BUILD SKILLS FOR COMMUNITY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

BA (Hons) Community Education

The BA (Hons) Community Education course prepares you for professional practice in community learning and development, youth work, adult education and community development.

Award

BA (Hons)

Duration

Four years full-time or six years part-time

Tuition Costs 2026/27

Study Location(s)

,

Course starting dates

September, January, May

Community education for positive change

Prepare for professional practice in communities

The BA (Hons) Community Education course helps you develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional values needed to work with people and communities. You will explore community learning and development, youth work, adult education, social justice, participation and community wellbeing.

The course combines academic study with significant practice learning, helping you connect theory with real community settings. Across the course, you will develop skills in communication, group work, critical pedagogy, community research, interprofessional practice and leadership.

The course is accredited by the Community Learning and Development Standards Council for Scotland and includes compulsory placement hours at each level of study.

Who is this course for?

This course is for students who want to work with communities, support participation, promote inclusion and contribute to social change. It is suitable if you have experience in community projects, voluntary work, youth work, adult learning, equality work or related community contexts.

Where this degree can take you

Graduates can progress into roles across community learning and development, youth work, adult education, community development, equalities, social justice, voluntary sector organisations, local authorities and public services.

Course Details

Professional accreditation

Study a course accredited by the Community Learning and Development Standards Council for Scotland.

Practice learning

Develop professional experience through structured practice learning hours across the course.

Community impact

Build skills in youth work, adult education, community development, participation and social justice.

Core modules

  • C Ed Practice Learning one — 20 credits
  • Critical Pedagogy One — 20 credits
  • Group Work and Communication — 20 credits
  • Power in Communities — 20 credits
  • Social and Political Ideologies — 20 credits
  • Understanding Communities — 20 credits

Core modules

  • Activism in Communities — 20 credits
  • C Ed Practice Learning Two — 40 credits
  • Community Arts — 20 credits
  • Community Education: Foundations of Practice — 20 credits
  • Community Wellbeing — 20 credits

Core modules

  • Applied Critical Andragogy/Pedagogy — 20 credits
  • C Ed Practice Learning Three — 60 credits
  • Community Practice Research — 20 credits
  • Managing People and Practice — 20 credits

Core modules

  • Leading Interprofessional Practice in Community Education — 20 credits
  • Advanced Policy and Community Practices — 20 credits
  • C Ed Practice Research Dissertation — 60 credits

Optional modules

  • Community Based Adult Education — 20 credits
  • Community Development — 20 credits
  • Youth Work Specialism — 20 credits

Optional modules are subject to availability and student numbers.

You will learn through lectures, workshops, seminars, online learning, independent study and practice-based learning. Assessment may include essays, reports, reflective work, presentations, portfolios, practice learning evidence and research-based work.

Practice learning is central to the course, with placement hours at Levels 7, 8 and 9 and a dissertation at Level 10. You will build graduate attributes in communication, ethical practice, collaborative working and community leadership.

Entry Requirements

What qualifications do you need?

We welcome Scottish, UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Please visit our  Undergraduate entry requirements page for information on our different entry requirements, including country-specific details for EU and non-EU qualifications.

  • Scottish Highers: BBBB
  • A Levels: BCC including English
  • Applicants should meet the general admission requirements of the University of the West of Scotland.
  • Level 8 entry: Scottish Advanced Highers BCC
  • Level 9 entry: HND in a relevant subject such as Working in/with Communities, Social Care, Sport in Communities, Community Arts, Additional Support Needs or Social Science with a B in the graded unit.

Successful applicants will usually have experience of community work, for example as a participant, volunteer or paid worker. Part-time applicants may be able to claim recognition of prior learning or credit transfer where appropriate.

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the English language requirements set out by UWS.

Careers across BA (Hons) Community Education

Career Prospects

Explore the career opportunities this course can lead to. The skills and knowledge you gain can prepare you for a wide range of roles across your chosen industry and support your long-term professional development.

Our application process is simple and fast.

Our application process is simple and fast.

Ready to apply or just exploring? Follow these simple steps to begin your journey to a career-focused education in one of the world’s most exciting cities.
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