Youth & Community Work Master's Degree - MA/PgD/PgC

Our MA in Youth and Community Work offers a valuable dual pathway: you’ll graduate with a full academic master’s degree and a professionally endorsed Postgraduate Diploma in Youth and Community Work. This makes the programme ideal for graduates who are already working (or moving into work) with young people, families and communities and want to gain a recognised professional qualification alongside advanced academic study.
Designed to bridge theory and practice, the course combines inspiring teaching with real‑world experience. Alongside your studies you will complete two professionally supervised youth and community work placements, allowing you to build confidence, competence and credibility in the field. The programme can be taken full‑time or part‑time, offering flexibility to fit around work (which could be used as your placement) and other commitments.
Students consistently describe the course as challenging, supportive and collaborative. You’ll learn alongside a committed cohort of professionals, developing strong peer networks that often last well beyond graduation.

Applicants should have a minimum of 200 hours of direct and recent experience in the youth and community work sector or associated work with young people, families and communities.

Experience counts – whilst applicants should normally possess a degree or relevant professional qualification, practitioners who do not have an undergraduate degree but have considerable professional experience can apply for Exceptional Entry. We welcome lived experience and with our Exceptional Entry route, you can gain both a master’s degree and the sector’s professional qualification.