What does the award cover?
The Community Brokerage award is a customised SQA award worth 30 credits at SCQF level 7. It has been designed to cover all aspects of community brokerage in relation to self- directed support and is broken down into 5 units:
- Describing self-directed support
- Exploring models of brokerage
- Implementing choice and control with self-directed support
- Supporting people with support planning
- Community development and community brokerage
How will you learn?
Before the start of each unit, you will be provided with a reading list. You will then attend four half day sessions online per unit. Following this, you will be able to access learning materials online through the virtual learning portal. We’ll run an online tutorial to provide extra support to prepare for the assessment. Although most of the course will be online, we will try to bring people together at the start of the course for and induction and a chance to get to know each other.
How will you be assessed?
Each unit contains a number of assessment activities. These include written assignments, case studies, research projects and some practical activities that will take place as part of the learning days. The written assignments have a word count of about 1,800 words per unit. After you have submitted the assignments for each unit, you will receive feedback from your tutor. If you haven’t fully met the criteria needed to achieve an assignment, you will receive support and have a chance to re-submit it.
How will we support you?
All prospective candidates will be invited for interview before being offered a place on the course. This will be a chance to talk through any support needs you may have and help us to put a plan in place to support both your learning and assessment. We will review the plan with you as the course progresses. The tutors will also be available throughout the course to offer support online. You can also expect peer support as the group will learn together and support each other.
How long will it take?
The course lasts for nine months. Learning days and assessments will take place at regular intervals throughout this period. It is expected that you will commit to an average of eight to ten hours of learning per week in 5-week blocks for each unit. There is a 3 or 4 week break between units for marking and catch up. About three-quarters of your time will be spent on independent study. If you have any concerns about meeting deadlines, your tutor will be able to discuss options with you.
How do you apply?
You will be asked to complete a short application form including a personal statement about why you want to participate in the award. Applicants will then be selected to attend an interview before successful applicants are offered a place on the course. We will expect you to have some paid or voluntary experience of the care sector/ self-directed support.
How much does it cost?
The course costs £1,960. This includes certification. Your employer may be able to contribute to the cost of the course or release you from work to attend the learning days. The award is eligible for their part-time grant funding through SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland). This could contribute £301 towards the course fees if you meet their criteria for eligibility. You can find out more at http://saas.gov.uk/part_time/ug/index.htm.
What resources will you need?
You will require access to the internet. All the course’s resources will be made available online. If you don’t currently have internet access, we can discuss other options for accessing the resources.