Places available at unique Community & Neighbourhood Studies degree

The University of Bolton’s unique Community & Neighbourhood Studies degree offers opportunities to develop in a wide variety of career and further study fields, as illustrated by some of the recent graduates.

Former teaching assistant and single mum Selina Budgen gained a First and is due to start studying for a PGCE +14 teaching qualification in September, while Simon Ingle, who also graduated with First Class Honours, has received a scholarship to do a Masters in Politics at Lancaster University and is looking to take his studies even further.

Said Simon: ‘I plan to apply to become part of the Social Futures PhD team at Lancaster, work on a number of fledgling community projects and become more politically active, including addressing a Labour deputy leadership debate in Westminster.’

Community & Neighbourhood Studies, only available at Bolton, is an academic discipline that uses a social science approach to examine, analyse and clarify issues affecting communities and society. Our BA (Hons) course involves a critical examination of aspects of social issues and social policy, and evaluates the impact of these on community life, providing deep insight into contexts such as housing, regeneration, neighbourhood management, community education, and health and wellbeing.

Another 2015 graduate, Noshila Saeed, said: ‘I wanted to make a difference to people’s lives in the community, having worked closely with vulnerable adults in different localities in Bolton, and I wanted to pursue working in the community with a lot more responsibility. I have obtained a 2.1 in my degree and secured a job at a women’s refuge for domestic violence with the optimism to go onto my social work Masters in the next 12 months.’

The course – which is available as both full-time and part-time options – offers an Active Citizen volunteering placement, through which students gain 40 hours’ experience with a community group. They also spend 20 hours working with other students and a local charity to develop and deliver a community project.

Said Selina: ‘I truly loved my course and the person it has made me. I am extremely proud of myself and proved that no matter what obstacles are in your way, you can achieve if you believe in yourself and you have support – the lecturers at Bolton University give amazing pastoral care that helps you achieve the most from your academic journey.’

To find out more about the courses in Community & Neighbourhood Studies or to apply for a place through Clearing, call their hotline on 01204 903030.