Qualification Information
Are you thinking about studying towards SLCC’s Community Governance qualification in 2026? If so, financial support may be available to help you and your council finance your studies.
Welsh Government Training Bursary Scheme
The Welsh Government has extended its training bursary scheme aimed at strengthening financial management and governance across the local council sector in Wales. In 2026, the scheme will fund 100% of the first year’s tuition fee for up to four students enrolled on the Community Governance programme, Levels 4 to 6, who are a clerk to a council in Wales.
To be eligible, students must provide evidence that their council is committed to funding the second year of study. Please note that study day costs (currently £450 per year but subject to change) and other incidental expenses such as books are not covered.
The deadline for applications is 31 October 2025, by which point applications will be reviewed by an independent panel. Full criteria and application form will be published on our website shortly.
SLCC Educational Trust Community Governance Bursary Scheme
The SLCC Educational Trust wants to see more professionals in the local council sector being able to access the Community Governance Certificate in Higher Education. Available to students in both England and Wales, in 2024 the trust supported one Community Governance Level 4 student for the full two years of study, covering 90% of tuition fees (excluding all incidental costs).
The deadline for applications for our bursary to support students enrolling in 2026 is Monday 27th October at 6pm. Click here for more information and to apply.
To be considered for either of the above bursaries, you will need to demonstrate:
- How the funding will support your studies
- The benefits your qualification will bring to your council and community
- How a lack of funding would otherwise prevent you from accessing this qualification
These bursaries could help you take the next step in your career.
It will take two years to complete the Level 4, Certificate of Higher Education in Community Governance. The SLCC academic year runs from February – November each year. Community Governance is a distance learning programme – you study at home or at work and we will provide course materials and lots of pointers to help you study.
- Attend up to three, 24-hour study days during each study year to learn from other students and experienced tutors (study days are charged at £150 + £10.20 VAT each)
- Join the online space to access resource and discussion forums
- Benefit from access to local tutorials and webinars
- Complete your coursework – usually one or two projects per module. Each module involves an average of 150 hours of study over the year (or approximately 3 hours a week). This includes private study time, attendance at teaching events and time spent learning from what you do in the workplace
- 120 CPD points per Level or 60 CPD points per year of study
As an integral part of your learning experience, the course offers three residential study days per year, which provide essential opportunities for in-depth study, practical application of knowledge, and valuable networking with peers and industry professionals. A contribution towards the costs of these study days is required in addition to the course tuition fees. This contribution amount is subject to annual review.
The two year course will cover the following modules:
| Community Governance |
| Local Council Finance |
| Community-led Planning or The Planning System |
| Organisational Governance |
| Local Council Law and Procedures |
| Building Communities |
| Managing People or Managing Projects |
More information on the modules can be found in the Community Governance Prospectus 2026
Community Governance students are required to complete a dissertation as part of their degree. Click here to view previous students research and findings in a specific area of parish and town council work.
The Certificate of Higher Education in Community Governance is £6,800 (£3,400 per year)*. The fee can be paid in instalments over two years with an initial, non-refundable deposit of £400 due at the time of application. Student finance is not available. In undertaking this course, you may incur further costs that are not included in the tuition fee.
Course fees include:
- Course materials
- Teaching from highly experienced and qualified tutors
- An online learning environment – online meeting and tutorial platform
- Virtual induction and study skills sessions
- Tutorials by mutual agreement
- Administration and record keeping
- University registration as you will be an official student at DMU
- Student support services – Full access to university libraries, online resources, learning guides and a specific DMU librarian contact
- A fee to the university
As an integral part of your learning experience, the course offers three residential study days per year, which provide essential opportunities for in-depth study, practical application of knowledge, and valuable networking with peers and industry professionals. A contribution towards the costs of these study days is required in addition to the course tuition fees.
Click here to view the additional costs.
*Fees due to increase for the 2027 intake
For further queries please email [email protected]
SLCC’s educational offerings provide quality assurance, backed by the esteemed reputation of De Montfort University (DMU). As the only provider in England and Wales of sector-specific qualifications for local council clerks, SLCC continues to uphold its commitment to tailored, practical, and relevant learning. Each programme offers a unique blend of theoretical understanding and applied knowledge, matching directly with the needs of the sector.
By arming council clerks with a deeper and broader set of skills, SLCC enhances their professional standing and employability, thus fostering their commitment to their roles and the communities they serve.
The SLCC teaching team consists of educators who are dedicated, knowledgeable, and committed to providing high-quality education in a supportive and student-centred environment.
Want to explain the benefits of the qualification to your councillors? Click here to view the introduction to councillors leaflet.
New Benefit for Community Governance Students!
We are thrilled to announce a fantastic new benefit exclusively for our valued Community Governance students. All students studying for a Community Governance qualification are now entitled to a 50% discount on any SLCC webinar and Themed Summit.
At SLCC, we understand the importance of improving the sector by advancing skills and expanding knowledge and we hope this discount will further empower our students on their educational journey.
This discount is applicable solely for the duration of a student’s study year.
To find out more email [email protected]
Hear from tutors and graduates from the 2023 Community Governance (CG) graduation ceremony.
Students highlight why they completed their qualification and how it has helped them to work within the local council sector.
“I started Level 4 with trepidation in 2021 when unfortunately COVID-19 put an end to the face-to-face study days which reverted, like everything else, to on-line sessions. Despite this, the tutors were great, and help was only an email or phone call away. Year 2 soon came around and we were able to meet in person helping friendships develop and making learning easier (for me at least). My confidence has increased and I have developed as a clerk during the last two years. Level 5 was never originally in my plan, but I find myself a Year 1 student, embarking on the next phase!”
Emma James PSLCC, Clerk & RFO to Okehampton Town Council
“If you think Level 4 will be too academic and not for you, think again. Everything this level covers relates to actual issues you will encounter in your job even if your council is not very large. At times the learning did feel a little daunting but the assignments were carefully structured and you are supported throughout by a personal tutor, so it never felt overwhelming. There were opportunities for in-depth study of practical topics such as laws & procedures, the planning system, finance and audit, which helped me develop fresh approaches to my day-to-day work. Larger themes were woven across the whole course which allowed time to develop a deeper and broader understanding of topics ranging from community engagement to governance. My learning journey and the friendships I made with fellow students were so worthwhile and I’m still learning at Level 6. I have loved the experience which has opened my eyes to new ideas and made me a more thoughtful, reflective and hopefully effective officer.”
Daphne Dunning, Clerk to Pucklechurch Parish Council
Click here to read previous Community Governance dissertations.
