Learning in Communities career opportunities

Graduates find work in a wide range of settings in the UK and beyond.

Those who complete this degree receive accreditation from the Community Learning and Development Standards Council for Scotland (CLDSCS) and equivalent bodies in the rest of the UK.

Local authorities in Scotland and across the UK recruit graduates for roles in CLD and  related departments. Local and national voluntary sector organisations and national and international NGOs also employ CLD practitioners in education and development roles.  

Graduates often go on to work with young people, adults and communities in settings such as: 

  • youth work in communities, schools or criminal justice 
  • community development 
  • community capacity building 
  • community engagement and inclusion 
  • community health and housing 
  • adult literacy and lifelong learning 
  • citizenship and democracy 

Our graduates bring a clear professional identity and knowledge and skills grounded in the theory and practice of community-based informal education to any setting they join. 

Students have a chance to mix with and learn from our alumni, some of whom serve as placement coordinators or teach on students’ professional placements. Alumni can also offer  employment or volunteering opportunities.

Careers Service

The University's Careers Service supports all current students (and graduates for up to 2 years) to develop their potential and achieve satisfying and rewarding futures. We do this through individual appointments, group sessions and wider campus-based activity, alongside online services and resources. We deliver a diverse programme of face-to-face and online events throughout the academic year.  

In first year, you will take the course Community Learning 1 – Building Professional Identity, which includes a session on the Careers Service. It prepares students for compiling a CV and planning their career.  Likewise, Professional Practice 1 will teach you how to create a professional CV.