NC Working with Communities

This course is designed for a wide range of people working, volunteering or seeking employment in the community sector in a general capacity or those seeking work in a specific area. 
 
This can include adult learning, youth work, community education, voluntary groups and sports groups. In addition, it may be suitable for people requiring professional development, who are already employed in the sector as sessional/unqualified workers and who are seeking a relevant recognised qualification. 
 
The course is particularly suitable for those seeking preparation for and progression to further study. Students will undertake a placement in the statutory or the voluntary sector doing community work, youth work or adult education to give them valuable practical experience.

  • Values and Principles of Community Learning and Development
  • Work Experience
  • Core Skills
  • Working with Community Groups: an Introduction
  • Sociological Perspectives
  • Equality and Diversity
  • Local Community Investigations
  • Psychology: Social Behaviour
  • Health Promotion
  • Capacity Building
  • Personal Development: Self in Community
  • Understanding Committees

Placement Information: Central to the course is a mandatory work placement. You will be in the College for approximately three days a week and undertake the placement during the remainder of the week. You can use existing paid or voluntary work for your placement or may be supported to find a placement

There may be many career paths working with a diverse range of communities supporting:

  • Youth work
  • Community projects
  • Adult learning
  • Arts projects
  • Sports projects

  • HNC Working with Communities

  • No formal qualifications are required. However, it is expected that candidates should have well developed communication skills, both oral and written, at SCQF Levels 4/5 or relevant similar qualifications (Such as SVQs in Community Development Work Level 2, Youth Work Level 2, Social Care Level 2).

Additional requirements:

  • Experience of working in the sector in a paid or voluntary capacity or a keen interest in community learning and development is essential
  • References may be requested
  • Selection will be by interview
  • Clear Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check required. Further information on the PVG Scheme will be issued to successful applicants prior to enrolment
  • Good interpersonal skills

Further advice for full-time applicants:

• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to September 2016, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as: the reason you are applying, future career plans, previous employment, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited for interview. For January start courses interviews will be in Nov/Dec and interviews for August start courses will take place between February and May
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course
• Applicants who provide a mobile phone number on their application form will be sent a text reminder prior to the day of interview
• If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk

 

Location

Falkirk Campus

Attendance

Full-Time

Start date

18 August 2025

SCQF Level

Level 6