Qualification Information
It will take two years to complete the Level 5, Foundation Degree in Community Governance, and two years to complete the Level 6, BA Honours Degree, 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 three, 24-hour study days during your 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.
‘This is a programme which is well tailored to the needs of its students in being flexible; the mixture of block day delivery of modules allows for directed independent learning; the separation of days of delivery allows for reflection’
External Examiner Report 2023
| Level 5, Foundation Degree will cover: |
Level 6, BA Honours Degree will cover: |
| The Manager’s Role |
Power & Politics in Community Governance |
| Researching Sustainable Communities |
Delivering Public Services |
| Communities in the Political System |
Management & Leadership |
| Professional Development |
Community Governance Research Project |
| Field Trip (additional cost) |
Dissertation |
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.
Each Level 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. 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.
Student finance – Level 5 and Level 6 students can apply for student finance (if they have studied Level 4.) Click here for more information.
Click here to view the additional costs.
*Fees due to increase for the 2027 intake
For further queries please 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 would like to thank the tutors on the Community Governance course for their patience, constructive criticism, support, encouragement and much more. You have been brilliant in allowing me to grow, reflect on my role as parish clerk, gain in confidence and succeed. This has been an entirely positive experience of higher education.” Belina Boyer PSLCC, Clipstone Parish Council and Bleasby Parish Council
“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 online 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
“I have just started Level 5, 6 years after completing Level 4. Why? Simply because the value I felt that both I and my council gained from the Cert HE was such that we would improve yet further if I complete the full course. Our wide scoping knowledge that we accumulate to effectively do our job, is underlined by exploring the relevant legislation. Alongside our problem solving and innovation challenged to develop those completely transferable skills to the real life setting of our communities, equipped to get the best out of ourselves, our teams and our communities. I’m glad I’m studying again and would recommend this course to every clerk.”
Julie Holden, Clerk to East Grinstead Town Council
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]
