Sustainable Communities

» HOW TO APPLY

K430 FdA/SC Sept full-time: apply through UCAS Sept part-time: apply direct to the University - contact Admissions for an application form.

City Campus: Calcutta House

Applicants will be expected to demonstrate their ability, motivation and commitment to study at Foundation Degree level. Many of the applicants for the Foundation Degree are likely to have some work experience in housing related areas including local authorities; voluntary sectors charity organisations or the commercial sector. Applicants who are under the age of 21 with/without prior experience but who possess an appropriate academic background will be expected to comply with the standard university entry requirements. Candidates may be expected to display their suitability at an interview. Credit can be transferred for relevant prior learning, for example, many students who work in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors may have extensive qualifications and experiences that may be credit worthy.

The University has been selected as a partner by the HCA (Homes and Communities Agency) to develop the first Foundation Degree in Sustainable Communities in London. This course has been designed to respond to the government’s aim to train people to develop and deliver sustainable communities and it will include the study of housing, community regeneration and sustainable development. There will also be an emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach and generic skills. It will help to develop the skills that are needed to have a positive impact on communities, including partnership working, community consultation and governance. The course is aimed at providing an educational opportunity for a wide range of people such as those seeking careers in occupations like housing and planning; experienced professionals who want to further their studies and gain a recognised qualification and people working in the voluntary sector or community activists keen to progress into potential careers and benefit their local neighbourhoods.

Course structure

The course will be accredited by London Metropolitan University and the Chartered Institute of Housing** and supported and recognised by the HCA.

Two levels, each of 120 credits.

Level 1 modules include

• Action Learning /Personal Development and Planning (double module)
• Community Cohesion and Regeneration
• Trends in Contemporary Society
• IT and Society
• Creating Sustainable Communities
• Introduction to Housing, Planning and Development (double module)

Level 2 modules include

• Rights, Social Justice and Diversity
• Community Culture and Change
• Managing in Community Organisations
• Sustainable Communities and the Environment
• Housing Governance and Community Empowerment
• Professional Practice in Sustainable Development

Read more about the modules at www.londonmet.ac.uk/ugstudy

Assessment

You will be assessed using a variety of methods which will draw on the vocational and academic dimensions of the teaching and learning including presentations case studies, team exercises, projects and essays.

Top up to Honours Degree

On completion of the course you may top-up your qualification by moving to the final year of BSc Community Sector Management and a new honours programme in Housing and Sustainable Communities  There will also be an opportunity to move on to a range of courses leading to full professional qualification in a chosen career.

Career opportunities

This course develops career potential and may help you to gain jobs and promotion in areas such as housing, planning, environmental management and regeneration. In London there are many very large scale regeneration projects including the massive investment in the Thames Gateway and many large scale public and private estate regeneration schemes. There is also a considerable shortage of trained professionals in many planning and housing activities.

**Subject to validation