Pre-requisites None
Co-requisites None
Admissions requirements Approved DBS Certification
Disqualified combinations None

1. Articulate an understanding of and appropriately apply a selection of research tools within the context of the focal community of professional practice.
Knowledge and Understanding
Communication

2. Demonstrate critical understanding of ‘practitioner research’ and action research strategies in relation to youth work and/or community engagement.
Enquiry
Analysis

3. Identify and recommend appropriate community intervention and/or engagement strategies in response to the outcomes of sustained enquiry;
Learning
Application

4. Appraise a piece of professional work you have undertaken, based around critical reflection of theory, theology and practice.
Problem Solving
Reflection

REPORT (50%) - 3,500 Words – To address learning outcomes 1,2,3
Example: An intervention and/or engagement plan based on a piece of sustained enquiry into ongoing professional and ministerial practice within a community setting.

PORTFOLIO* (50%) To address learning outcomes 3,4
Example: A negotiated portfolio of evidence to include evidence of relevant practice work/national occupational standards; a reflection on observation/supervision; a critical reflection on a piece of professional work; and endorsements from line mangers, community partners and/or participants.

*This element must be passed to meet the PSRB requirements of the award.

This module aims to induct students into the notion of community studies within an interdisciplinary framework. It will enable students to acquire knowledge of common tools and approaches in conducting sustained enquiry (and research methods) across fixed and temporary community contexts, including those required to conduct a community profile. It will also enable students to relate and apply purposeful models of community intervention and engagement appropriate to their context.

This module includes a range of critical perspectives on community studies drawing from anthropological, sociological, cultural and theological sources. It will engage students in considering the study of communities as core to their understanding of professional practice.

Specific attention will be given to models of action research and practitioner research as central strategies for research-based practice in youth and/or community work. To support this there will be an evaluation of the various models and approaches of community intervention/engagement including community development, community action, community care, community mediation, community education and community service.

Students will also be inducted to principles associated with research methodology including: theory and methods, ethics, reviewing literature, research design, collecting data and research writing.
Students working towards nationally recognised occupational standards will be supported to evidence their learning and competence against these standards; and provided with additional professional supervision

This module utilises the three inter-related learning strategies for the programme. Taught workshops consist of interactive presentations, discussion, and critical debate at the residential teaching blocks. Tutorials (in person and on-line) allow discussion of the individual research that students are undertaking to prepare their assignments. Independent study and professional practice allows for critical reading around selected topics, the development of individual responses to theory and practice; and the preparation for the assessment tasks.

Billings, A. (2009) God and Community Cohesion. London, SPCK

Bradford, S., & Cullen, F. (2012). Research and research methods for youth practitioners. London: Routledge.

Bryman, A. (2012) Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Cameron, (2011) Social pedagogy and working with children and young people: where care and education meet. London: Jessica Kingsley

Hawtin et al (2007) Community Profiling: A Practical Guide: Auditing social need. Oxford University Press

Kirkpatrick, F (2001) The Ethics of Community. London: Wiley-Blackwell

Ledwith, M. (2005) Community Development: A Critical Approach. Bristol: Policy Press

McNiff, J. (2016) You and Your Action Research Project. (4th edn.) Abingdon: Routledge.

Popple, K, (2015). Analysing Community Work: Theory and Practice. (2nd Edition.) Buckingham: OU.

Somekh, B. (2006). Action research: a methodology for change and development. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

The collaborative partner has approved and fully equipped teaching spaces for taught sessions; comprehensive library provision and a bespoke VLE that supports student access to resources when working remotely.