Communities and Cultures

The Communities and Cultures module develops the student’s knowledge and understanding of cultural and community influence on pupils, families and their ensuing relationship with the educational setting.

The module gives the student the opportunity to focus on the issues of most relevance to their setting, while also increasing their knowledge of theoretical perspectives on multiculturalism, identity, and community.

The range of cultures and communities relevant to each student on this module will vary according to the context of their practice but could include those groups related to ethnicity, religion, sexuality, socio-economic or political as well as alternative or online communities.

The Communities and Cultures 30 credits module will equip the student with knowledge relevant to the variety of cultures and different communities related to their setting, an understanding of the provisions and community resources available to them in their practice, as well as establishing a plan for leading their setting towards a cohesive approach to multiculturalism and community settings.

Learning outcomes: knowledge

On completion of the Communities and Cultures online module, the successful student will be able to:

• Select the cultures or communities most relevant to their own setting and identify historical and current trends in relation to population, external influences, current issues and relevant legislation.
• Identify and understand the beliefs, attitudes and values held by the cultures and/or communities linked to their setting, and demonstrate awareness of how these underpin their relationship to education.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of self• and group identity, the ways in which this can be promoted, and the consequences of self and group isolation.
• Identify examples of excellent inclusive practice in relation to the above needs.

Learning outcomes: skills

On completion of the Communities and Cultures course, the successful student will be able to:

• Formulate a working knowledge of local provision and community resources in order to promote inclusive practice in the student’s own setting. This may include supplementary schools, 3rd sector agencies and support groups.
• Analyse perceptions held by members of identified cultures or communities regarding the student’s own setting and education in general.
• Determine how particular elements of current practice can be developed and improved in light of learning undertaken in this module.

Choose a start date that suits you

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT – Enrolment on this course is currently suspended

Middlesex University and Real Training are reviewing the programme which is due for re-validation in December 2022. We have decided we are likely to be making changes to the programme and we had hoped to bring forward the re-validation to November 2021. However due to the impact of the pandemic on our capacity we cannot now bring forward this re-validation and we will therefore consult and plan for updates and a probable re-validation in December 2022.

Given that we now know there are likely to be changes we have therefore decided that it is in the best interests of potential delegates that we do not take on new people. We have therefore decided to suspend new enrolments onto the programme. This means that unfortunately we will not be able to enrol new delegates onto the 15 October 2021 cohort.

Delegates who have joined the programme will continue to be fully supported by Middlesex University and Real Training to complete their studies. We will consult current delegates who are also Middlesex University students, about any changes or proposed improvements to the programme.

• An introduction to multiculturalism: history, legislation, controversies.
• The importance of identity, belonging, group theory, and the consequences of isolation.
• The history, attitudes, beliefs and values of an identified set of communities or cultures relevant to the student’s setting.
• Characteristics and goals of multicultural education
• Initiative and interventions to support cultural and community cohesion.
• The role of external agencies in supporting education in the context of multiculturalism and diverse communities.

Module strands

Module strands are designed to support the learner through the subject area:

Strand 1

• Gaining knowledge
• Historical context, current knowledge and research

Strand 2

• Understanding practice
• Legislation, guidance, best practice and current practice.

Strand 3

• Reflection and next steps
• Developing strategies for change.

Summative Assessment

Assessment is through three coursework assignments covering the learning outcomes and will consist of the following (numbers in brackets refer to learning outcomes assessed):

Critical analysis (2000 words)

This assignment requires the student to gather existing information, guidance, legislation, research and data, to critically appraise or analyse it and present their conclusions.

Practice analysis (2000 words)

Provision and Intervention: a critical review of how different cultural and community groups
experience your setting and how local provision is used to enhance the learning experience.

This assignment requires the student to gather information on their own or others’ practice, to review the basis of that practice and to critique it in the light of available theory.

Reflective analysis (2000 words)

Reflections on this module: a review of knowledge gained, perspectives changed and a plan for practice development. 

This assignment requires the delegate to reflect on their practice as they progress through the module, as well as on specific tasks or interventions they have observed or implemented. They will be expected to have made regular reflective notes as they progress, and to be able to critique these in the light of recent research on critical thinking and reflective practice.

• You will develop your professional knowledge and understanding through practice – it’s the best way to learn.
• Campus Online^TM will support you with content that complements your learning every step of the way.
• Study with some of the finest practitioners around and engage with outstanding content and practical activities that truly enhance your professional development.

Do you have an undergraduate degree?

You will need one to take this module.

Already working in an education setting?

You will get the most out of the Communities and Cultures online module if you work in an education setting with children, young people or adults.

Or do you require access to an education setting?

You will need to get written permission from a senior member of staff to regularly access a setting. We will show you the best way to do this, enabling you to carry out our learning activities in your chosen setting.

Please note

As part of this process, you will also need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Visit GOV.UK for more information.

Are you based in an international setting?

The Communities and Cultures course is available online and can therefore be completed anywhere in the world. Please click here for advice on payment options and other information relevant to those studying outside of the UK.

• Single payment of £1,300 + VAT.

Speak to us (01273 358080) or make a booking.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT – Enrolment on this course is currently suspended

Middlesex University and Real Training are reviewing the programme which is due for re-validation in December 2022. We have decided we are likely to be making changes to the programme and we had hoped to bring forward the re-validation to November 2021. However due to the impact of the pandemic on our capacity we cannot now bring forward this re-validation and we will therefore consult and plan for updates and a probable re-validation in December 2022.

Given that we now know there are likely to be changes we have therefore decided that it is in the best interests of potential delegates that we do not take on new people. We have therefore decided to suspend new enrolments onto the programme. This means that unfortunately we will not be able to enrol new delegates onto the 15 October 2021 cohort.

Delegates who have joined the programme will continue to be fully supported by Middlesex University and Real Training to complete their studies. We will consult current delegates who are also Middlesex University students, about any changes or proposed improvements to the programme.

Our Programme Prospectus will provide you with additional information on M-level practice-led learning modules in Leading Inclusive Education.