The Level 3 Certificate is intended for any learner participating in community development activity. This qualification is a 27 credit qualification where the learner must complete a total of 9 credits which are knowledge based, 9 credits which are competence based and a further 9 credits from the optional units list (which are a mix of knowledge and competence units). The mandatory units reflect the essential areas of community development and provide an overview of key areas of community development activity, with some designed to look at more specialist areas. Community Development Values and Process Community Group Dynamics Social Inequality, Injustice and Diversity in Communities Determine Community Needs Reflective Community Development Practice Community Group Development The optional units are designed as suitable for people who want to learn more about a specific area of work that community development practitioners are also involved in. Examples of some optional units: Developing formal voluntary or community organisations Understand partnership working in communities Organising community events Planning of community projects Understanding and influencing local decision-making For both mandatory and optional units you will be assessed by means of an evidence based portfolio to include, both knowledge and competency based activities. These can include Case Studies, Witness Statements, Assessor Observations, Personal Statements and Knowledge Questioning. From the level 3 Certificate possible progression would be to undertake the additional units or move into Higher Education – either to a part time or full time degree in community development or related fields; as entry to access programmes to another specialist field; into foundation degrees in a range of study areas. For people with existing degrees in an unrelated field they may wish to progress to M level modules relevant to their field of work.