Learning in Communities

Learning in communities is a degree that takes seriously the idea that education happens in many places beyond schools and universities. Community learning, adult education, informal and non-formal learning, and the ways in which knowledge, skills, and agency are developed through participation in community life are all legitimate and important subjects of academic enquiry. This degree draws on sociology, educational theory, community development, and social policy to understand how learning works in community contexts and how practitioners can support it more effectively.

This four-year full-time programme at the University of Edinburgh reflects Edinburgh's distinctive strength in community and adult education, which has a long tradition in Scotland. With a typical tariff of 200 points, the programme is highly selective and attracts students who combine strong academic ability with genuine commitment to the social and educational dimensions of community life. The four-year structure follows the Scottish degree pattern and provides both breadth and depth in the disciplines that underpin community learning and development.

You will engage with theories of learning, community development, social justice, power and participation, and the policy frameworks that shape community education and development practice in Scotland and beyond. Research methods, including both qualitative and participatory approaches, are an important part of the curriculum, equipping you to investigate community learning contexts independently and rigorously. The Edinburgh environment, with its rich civil society, voluntary sector, and community organisations, provides a practical context for much of the learning.

Graduates from learning in communities programmes move into careers as community educators, youth workers, adult educators, community development practitioners, and managers of community organisations. Roles in local authorities, the Scottish Government, non-governmental organisations, and the voluntary sector are all common pathways. Further study at postgraduate level in community education, social work, or related fields is another option for those who want to develop specialist or professional qualifications.