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Unique social enterprise degree at UEL goes from local to international

Tuesday 26 September 2006

Can social enterprise and innovation really be taught? Experiences from a unique degree at the University of East London (UEL) suggest that it can, and that the results can have a major impact on the lives and communities of the students involved.

BA (Hons) Social Enterprise is run by UEL in collaboration with Bromley by Bow Community Centre, one of the most successful social regeneration organisations in the UK.

The degree is primarily aimed at people with experience in the charity or public sector who are seeking to build their professional and organisational skills, increase their knowledge and sharpen their critical analysis. ‘A’ levels or other formal qualifications are not required for the 3-year, part-time programme.

Since its launch in 2003, Social Enterprise has proved very popular with local community activists, and its success is now encouraging the development of similar degrees across Europe. Gladius Kulothungan, who leads the programme, has been invited to present his work in several countries, and has recently returned from a conference in Denmark.

Gladius said: “Our unique degree allows students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to maximise their potential in socially conscious enterprise. It’s a great opportunity for activists already making a difference in their communities to gain a relevant academic qualification.

"The degree is taught by UEL tutors, but much of the learning takes place in the students’ own workplaces and in the Bromley by Bow Centre. This, combined with the flexible part-time nature of the programme, makes it accessible and appropriate for a wide variety of students.”

Tracey Morris (31), a single mother of two, graduated from the programme in July 2005. Tracey said: “I left school with no formal qualifications and was very glad of the opportunity to further my education at UEL. The course enabled me to gain a much wider knowledge of the voluntary sector, and definitely changed my life for the better.

“As a mother, I’m happy to show my children that education can be rewarding, fun and life-changing. As an individual, I’m happy that the BA has given me a new sense of confidence and drive to go on and be the best that I can in life.”

The next BA (Hons) degree in Social Enterprise will begin at UEL in February 2007. A Foundation Workshop will take place in January 2006 as an introduction to the course.

For further details, contact Gladius Kulothungan on 020 8223 4558 or g.kulothungan@uel.ac.uk, or visit www.uel.ac.uk/ssmcs

Ends/.

For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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