Social and Community Development

Three years full-time or four years with a placement.

The course will develop students' understanding of social care provision in areas such as community development, child protection and mental health. This course offers the opportunity to study contemporary social issues and develop skills that are of use in a number of sectors including social care, community development, social housing and criminal justice. It incorporates two key strands: exploring current issues in social provision and preparing students for employment. A critical analysis of contemporary issues is underpinned by knowledge drawn from sociology, psychology, social policy, law, community development, management and research methods.

The design of the degree recognises the current climate and focuses particularly on service delivery looking at how individuals, organisations and communities try to find solutions to social problems.

Stage one

Provides foundation knowledge with core modules in sociology, psychology, social policy, sustainable communities, equality and human rights law and volunteering.

Stage two

This stage provides more specific and detailed knowledge, exploring in greater depth the social issues that effect society, the nature of gender and cultural inequalities, the role of community development work and the relevance of research literacy skills.

Students also have the option of specialising in one area of study which currently includes managing social welfare organisations, human rights law and international development.

Stage three

This stage consolidates the students' knowledge and learning. The practice skills module assists students to gain skills in interviewing/counselling and in group work. The developing and managing of not-for-profit organisations module provides students with an understanding of how to set up and manage a project in response to community need. The final year dissertation also acts as a gateway to future employment.

• Focus on practical skills
• Optional placements
• Develops the student's knowledge and understanding of social issues, professional interventions and the role of social care and third sector organisations in social welfare services

• Community participation and community work
• Gender and cultural perspectives
• Management and social enterprise skills
• Sustainable communities and community development
• Contemporary social policy
• Equality and human rights law
• Sociology and psychology
• Practice skills
• Volunteering and optional work experience placement

Students are assessed by means of coursework essays and reports, critical reviews, oral presentations, examinations, individual and group work.

Practice skills and editing studio.

This degree will prepare students for employment in the field of social welfare, social care and a wide range of voluntary, statutory and private sector organisations. Additionally, there are potential career opportunities for students interested in working overseas with various international charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Two recent graduates have used the knowledge and skills learnt on the degree to set up their own social enterprises, one working with young people and the other one providing an information service for people from the ethnic minorities. Other students have gone onto careers as diverse as social work, health promotion, counselling, policing, housing and teaching.

We have developing opportunities in a range of social welfare organisations based in Northamptonshire, London and Milton Keynes.

We have strong links with international charities and non governmental organisations based in India, Ghana and East Africa.