INTRODUCTION TO WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES (AUGUST)

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Introduction

You must already be working or volunteering in the community as this course has been specifically designed for you. Successful completion will see you gain a Professional Development Award in Community Involvement.

The programme is designed to introduce you to Community Learning and Development (CLD) theory and practice, with particular focus on involvement in community capacity building, which is one of the three main strands of CLD.

This level 6 award will prepare you for possible progression to other programmes at an equal or increased SCQF level in the field of Community Learning and Development. You are likely to be a mature learner.

The award is suitable for you if you already have some understanding and experience of Community Learning and Development - but have no formal qualifications in the field. Those of you who are employed in the field of CLD, and who achieve a recognised qualification such as this award, may qualify for membership of the Scottish CLD Standards Council.

It is an 18-week course of learning – normal college holidays mean it will be half of a college academic year.

Course code

SWCOA

Location:

Varies

Duration

This course will start in August 2023 and finish in January 2024. A second cohort will run from January 2024 until June 2024
100% attendance and engagement is required in all of the learning activities, which for the majority of the time will be online. Considerable study will be required out with the 3 hours specifically set aside for lessons.

Entry Requirements

You must be prepared to work online for the majority of your theory lessons.

You must be eligible to join the PVG scheme (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) which involves a criminal record check.

You must be volunteering or working within the community.

You must be capable of working and writing at SCQF level 6 – which is the same as Higher. You can demonstrate this is the Supporting Information section of the application. The offer of an interview for a place on the programme depends on the quality of your supporting information.

You should have access to a device with camera/speakers/microphone where you can do online research and write assignments as well as having access to the internet for live Team lessons. You may be able to book study space within the campus to access wi-fi but should also then ensure you bring headphones/mike and your own device. It will not be possible to complete this course using just a mobile phone.

A limited number of devices are available to borrow from the college if you do not have a device of your own. Please ensure on your application you answer the question on device access.

Information and Interview Session Requirements

For this course we will not be routinely offering interviews. Please ensure you complete your application and supporting information with as much information as possible to allow us to make a decision on your suitability for a place on the course.

We may contact you by phone if we have further questions.

Course Content

Community – capacity building, introduction, values and principles and tutorial.

Assessments

There are assessments to complete which are mostly ongoing through portfolio, and mostly open book. Where there are closed book assessments you may be asked to come into the college building to sit these

Progression

You may want to look at progressing to another level 6 full time programme or HNC level. It is likely you will be able to qualify for membership of the Scottish CLD Standards Council

Career Prospects

Many community groups (paid and voluntary positions)

Additional funding information

N/A

Selling Points

Since the majority of learning is online – this programme can be delivered right across the region, with only a very few times where learners may need to attend Dumfries Campus for closed book assessments.