Community Leadership MA / PGDip

The MA in Community Leadership is a unique course developed and inspired by individuals who work within communities as activists and change makers. The course is based upon the concept of a learning community, whereby learners come together to share experiences and best practice. It works on the belief that within the context of community leadership, individuals learn best from a peer led programme.

The course is grounded in the educational philosophy of Paulo Freire and uses action reflection praxis as a basis for learning, allowing students to take new theoretical concepts and critically challenge them within their own communities. It also utilises and explores the management concepts of the community educator Mary Parker Follett (1868 to 1933); a woman recognised as ahead of her time in management science and whose ideas are hugely pertinent to the community sector today. The staff engaged in the delivery of the programme are all practitioners and internationally recognised in their fields. Their role is to share their knowledge on a peer to peer basis and support learners in developing new and innovative solutions to current issues.

Learning Environment and Assessment

A range of assessment methods will be used during your course. Your skills, knowledge and understanding will be formally and informally assessed through written assignments, oral presentations and through practical tasks. The requirements and the marking criteria for all course assessments are clearly set out for you in this handbook and module handbooks. Tutors may provide additional supportive material to you.

Opportunities will also be provided throughout the course for informal, formative assessment of your skills, knowledge and understanding. You will be invited to present seminar papers, contribute to class and online discussions, apply your learning informally in the workplace and take part in tutorials. The course can be taken at either MA, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate level. Students who successfully complete three taught modules are eligible for the award of PG Certificate.