B.Sc. Community Youth Work

The programme integrates teaching and practice in its approach to learning. The course lasts for 3 years, is full –time (Mostly taught on Monday – Thursday) 20 - 26 hours a week of lectures and involves 30 weeks (10 weeks each year) of FULL TIME placement. There are FOUR modules in each level of the course and each year has a different emphasis.

Year one is an introduction to and foundation of youth work and includes modules which will introduce students to the ‘Context of youth work’. ‘Principles and practice of Youth work - Interpersonal skills and informal education’ part 1 is foundational and prepares students for practice. The module ‘Youth Studies and social sciences’ is about applying youth work to a range of academic disciplines. Lastly the assessed practice module necessitates a 10 week placement (assessed practice) in a traditional youth work setting.

Year two involves exploring youth work in greater breadth and depth. This level includes modules which explore rationale, values, and political implications of youth work - going broader and deeper than in year 1. Modules in this year include ‘youth work in diverse society’, ‘interpersonal skills and informal education part 2 (which includes focussed group work training and the educational processes in youth work )’, ‘Communities in focus’ and incorporates ‘placement (assessed practice) outside of Northern Ireland or your comfort zone’.

The third year is heavily rooted in applied practice and synthesis of the learning. Modules covered in this level involve ‘critical thinking and professional development’, ‘leadership supervision and management’, ‘study of applied practice’, and a ‘final placement’ (assessed practice) which focuses on your future career choices or your specialism.

The assessment methods are varied and include essays, cases studies, group and individual presentations, skills performance, and journaling. The teaching incorporates a variety of methods with an emphasis on small and large group work, is very interactive and Web supported through Blackboard learn, our virtual learning environment