Qualification Structure

The ABMA Education Level 5 Diploma in Community Development (RQF) is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours and 480 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), with 120 credits.

Assessment for the ABMA Education Level 5 Diploma in Community Development (RQF) is assignment-based. Learner work is assessed in accordance with ABMA Education assessment and quality assurance requirements to ensure that learners demonstrate the required knowledge, understanding and application of community development principles.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all five mandatory units.

Core Study Units

Unit 1: Human Rights, Politics and Legislation

On successful completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:

• Understand the role of political systems in shaping community development
• Understand human rights legislation
• Understand legislation affecting community development
• Understand the principles and role of humanitarian aid
• Understand sources of humanitarian aid funding

Unit 2: Managing Health in Communities

On successful completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:

• Understand the health inequalities in society
• Understand the developments and purposes of community health
• Understand the importance of controlling communicable diseases nationally and internationally
• Understand the legislative framework for the provision of community health
• Understand the effectiveness of community health provision in own communities

Unit 3: Social Enterprises

On successful completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:

• Understand the nature of different types of social enterprises
• Understand the stages of planning an enterprise start-up
• Understand social and economic factors which affect the business success of enterprises
• Understand the role of marketing in promoting social, community and business enterprises
• Understand different measures of outcomes for, and impact on, social, community and business enterprises in context

Unit 4: Managing Culture in Communities

On successful completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:

• Understand culture, cultural diversity and cultural identity
• Understand cultural humility and sensitivity
• Understand the importance of culture and its impact on community development
• Understand the complexities arising from cultural differences in community development practice

Unit 5: Managing Community Projects

On successful completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:

• Understand project planning considerations necessary in a community development context
• Understand appropriate resources required for community-based projects
• Understand the stages in project planning
• Understand project management software

Who Is This Qualification For?

The ABMA Education Level 5 Diploma in Community Development (RQF) is designed for learners who want to develop advanced knowledge of community development, social wellbeing, community health, human rights, cultural diversity, social enterprise and community project management. It is suitable for UK and international learners seeking a structured qualification for work or progression in community-focused environments.

This qualification may be particularly suitable for:

• Community Development Practitioners: Learners involved in supporting communities, improving participation and addressing local social needs.
• Community Project Workers: Individuals involved in planning, coordinating or supporting community-based projects and initiatives.
• Charity and Voluntary Sector Professionals: Learners working with charities, voluntary organisations, non-profit organisations or community groups who want to strengthen their understanding of community development practice.
• Social Enterprise Professionals: Individuals interested in developing or managing social enterprises and understanding how social and economic factors influence community-focused organisations.
• Community Health Workers: Learners working in community health settings who want to understand health inequalities, community health provision and approaches to improving community wellbeing.
• Local Government and Community Services Staff: Professionals involved in community programmes, public services, social initiatives or local development activities.
• Human Rights and Social Justice Practitioners: Learners interested in human rights, legislation, political systems and their relationship with community development.
• Cultural and Community Engagement Professionals: Individuals working with diverse communities who want to develop knowledge of cultural identity, cultural diversity, cultural sensitivity and inclusive community development.
• Aspiring Community Development Professionals: Learners seeking a recognised Level 5 qualification to build structured knowledge before progressing into relevant professional or management-level community development roles.
• International Learners: Learners outside the UK who want to develop internationally relevant knowledge of community development, social enterprise, community health, human rights, cultural development and project management.

Career Opportunities

The ABMA Education Level 5 Diploma in Community Development (RQF) provides learners with a strong foundation in community development principles, social issues and community-focused practice. The qualification develops knowledge of human rights, politics and legislation, community health, social enterprises, culture in communities, and community project management, helping learners build the knowledge and practical understanding required for effective community development activities. It is suitable for learners in the UK and internationally seeking to progress to higher-level qualifications or related academic and professional pathways in community development, social enterprise, community services and project management.

Future Progression

The ABMA Education Level 5 Diploma in Community Development (RQF) provides learners with a strong foundation for further academic study and professional opportunities in community development and related sectors. The qualification develops knowledge of human rights, politics and legislation, community health, social enterprises, culture in communities, and community project management, providing a broad understanding of the factors that influence communities and community-focused initiatives.

Academically, learners may progress to higher-level qualifications in community development or related disciplines, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification can also support further study in areas such as community development, social enterprise, community health, public services, social care, project management, and related fields.

Professionally, this diploma can support progression towards roles such as Community Development Officer, Community Project Coordinator, Community Engagement Officer, Social Enterprise Coordinator, Community Outreach Officer, Community Health Development Worker, Charity Project Officer, Voluntary Sector Coordinator, and Community Partnerships Officer, depending on the learner’s experience and employer requirements. The knowledge developed through the qualification provides a foundation for understanding community needs, supporting inclusive development, managing community projects, engaging stakeholders, and contributing to social and community-focused initiatives.