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Bursary Awards For Students Studying Towards Community Development

As part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the Credit Union Movement in Ireland, the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) has, in conjunction with the University of Ulster, committed to a series of Bursary Awards, for students studying towards programmes in Community Development.

The course available for funding, ‘APL Short Course in Reflective Practice & Portfolio’, is an accreditation in prior learning, which when completed, allows students to take a place on the BSc Community Development degree programme at either Jordanstown or Magee.

Much like the ILCU’s own ACCUP (Advanced Certificate in Credit Union Practice) training programme, which recognises the experience of credit union volunteers, the APL course allows those without formal learning, but with extensive experience in the voluntary/community sector, to gain recognised qualifications by demonstrating their knowledge through completion of the module and production of a portfolio of work.

The ILCU are delighted to have the opportunity to support students in an area of study that compliments the credit union ethos, and support those who already have dedicated much of their career or personal life to working in the community.

Ten bursary awards will be given in 2009 to cover course fees for students on the APL programme, split between Jordanstown and Magee, with study commencing in spring. These bursaries are worth £4,500.

In addition, as part of the Community Development degree itself, students must complete a placement with a community or voluntary organisation. It is hoped that some UU students may consider a placement in a credit union in NI to enhance their appreciation of the benefits that credit unions can bring to an individual., his/her family and the wider NI community.

An additional two students will be recognised for their performance whilst on placement (one from each campus), and awarded £250 each.

Presentations to the successful bursary applicants will take place in April 2009.