Course summary

Why study this course? Are you interested in working with people and local communities? Do you see yourself as a future leader? Are you looking for a fulfilling career? If so, this could be the course for you. Our Leadership in Communities BSc (Hons) degree focuses on social concerns affecting communities and individuals. This course is also validated by two professional bodies, the Endorsement and Quality Standards Board for Community Development Learning and the Chartered Institute of Housing. Our graduates work in a range of roles in the public sector eg councils and the NHS, the private sector and the third sector eg non-for-profit organisations including charities, voluntary and community groups. More about this course Community is a powerful medicine. The growth of food banks, the response to the Grenfell tragedy, the Black Lives Matter movement and the challenges of COVID have all demonstrated the power of community. By working together we can challenge inequality and social injustice. If you’re looking for a fulfilling career in social justice, this could be the perfect degree for you. Whether you’re a school leaver or if you’ve been working with communities already and want to return to education, we welcome your application. We’ll develop your employability and leadership skills, and engage you in cutting-edge academic and research skills. Our Leadership in Communities BSc course provides a comprehensive view into issues that affect communities and look at how we can address them. It’s linked to degrees in social work and youth studies to offer a wide range of learning experiences and job opportunities. This course is perfect preparation if you’re interested in working with diverse communities, including Black, Asian and ethnic minority groups, LGBT+, transnational communities, as well as vulnerable groups, such as homeless people, people with disabilities, refugees and asylum seekers. We work closely with local people so you’ll learn about the issues directly affecting urban communities and have opportunities to resolve them. You’ll investigate the principles of community work and develop the necessary skills and competencies to practise in the community. As well as this, you’ll look at how differences in culture and identity affect the opportunities of individuals, addressing the causes of inequality and investigating the challenges and opportunities of living in a diverse society. We’re proud that our students come from all over the world, with many who have their own families and are returning to education. Teaching is currently timetabled for approximately two days per week so that you have time to carry out independent academic work and gain work experience through placement opportunities. We place focus on developing transferable employability skills, which is why you’ll have the opportunity to complete a mini placement in your second year and a longer placement in your final year. Employers from the sector will also provide guest lectures, giving you an opportunity to learn about the practical aspects of working in this field and find out what skills and experience employers are looking for. There are also opportunities to progress to postgraduate studies. There are many postgraduate courses available to further your aspirations, including the Social Work MSc and the Youth and Community Work (with JNC Recognition) MSc, both of which are professionally recognised.