Master International Community Development

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University of Westminster

Comments about Master International Community Development - At the institution - London - Greater London

• Objectives
  The course is open to those who wish to develop a critical approach to practice in working with communities in an international context, whatever their role or employment.
• Entry requirements
  Applicants require: -At least two years experience of working with communities (paid or unpaid) - An Honours degree or equivalent qualification - Fluent English. If you are not a native English speaker you will have to achieve at least 6.5 in IELTS, or an overall score of C in the Cambridge Advanced English Test, or 650 TOEFL (paper based) or 250 TOEFL (computer-based). If you are applying from outside the UK these exams may be taken in your own country. The University offers pre-course summer programmes if you need to improve your English before starting your course. Those without an honours degree and others, depending upon the applicant’s community work or related experience, may be required to - Submit an essay on a prescribed topic - Have an interview (in person or by telephone).
• Academic title
  MA International Community Development
• Course description
  Introduction
  This unique course is thoroughly ‘international’ in its design, delivery and application and focuses on sustainability through community participation that encourages integrated development between professionals and promotes cross-cultural co-operation. Developed by staff from Westminster and Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (LUASA), Switzerland, it begins with a summer school outside the UK and Switzerland. Students enrolling at Westminster will take at least one module with our partners in Lucerne and will be taught by an interprofessional team with international experience.
  
  Course Content
  The MAICD focuses on development work that promotes social cohesion and inclusion in the process of addressing issues such as poverty, economic development, housing, health, education and urban regeneration.

  It is designed for those employed by local, national or international agencies, commercial bodies and NGOs who adopt a community development approach to working with communities in different settings and countries – including community workers, planners, healthcare professionals, social workers, teachers, architects, engineers and project managers.

  The MAICD offers creative responses to difference and diversity; critical examination of policy and professional practice; and participatory approaches to working with local people who seek to improve their lives, their neighbourhood and their environment.

  The course promotes the perspective that local initiatives need to be placed within a global context and provides an interprofessional learning environment to develop knowledge and skills that can be applied in different countries with a variety of communities.

  Core Modules

  • International Community Development
  Principles and practice for active community involvement

  • Integrative Project Methodologies
  Participatory and interprofessional approaches to project management

  • Cross Cultural issues
  Inter-cultural perspective on practice exploring difference and diversity

  • Social and Spatial Development
  Links between social processes and spatial change and their impact

  • Community-Based Research
  Analysing community issues through participatory approaches

  • Dissertation
  Community-based research related to your professional practice

  Options, choose two from:

  Westminster:

  • Community Work Principles and Practice
  • Critical Faith Perspectives
  • Domestic Violence: Power and Control
  • Managing Change
  • Managing Regeneration Policy
  • Power and Empowerment
  • Public Space and the Public Realm
  • Sustainable Development and Regeneration
  • Urban Regeneration Policy

  Lucerne:

  • Community Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
  • European Cities - Urban and Social Development
  • e-Inclusion and Public Collaboration
  
  Teaching and Assessment
  The MAICD is jointly delivered by both universities, within an international context. The core modules are taught both at Westminster and in Lucerne. Students who enrol with the University of Westminster (UoW) will meet students enrolling with LUASA during the Summer School which will take place in another European country in early September. This residential event will be the setting for the first module, International Community Development, providing an exciting opportunity to learn about a local community and get to know fellow students.

  During your studies, Westminster students take at least one module (core or option) in Lucerne (support to find accommodation for study in Lucerne will be provided).

  You will be respected as a member of a learning community and encouraged to share your knowledge and experience. You will engage with theory, concepts and new ideas through a variety of teaching styles to stimulate learning across the modules: these include lectures, reading seminars and workshops, all complemented by participatory activities to introduce you to issues in community settings and encourage networking across professions and countries.

  You will benefit from access to a diverse team of experienced practitioners from a range of disciplines, all of whom are engaged in projects outside the University. Additional experts from a variety of areas of practice and research will also contribute their experience of development projects.

  All assessment will be through coursework. There are no exams. Both universities have agreed joint assessment and quality assurance arrangements to ensure that all students studying for the MA ICD receive the same support, learning opportunities and qualification. Upon successful completion of the course students will be conferred with the award of Masters of Arts in International Community Development by the University of Westminster.
  
  Associated Careers
  The Master's degree provides skills and knowledge to support career progression in integrated community development projects, urban regeneration, urban planning, sustainable spatial development and international development cooperation. It is designed for practitioners, managers and researchers working for inter-governmental bodies, national and state departments, national and international NGOs, non-profit organisations and socio-cultural and cultural organisations.

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