Course Resources Archive

The module aims to introduce students to the ideas and skills needed to be successful in community development situations with a particular focus on working in the voluntary sector.

Key theories of community development are applied to practice settings. Consideration is given to interventions, their evidence base and unintended negative impacts. Key community development skills are introduced such as fund raising, using the media, empowering communities, identification of needs and resources, and influencing others. The idea of community regeneration and sustainability will be discussed. Volunteering and community development issues such as housing and planning will also be looked at.

i. Knowledge and understanding.
On successful completion of the module the student should be able to:
a) Critically show how theoretical ideas apply to practice
b) Critically analyse and explain a range of interventions including when they work and when they don’t.
c) Synthesise ideas of community regeneration and sustainability
d) Analyse the advantages and difficulties in making use of volunteers

ii. Skills
a) Engage in community development activities such as fund raising and media involvement
b) Identify the needs of a community and resources to help meet such needs
c) Influence individuals and organisations for community change

Staff student contact circa 20% (to include: group work and discussion)
Student independent study circa 80% (to include: assignment preparation and group work)

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.