This course is designed for people who are already involved in community work and want to develop their knowledge, skills, and confidence as practitioners. Your existing community role will provide the context for your placement-based learning, allowing you to apply your studies directly within your own practice.

The course is ideal for:

• Community workers in paid or voluntary roles who want to strengthen their understanding and develop their practice.
• Church and ministry leaders involved in community engagement, pioneering ministry, or social action.
• People working with charities, community organisations, or local projects who want to grow their skills in supporting communities.
• Those seeking to connect faith, leadership, and community development through reflective and practical learning.

This one-year course costs £900. This can be paid in full at the start of the course or paid monthly by direct debit over the year (£75/month from September 2026 to August 2027) 

There are no additional course costs. Applicants who receive certain benefits or hold refugee status should consult the application form to see whether they qualify for any discounts.

To take part in the online sessions and complete your assignments, you will need: 

• A computer with a word processing programme such as Microsoft Word. 

• A reliable internet connection to access online teaching sessions and course materials. 

Applicants should also have an existing community-focused role, either paid or voluntary, as this will provide the context for the placement-based learning and practical elements of the course. 

A key part of the course is applying your learning in practice. Through placement-based learning, you will have the opportunity to use your skills in a real community setting and develop as a confident, reflective practitioner.

During the course, you will:

• Reflect on your practice and explore how your learning connects with your values and faith.
• Build a portfolio demonstrating your skills, experience, and development against recognised community development standards.

By the end of the course, you will be equipped to contribute more confidently to community work in a range of settings, including churches, charities, community organisations, pioneering ministry, and other roles where working with people and communities is central.

Assessment throughout the course is designed to help you connect learning with practice, develop your skills, and grow as a reflective community practitioner.

You will be encouraged to explore real community issues, reflect on your experiences, and consider how faith and theology connect with community development. Your assessments will support you in applying ideas from the course directly to your own context, whether through community work, ministry, or another community focused role.

Assessment may include:

• Community research and analysis – developing a community audit or survey to explore an agreed area within a community setting, identifying strengths, challenges, and opportunities for change.
• Reflective writing – exploring community issues from your own context and making connections with biblical and theological perspectives.
• Presentations and discussions – sharing your learning, communicating your findings, and developing confidence in presenting community insights.
• Placement-based evidence and reflection – building a portfolio that demonstrates your developing skills, experience, and practice against recognised community development standards.
• Professional reflection and development – considering your strengths, identifying areas for growth, and exploring ways to improve your community practice.

Through these assessments, you will develop your ability to understand communities, respond thoughtfully to local needs, work collaboratively, and integrate theological reflection with practical action.

By the end of the course, your portfolio and assignments will demonstrate your growth as a skilled, reflective, and values-driven community practitioner.