New degree for community workers

The University of Teesside has launched a new Foundation Degree in Community Development. The course, for people working in the community sector, will run for two years and enrol its first intake of students in September.

One of the first of its kind in the region, the course will deliver its curriculum to the National Occupational Standards for Community Development Work. It is aimed at people working on community projects, giving them the skills to engage people and develop local schemes.

The course will run on a day-release basis at the University’s main campus in Middlesbrough and is available to anyone who works in community development or a community organisation, full or part-time, paid or unpaid.

An information event on the Degree will take place on Tuesday March 27 at 7pm in the School of Social Sciences & Law, First Floor, Clarendon Building. For more details please call 01642 342308.

Programme Leader Janet Dixon-Dawson said: “We are delighted to offer this vocationally-orientated degree, which provides an excellent opportunity for students to combine University study with their work and professional development.

“As work-based learning makes up half the programme content, students have the benefit of linking theory and policy directly to their own work.”

The degree is based upon elements of sociology, research, government policy and practice appropriate to community development work and engagement. It includes a wide variety of teaching and learning techniques, including work-based learning, uses a range of assessment techniques and provides comprehensive tutor support. Successful students have the opportunity to convert to an honours degree through a further year of part-time study.

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