Sustainable Communities

Two years full-time or flexible part-time.

The course will develop students' understanding of community development within a sustainable framework. A critical analysis of contemporary issues is underpinned by knowledge drawn from across disciplines, focusing on the social, economic and environmental issues.

The sustainability agenda is of prime importance to the philosophy of this programme with students focusing on issues from social, political, economic and environmental perspectives. The course will prepare students to engage with the complex issues surrounding sustainable development and regeneration.

The degree focuses on practitioner development by adopting an approach which will allow students to strengthen and deepen their knowledge, understanding and ability in relation to all aspects of sustainable communities. The award falls broadly into a number of areas:

• The policy context of sustainable communities - critiquing the concepts and policy context, from sustainable design and building to sustainable planning and development and place making
• Interventions and leadership - consideration of possible intervention strategies
• Application of theory, knowledge and skills in practice and in work-based settings
• Development of graduate and professional skills

Stage one

At stage one, students will focus on key skills and principles that underpin the programmes. In addition, students will study the social and political policy contexts associated with community development and sustainability.

Stage two

At stage two, students build on their stage one programme by focussing upon a variety of modules including issues in human geography and community involvement as well as more specialist modules in social issues, health and crime.

• Educational experience grounded in the workplace
• A reflective learning approach that helps improve, question and develop practice
• Enhances learning by adopting a multi-disciplinary approach to problem solving
• Provision of applied research opportunities
• Develops higher professional level skills
• Provides an understanding of knowledge and critical awareness of contemporary problems and issues
• Provides comprehensive understanding of techniques of intervention
• When you have completed 50% of the course, you may be eligible for a Certificate in Higher Education in Sustainable Communities

• Understanding Sustainable Communities
• Policy Initiatives
• The Economics and Regulation of Development
• Developing Graduate Skills
• Design for Sustainable Communities
• Community Involvement
• Developing Communities
• Learning for Sustainable Development
• Race Gender and Representation
• Social Policy
• Work-based placement

This exciting new degree is an innovative programme that aims to develop skills and knowledge in all aspects of sustainable communities ranging from design, planning, professional practice and housing right through to issues associated with governance, sustainability, regeneration, community safety, social inclusion and researching communities.

The qualification has been jointly developed by The University of Northampton, University Centre Milton Keynes and the Homes and Communities Agency. The course can be studied as a Foundation Degree or as stand-alone modules as part of a programme of professional development (CPD).

Specialist pathways will be offered in:

• Housing
• Planning and the Environment (from 2011)
• Community Development
• Adult Social Care (Commissioning and Procurement)

Accreditation

We are currently working with the Chartered Institute of Housing to have this course accredited for housing professionals. We also aim to have the other pathways endorsed and potentially accredited by other professional bodies.

There are no formal examinations for this course. Assessments will involve a range of written assignments and presentations that will require students to produce reports and strategies to a standard and style expected in a work place. During the course, students undertake an in-depth supervised work-based project on an area of interest.

The Foundation Degree is a three year, part-time programme of study which will be delivered by block teaching on Friday and Saturday once a month at University Centre Milton Keynes. This will be supported by practical work and by web-based learning between the scheduled teaching days. Teaching and learning will involve a mix of traditional lectures, discussion groups, examination of case study material, directed learning, site visits and guest presentations.

This course will enable you to further develop your professional skills in subject areas including housing, community development, planning and regeneration.