HNC WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES

Intro to the course:

Our HNC Working with Communities is designed for individuals working towards a degree in Community Education or Community Development, or those seeking to utilise the qualification to develop a career as a Community Work Assistant- or a similar role with a varied third sector. The focus of the course is identifying and supporting individual and social change that is beneficial for our communities and the individuals living with them.

It offers a combination of classroom based learning and direct work experience through a placement and covers the three strands of Community Learning and Development i.e. Youth Work, Adult Education and Community Development. There is an array of guest speakers who visit and contribute to the classroom experience ensuring that students have every opportunity to explore all aspects of Community Learning and Development as it is delivered in an array of local authority, voluntary and third sector organisation 

Who is the course for?

This course is for students interested in harnessing the strengths that lie in our communities and harnessing these to work in partnership and achieve social change. It’s for potential students who seek to develop a career within a sector that offers varied, exciting and professionally rewarding employment and career opportunities

What will I study?

The curriculum is varied, it includes developing a social science informed understanding of our world, the dynamics that influence and shape behaviours and a clear understanding or collective action and social change within an ethical framework associated with industry recognised values and principles. The units equip students to work with groups, with young people and adults and support individuals and communities to realise their potential through capacity building.

The placement element to the course ensures that the benefits of the knowledge and skills gained within the classroom can be realised and nurtured in practice.

Units will include : 

• Community Values and Principles
• Community Learning Approaches
• Community Group work 
• Graded Unit
• and much more

Units are subject to change. 

Next step course options

This course can lead to progression into the second year of the BA Community Education at UWS, the second year of the BA Community Development at the University of Glasgow or other CLD related degrees across the country.

How will I be assessed?

There are a variety of assessment approaches used in this course, and your lecturer will confirm the assessments for each unit. Assessment approaches can include: 

• Closed book
• Open book
• Posters
• Presentations.

Assessments are mainly open book, they involve reflective learning from placement opportunities, the development of academic skills in the form of open book assessments and a graded unit which looks holistically at delivering social change and personal development within a group setting.

Why should I choose this course?

The course will equip students to develop career opportunities within a range of local authority, voluntary and third sector organisations' supporting often marginalised and vulnerable groups.

It equally equips students with a solid overview and understanding of the sector to benefit from a nurturing and supportive college experience to progress into the second year of the BA Community Education at UWS, the second year of the BA Community Development at the University of Glasgow or other CLD related degrees across the country.

There are a range of exciting career opportunities in many and varied settings where students would be offered rewarding and meaningful opportunities to develop careers with the potential to enhance and transform the lives of those they support.

Where can this course lead?

The HNC Working with Communities can help you find employment within the sector as it demonstrates knowledge of the area, commitment and insight into the demands of community groups. 

Students can also find employment as a group worker and youth worker. 

What are the entry requirements?

Entry requirements are :

• One Higher at a C grade minimum in English, Social Science or related subject. 
• Reference 
• Criminal convictions form - a PVG will be completed before commencing placement. 
• If you have relevant extensive experience in the sector this can also be considered in lieu of qualifications. 
• Successful interview
• Personal statement detailing why you wish to do the course. 

What are the interview arrangements?

If successful in being offered an interview, you will be given a date and time. Should you need to change the date/time, please contact admissions. 

The interview will consist of a short presentation about the course, brief written task and an individual interview to gain insight into your awareness of the course and its demands. 

Please bring any evidence of your qualifications to the interview. 

Fees, finance and funding

Fees for full time is £1285

Please note, fees are subject to change, please double-check this when enrolling in your course

If you are unsuccessful in your SAAS, you may be liable for the full cost of course

For more information please visit the finance pages - Fees, finance and funding options.

Other information:

The college has an excellent support network for students including a learning hub, library with hard copies and electronic copies of textbooks. 

Furthermore, a computer suite ensures you have access to ICT when on campus.  Student services are on site with support on offer.