Foundation Degree in Sustainable Communities

The UK’s first foundation degree in sustainable communities is available at Sheffield Hallam University and Northumbria University.

The course is part of our drive to train people to develop and deliver sustainable communities. Delivered part time over three years, it will give you the skills and knowledge to pursue a rewarding career in planning, housing or the environment, it is planned that the Foundation Degree will be offered in each of the nine english regions by 2011.

» Sheffield Hallam University website
» Northumbria University website

"The course...might lead me to a job in a relevant sector, or it might just give me a better understanding of how to get more involved with making my own community more sustainable." Carlo Verda, student at Sheffield Hallam

Read more first impressions of the course at firstperson, our blog site.

Course details

The foundation degree is delivered part time over three years. It's normally taught in block days and/or weeks and/or one-day weekly sessions. For example, the first term is likely to be taught in block days taking place on Friday-Saturday, once a month, making it accessible for people in full-time employment. The course is available at:

• Sheffield Hallam University (enrolling now for Jan and Sept 09)
• Northumbria University (enrolling now for Sept 09)

You are eligible for a Certificate in Higher Education in Sustainable Communities after successful completion of half the course. Graduates also gain corporate membership to the Chartered Institute of Housing.

» More information about Sheffield Hallam's course

» More information about Northumbria's course

Fees and bursaries

• The current fees are £1,000 per year at Sheffield Hallam and £1,840 at Northumbria University, payable in instalments.
• Employers or suitable applicants may also be eligible for a bursary, worth £500 in the first year of study. For further information and an application form, see our bursaries page.

Future opportunities

Current plans for 2009 will see the launch of the Foundation Degree at Salford University and London Metropolitan University.

If you successfully complete the foundation degree you may choose to carry on studying to achieve:

• BA (Honours) in Housing Professional Studies
• BA (Honours) in Planning Studies
• BA (Honours) in Environmental Studies
• BA (Honours) in Human Geography

How do I find out more?

» Contact us: Nicola Bond
0113 394 4591 or email n.bond@HCAacademy.co.uk

» Sheffield Hallam University: Amanda Cook
0114 225 3188 or email a.cook@shu.ac.uk

» Northumbria University: Seema Patel
0191 227 3864 or email seema.patel@unn.ac.uk