,750 Channel Islands & Isle of Man £9,250 Cost per year of study, but not more than £27,750 International (all other EU plus Non-EU) £15,500 per year of study More on tuition fees and funding Modular Tuition Fees (20-credit points) 2024-25 Scottish £305 per module (20 credits) All other UK & Republic of Ireland £1,550 per module (20 credits) Channel Islands & Isle of Man £1,550 per module (20 credits) International (all other EU plus Non-EU) £2,580 per module (20 credits) More on tuition fees and funding