Course To Boost Sustainability in Communities
12 April 2011
Britannia Mill will be one of the venues for the 'Sustainable Communities' short courses.
A new higher education course is being offered to local people who want to learn more about community sustainability.
The University of Derby and The Derbyshire Eco Centre have joined forces to offer a new short course on 'Sustainable Communities' starting in May.
'Sustainable Communities, toolkits and resources' has been developed for practitioners, managers and front line workers in the public, private and voluntary sectors; and is suitable for individuals wanting to develop their personal skills in sustainability and organisations wishing to update and improve their skill base.
The course has been made available in the form of a short course with a recognised HE qualification. It will run from 18 May to 8 June.
John Bowie, the course tutor, and University of Derby Senior Lecturer in Applied Social and Community Studies, said: "A well designed, well planned and well managed environment is an important part of a sustainable community, where people's health, wealth and wellbeing are all factored in to how a neighbourhood is run.
"A sustainable community demands a shared understanding of needs, resources and alternatives, this short course is designed to deliver this knowledge."
Originally designed as part of a two year Foundation Degree in Community Development and Regeneration, the course is at Higher Education level 4 (first year degree level). Delivered through the University of Derby's Faculty of Education, Health and Sciences it has been assembled to be a self standing learning experience and carries 15 HE credits at level 4.
The course is delivered through three full days of taught material, during which the students will arrange and deliver a 'Sustainable Communities Hub' seminar in the company of invited guests at Derbyshire's new Eco Centre.
Cathy Cooke, manager of the Derbyshire Eco Centre said: "As we learn more about making our communities sustainable, a shared understanding of resources and energy issues at a neighbourhood level is becoming more and more important".
"This course will provide an opportunity for professionals and local champions to take stock of current issues in sustainability, and add value to the local effort that will be required to increase community resilience."
The taught elements will be supported by personal study and students will be assessed through a written assignment and a 2,500 word report. There are no formal entry qualifications, however students will be expected to have sufficient skills in writing and reading, together with a strong interest and, or have experience in the area of 'sustainable communities'.
Students will enrol as a part-time student with the University for the duration of the course, and will have full access to libraries and other student benefits and resources. Two of the teaching days will be held at the University's Britannia Mill site in Derby, with a full day at the Eco Centre in Wirksworth.
Students interested in enrolling can contact John Bowie on j.bowie@derby.ac.uk. Find out more about sustainable communities, toolkits and resources. The course fee for this module is £210 but view part-time and short courses fees and finance information .
