Community Development aims to equip Learners with a developed understanding of the key concepts, theories and practices that shape community development. Learners can analyse the meaning and evolution of ideas such as “community” and “development,” examine the roles practitioners play in supporting communities and interpret the historical, theoretical and methodological foundations of the field. Upon successful completion, Learners have the ability to apply community development principles to planning, participation and practice within diverse community contexts.
Community Development Framework
- Definitions and scope of community development
- Key components of the community development process
- Community capacity, empowerment and participation
- Roles of governments, NGOs, CBOs and local leaders
- Community development as a multidisciplinary field
Theories of Community Development
- Classical and contemporary development theories
- Participatory development approaches
- Empowerment theory and grassroots mobilisation
- Systems theory and community change
- Critical perspectives on development and power dynamics
Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD)
- Foundations of ABCD and its strengths-based paradigm
- Mapping community assets: individuals, associations, institutions
- Mobilising local capacity for sustainable change
- Comparing ABCD and needs-based approaches
- Applying ABCD in rural and urban contexts
Social Capital and Community Development Practice
- Types of social capital (bonding, bridging, linking)
- Role of trust, networks and reciprocity in community building
- Social cohesion and collective efficacy
- Social capital as a development resource
- Challenges and inequalities in accessing social capital
Establishing Community-Based Organisations (CBOs)
- Purpose, structure and governance of CBOs
- Steps in forming a CBO: needs assessment, membership, leadership
- Strategic planning and resource mobilisation
- Partnership building and stakeholder engagement
- Strengthening CBO sustainability and accountability
Housing and Community Planning
- Housing as a driver of social and economic development
- Urban planning principles and community participation
- Affordable housing, zoning and land-use planning
- Neighbourhood revitalisation and place-making
- Environmental design and resilient community infrastructure
Global Economics and Community Development
- Effects of globalisation on local communities
- Economic restructuring, migration and labour markets
- Global trade and community livelihoods
- International development frameworks and local impact
- Role of global institutions in shaping community development
Sustainability in Community Development
- Sustainability principles: economic, social, environmental
- Climate change, natural disasters and community resilience
- Sustainable urban/rural planning models
- Local food systems, energy systems and green infrastructure
- Measuring sustainability outcomes
The Future of Community Development
- Emerging trends: digital communities, innovation and technology
- Community-university partnerships and research-driven practice
- Power, equity and justice in future development models
- Local leadership development and new governance models
- Building resilient, inclusive and future-ready communities
Example Candidate Response Booklet
Example Candidate Response (ECR) Booklets are a source of crucial information for Centres and Candidates as they use real candidate responses. We ask Senior Examiners to comment on five or more responses in terms of why the mark was awarded with commentary about how to improve the answer (if necessary).
