The Bachelor of Arts in Community Education and Development is a flexible, practice-focused programme designed to enable individuals working across the community and voluntary sectors to act as effective, reflective practitioners. Developed in direct collaboration with community professionals, the course caters to both paid workers and active volunteers seeking an accredited qualification to enhance their career and practice. Grounded in a transformative community education methodology, the programme provides students with a deep understanding of social inclusion, community empowerment, active citizenship, and sustainable social development.
Practical Learning & Collaborative Delivery
The programme is delivered by experienced community education practitioners using interactive, group-based learning methods that place student experience at the heart of the educational process:
Workshop-Style Delivery: Classes are structured as collaborative, creative workshops that encourage peer learning, group discussion, and collective problem-solving.
Reflective Practice: Students critically analyse their own front-line practice, knowledge, and community experiences within a supportive academic setting.
Seamless Progression: Graduates can progress directly into the final year of the Level 8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Community Education and Development to complete an honours degree.
Coursework
The curriculum covers the core theories, values, and methodologies of community work, adult education, and social movement practice:
Community Education Frameworks: Principles of adult learning, informal education methodologies, and group work facilitation.
Community Development Principles: Social justice, empowerment, equality, anti-oppressive practice, and community capacity building.
Social Policy & Community Dynamics: Examining social policy, statutory structures, local governance, and contemporary community issues.
Practice & Project Management: Research methods, community needs assessment, funding applications, and project planning in voluntary organizations.
Career Opportunities
Graduates earn a recognized qualification that strengthens their employment prospects and opens professional pathways across local development, voluntary bodies, and community organizations:
Direct Academic Progression to the BA (Honours) in Community Education and Development (Level 8)
Upon completion of the programme, graduates possess the reflective skills, group facilitation expertise, and accredited academic qualification necessary to drive positive social change and advance their careers within the community and voluntary sectors.
Programme Contact: For further information, queries can be directed to the Programme Administrator, Denise Quinn, at [email protected].
The course comprises the following 10 credit modules:
Please click on each module in the following list for a detailed description.
• Advanced Facilitations Skills • Community Development Strategic Approaches • Community Education Theory • Community Project Management • Community Workplace Practice 2 • Equality Studies
Assessment: 100% continuous assessment.
Applicants must:
Hold a L6 qualification in in Community Education e.g. Higher Certificate in Community Education and Development or equivalent.
Be actively involved in community work, in either a voluntary or paid capacity.
Possess a strong equality and inclusion ethos.
Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English. Please see here for more details
