University News Last updated 21 June 2010
The West Midland’s first foundation degree in sustainable communities has been launched at Birmingham City University.
The flexible course has both full-time and part-time options and has been designed to respond to the government’s aim to train people to develop and deliver sustainable communities.
Created in partnership with the Homes and Communities Academy (HCA) - the national centre for delivering the skills and knowledge to create better places - it is aimed at those interested in a career in housing, planning, environmental management, urban and landscape design and regeneration.
The course is intended to provide a broad understanding of housing and regeneration issues, covering topics like community safety, local economies and worklessness, environment, sustainable design, governance and community engagement and it has been specifically designed to support those practitioners involved in developing, delivering and maintaining sustainable communities.
Veronica Coatham, Head of Division of Housing and Community Studies at Birmingham City University, said: “Sustainable communities are about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about creating places to live with good governance, public participation, partnership working, excellent public services and civic pride. This course aims to develop skills needed to have a positive impact on communities.”
The course will be delivered in collaboration with Staffordshire University, with some modules being delivered by a blended learning approach involving both institutions.
“In addition, the HCA Skills and Knowledge Directorate have confirmed that they will support ten students with a bursary of £500 each for the first year,” Veronica added.
For further information on the Foundation degree in Sustainable Communities, contact the Admissions and Enrolment Office at Birmingham City University on 0121 331 7300 or log on to www.bcu.ac.uk
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