Rural Community Development (SCQF level 9) CPD Award
Course code D4RC
What is special about this course?
Understanding the principles of how to sustain our communities is vitally important. Our CPD Award Rural Community Development (SCQF level 9) is ideal for those working in, or with aspirations to work in, community development in our rural communities, allowing you to gain a unique and up-to-date short course qualification.
Designed to encourage collaboration, you will work on your modules with colleagues from across Scotland and often beyond, sharing your knowledge, ideas and experiences from your own communities, while developing your understanding of best practice in working with communities and understanding community development.
Special features
- Study from anywhere in the world with a PC and broadband connection
- Delivered by a team with many years of experience in online learning and teaching
- Comprised entirely of continual assessment, no exams
Entry requirements
- Qualifications and experience will be considered on an individual basis
- You must have regular and reliable access to the internet and a computer for any online degree at UHI in order to take advantage of our full range of online learning services, which include support from your tutors and fellow UHI students as well as access to UHI’s Virtual Learning Environment and vast online learning library. Click here for more information on the minimum requirements.
CPD Award
You will study the following core module:
- Empowering communities
You will also study two of the following optional modules:
- Introduction to land reform and community land ownership
- Community-based economic development
- Community energy
How will I study my course?
- Part-time (unstructured)
- You will learn through a combination of video-conference lectures and tutorials, and online study via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
- All course material is usually available at the beginning of the semester, along with assessment submission dates, allowing you to fit your reading and assessment preparation in at a time during the semester that suits you
- There are often weekly tasks to be completed but these can usually be done at a time of your own choosing during that week. In some modules, you may have to work with others in a group, in these instances students can arrange times that are most convenient to all
How long will my course last?
- Part-time (unstructured): 12-18 months @ up to 20 hours per week during term-time
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Where can I study my course?
- Argyll
- North, West and Hebrides
- This fully online course can be studied from anywhere in the world
- Students based near to one of the listed colleges may choose to apply to, and be enrolled and supported by, their local campus
- All other students should apply to, and will be enrolled and supported by, UHI North, West and Hebrides
Start date
- September
- January
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Level | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| 3CPD award (3 x 20 credit modules) | £915 | £915 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland) or assessed as rest of the UK for fee status, the following fees apply:
| Level | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|
| CPD award (3 x 20 credit modules) | £3,060 | £3,210 |
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
International students (including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK):
For students who do not normally reside in the UK, studying online from their home country, or assessed as international for fee status, the following fees apply:
| Level | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| CPD award (3 x 20 credit modules) | £3,480 | £3,540 |
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK and international students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
This course is not available for international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
What can I do on completion of my course?
This course offers a recognised academic award which would be of benefit in a range of employment areas, such as:
- Community enterprises and community energy groups
- Community land initiatives
- Government departments and development agencies
- Economic development departments of local authorities
- Natural and rural heritage organisations
- Voluntary sector development posts
- International non-governmental organisations
Can I progress into further study?
You may wish to progress from the CPD Award Sustainable Development (SCQF level 9) to BA (Hons) Sustainable Development.
If you have additional experience/qualifications, you may be able to progress to our MSc Sustainable Rural Development.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Rural Community Development (SCQF level 9) CPD Award
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.