Programme structure: Learning in Communities

We deliver four distinct learning strands focused on:

• informal educational methods and approaches
• theoretical ideas and conceptual frameworks
• research capacity
• professional practice placement experiences

Research and current practice inform all our teaching. You will graduate with a broad range of knowledge and skills to work alongside people in communities. You’ll be prepared for a range of

 education and development jobs in the public, voluntary and third sectors.

Our teaching staff have extensive practice experience in diverse settings. They also contribute to both the academic literature and research knowledge in this dynamic field. Staff draw on this experience and knowledge to inform students' teaching and learning experience.

This programme has two possible exit routes leading to two qualifications: 

• BA (Ordinary) SCQF 9 - exit after Year 3 
• MA (Honours) SCQF 10 - exit after Year 4 

The BA (Ord) Learning in Communities degree, awarded after three years of study, is professionally approved by the Community Learning and Development Standards Council for Scotland (CLDSCS). The UK-wide Joint Education and Training Standards (JETS) also recognises the degree, so it meets the standards in the rest of the UK. 

Community Learning and Development Standards Council for Scotland

Joint Education and Training Standards

Students can also graduate after Year 4 with an MA (Hons) Learning in Communities degree. However, you must complete the first three years of study, leading to the BA (Ord) degree, to progress to Year 4 and graduate with the MA (Hons). This is unconditional. 

All MA (Hons) Learning in Communities graduates will be professionally qualified and eligible to register with the CLDSCS. 

You will undertake three practice-based learning placements in Years 1, 2 and 3 of study. There is no placement requirement in Year 4.

Placement gives you the chance to develop the skills, attitudes, competence and values you’ll need in the workplace..

Placements take place in a range of settings that represent the diverse scope of CLD practice. This will help prepare you for the roles you may take on after graduation.

You must complete 370 placement hours. You will be on placement in Semester 2 of each year and will normally attend your placement on a part-time basis three days per week, for 17 weeks. You will have access to an extensive range of appropriate placements.

Your family commitments, learning and development needs, professional interests and career aspirations will be considered as far as possible when identifying your placement.

Placement identification begins with a one-to-one meeting between you and a programme tutor. While on placement, you will work closely alongside and receive support from  a placement supervisor. Supervisors are professionally qualified, experienced practitioners who have completed the University’s placement supervisor training programme.

Whilst a University tutor will offer support on placement, the crucial element of each placement is the relationship between you and your placement supervisor.