Community Engagement: Theory into practice Module

What is the module about?

This module aims to provide a different experience from many of the others you take at university. It offers the opportunity to explore some of your personal values and aspirations while working for a notional 30 / 50 hours on a relevant placement within a local not for profit organisation.

It is offered in 10 and 20 credit modules at levels 2 and 3, and assessment is based on reflective as well as analytical assignments which encourage you to look at your own personal journey as well as the policy and practice of the organisation in which your placement is based. As such the module focuses on you, where you are heading and the development of skills and experience relevant to this, and the different services, organisations and policies that operate in this field.

Can I take the module?

The module is offered formally in the Schools of  Applied Social Science, Humanities, Environment and Technology, Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences and Computing, Engineering and Mathematics. Students from other Schools can by negotiation with their course leader take this as an optional module. Some students taking this as an option at level 2 go on to take it again at level 3 choosing a different opportunity in a new organization.

What sort of organisations can I work for / projects can I do?

• At least 30 / 50 hours of practical experience
• A designated period of induction or training
• Individual responsibility with a specific task or job description
• Personal interaction with one or more people previously unknown to the student 

As far as possible you should choose an opportunity that reflects both your own aspirations and some of the theoretical aspects of your university course. We try to base students in not for profit organisations (either those within the voluntary or statutory sector) or with social movements or loosely affiliated community organisations. If you decide to choose your own organisation rather than using one from our data base and matching event please check with your module tutor before accepting.

Practical projects can involve the following:

Work for the benefit of a particular community

This could include, for example, running a youth club, working as an ESOL teacher, acting as a befriender on a face to face or telephone scheme such as Samaritans or the university Nightline, organising and managing a university society (One World Soc) or working with disabled children on an arts project.

Planned practical experience in a specific context relating to an area of possible future work

This could include arranging to spend time working in an art gallery or museum, to assist in local planning office or back stage in a theatre or to work as a teacher’s assistant for a specified period of time.

A piece of consultancy work

This should include carrying out a small piece of research or design work to their set terms of reference. For example: some sociological or environmental research, the design of a piece of software for a particular organisation, setting up a web site or advising on the layout of an exhibition or public space.

Student Mentoring or Student Ambassadoring

The Student Mentoring and Ambassadoring projects at the university, such as those run by Widening Participation and Setpoint, would be applicable to this module and have their own requirements which comply with the ones for the module.

How do I find a project in a community organisation?

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to identify a placement that interests you and follow up contacts with the organisation concerned. The module mirrors some of the application and interview processes you will need to undertake when looking for work and it may take a number of emails and phone calls before you find something.

Once you have decided on a placement you will need to conform to the recruitment and line management procedures within the organisation you have chosen and any problems or difficulties should be referred back through their normal structures and processes. However, your seminar and tutorial groups should also act as a support network and help you to identify the best way to take forward any difficulties experienced during your practical period.

What other students say about the module

'As a student you live in an incubated world, this has enabled me to become part of a wider community and to feel much more whole, not just part of student life. It has challenged my learning relative to the other courses I take and think about what I am actually learning and what it means to my life.'

BA Hons Business Studies student

'I have learned that it is important to listen to other people's suggestions and accept their assistance when offered. By listening to the suggestions of others you gain a new understanding of a problem/ project...Some individuals may have specialised knowledge which you lack and therefore their input can vastly improve the quality of material you produce.'

BSc Hons Product Design student

More information

Have a look at the module handbook for more detailed information: Module Handbook   

If you have any further questions, please contact

Debra Vice-Holt- Student Community Engagement Development Manager
Telephone: (01273) 644155
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it