MA Youth Work and Community Development

This course will allow you to become a qualified youth and community worker, increasing your employment opportunities in this rapidly changing field. It is validated by the National Youth Agency. You will participate in a rich and culturally diverse teaching and learning environment and undertake two challenging placements, enabling you to apply your knowledge and hone your practical skills. During your studies, you will critically engage with the tensions and challenges of current practice, build a sophisticated knowledge of effective management approaches, debate how youth work and community development has responded to shifting government policies and learn how to support inclusive practice that can inspire positive social change. This course has been designed on the principles which promote social justice, and challenge injustice and inequality. Alongside the taught modules, you will be able take advantage of our professional development programme, which offers the chance to explore and understand recent developments in the field, exchange experiences with colleagues and practitioners and learn from one another. You will also gain an understanding of how to conduct research as a practitioner, and undertake an in-depth dissertation study. On this course you will undertake a total of 400 hours of placement practice - half of this time will be spent with young people aged 11-25, with the main focus being 13-19 years. One placement may be in your current place of work, and while both aim to meet the fieldwork practice requirements of the NYA. You will have access to our online learning portal, with 247 access to modules and bespoke specialist resources produced by our course team and wider University. Alongside the modules runs a professional development programme providing further opportunity for you to critically analyse recent developments in the field and to exchange experiences with colleagues and practitioners. In addition, you will gain an understanding of conducting practitioner research and undertake a substantial dissertation.

Applicants should normally have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from a work environment or from a voluntary setting environment. Applicants should demonstrate in their personal statement the relevant work or voluntary experience they have gained with young people or adults in a community related setting. All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.