Community Development
Course Specification
Community Development and Social Work
Diploma, Higher Diploma and Graduate
Diploma
Business Management Education Centre (BMEC),U.K.
info@bmec.uk.co
1. Introduction
This course specification provides information about your programme of study as
well as additional general information on the UK awarding body – Business
Management Education Centre (BMEC).
The BMEC website provides more information on the wide range of programmes
available. BMEC has been established to provide up-to-date, relevant
programmes that enable students to enhance their career prospects as well as
providing a foundation for further study when required.
2. Business Management Education Centre (BMEC)
BMEC offers awards at Diploma, Higher Diploma, Graduate Diploma and
Postgraduate Diploma levels. Subjects cover a wide area including general
Business and Management as well as others including Marketing, Finance, Travel
& Tourism, Public Health, Community Development & Social Work, Law and
Hospitality.
BMEC offers programmes in many countries around the world and our strong links
with UK and international educational institutions provide a robust foundation for
our well-respected portfolio of courses. We pride ourselves on providing high
quality programmes supported by senior academics with extensive experience in
higher education.
3. Learning and Teaching
Our programmes provide the necessary knowledge and skills in an ever changing
marketplace. These courses can be delivered using a range of methods including
face-to-face teaching via lectures, workshops and seminars. Alternative
approaches can be used by delivery centres as appropriate for the target student
population for example, blended learning, distance learning, on-line learning can
all be utilised where required.
3.1. Assessment
Assessment of BMEC units is usually carried out by the use of assignments, case
studies and business related projects. It is well recognised that formal
examinations are not suitable for the development of work-based skills and
knowledge. The approach adopted by BMEC facilitates the development of
enhanced performance and work based skills.
3.2. Student Work Load
Typically, BMEC programmes consist of six units. Each unit equates to 20 credits
as measured by the UK Higher Education Framework. Nominally, a 20 credit unit
requires 200 hours of learning and this can be achieved in a variety of ways
including formal teaching, directed learning and independent learning. BMEC
does not dictate the hours required or method of delivery, however there is some
guidance provided within the unit descriptors.
Thus, successful completion of 120 credits would enable a student to gain a
BMEC qualification such as the Diploma, Higher Diploma or Graduate Diploma.
Each of these qualifications can usually be achieved within one-year of full-time
study.
4. Entry Requirements for BMEC Qualifications
4.1. BMEC Diplomas
Entry to a BMEC Diploma programme requires completion of secondary education
or equivalent as specified on each course syllabus. Candidates would normally be
18 years or over and a minimum of 17 years.
4.2. BMEC Higher Diplomas
Entry to a BMEC Higher Diploma requires completion of a BMEC Diploma or
equivalent programme of study such as the first year of an appropriate Bachelors
degree.
4.3. BMEC Graduate Diplomas
Entry to the BMEC Graduate Diploma requires completion of a BMEC Higher
Diploma or equivalent qualification such as a Foundation degree, HND or
completion of two years on a Bachelors degree.
4.4. BMEC Postgraduate Diplomas
Entry to the BMEC Postgraduate Diploma requires completion of the BMEC
Graduate Diploma or equivalent qualification such as an appropriate Bachelors
degree.
4.5. BMEC Qualifications and degree programmes
The following table indicates the positioning of BMEC qualifications in relation to
other recognised awards and also refers to the UK National Qualifications
Framework (NQF) and European Qualifications Framework (EQF) for comparison
of the levels attained.
NQF/EQF
levelsBMEC
QualificationsHigher Education
Framework4 Diploma Year 1 Bachelors degree5 Higher Diploma HND, Foundation degree,
year 2 Bachelors degree6 Graduate Diploma Bachelors degree
7 Postgraduate
DiplomaMasters, Postgrad Diploma5. Assessments and Study
5.1. Assignments
Assignments are set by BMEC and initially assessed by qualified staff in the
delivery Centres. The content and format of such assignments can vary
depending on the particular subject being taken. However, often these will involve
business reports based on real companies or published case studies. Students
can enter for an assessment at any time. Once entry has been acknowledged,
students will normally have three months in which to complete and submit their
assignments.
5.2. Assessment Results
Initial results are produced by staff within the Centre and these are forwarded to
BMEC for moderation. The moderation process should take a maximum of 3
weeks and final results will be issued within 8 weeks of submission.
5.3. Unit Exemptions
Students can apply for exemptions on a subject-for-subject basis. Documentary
evidence (such as prior qualifications and transcripts) will be considered by BMEC
and applications will be processed within one week of receipt.
5.4. Study Methods
There is flexibility in the way BMEC programmes may be delivered. This is
dependent on the background and expertise of Centres and on the learning
requirements of students. BMEC programmes can be delivered by traditional
face-to-face classroom based approaches, or alternative methods such as on-line,
distance or blended learning. Students should discuss this with the delivery Centre
prior to commencing any programme.
5.5. Grading
For each unit studied, grades are awarded on the same basis as undergraduate
programmes taken in the UK. The following grades will apply:-
Qualification
Grade Percentage
obtainedDegree
equivalentA 70% + First classB 60-69% Upper secondC 50-59% Lower secondD 40-49% Third classE Under 40% Fail
6. Objectives
The objectives of this programme are as follows:-
To produce graduates who will be able to demonstrate a broad knowledge in their
chosen field. These students will be able understand, respond to, and lead in
work-based situations requiring the skills and expertise gained.
The programme aims to:
Support the systematic development of knowledge and skills in community
development and Social Work
Facilitate an awareness of current issues for effective management of
community projects.
Increase employment opportunities
Prepare students for a career in community development and social work
Support the ability to operate effectively in a variety of team and leadership
roles
.
