MA YOUTH AND COMMUNITY WORK

There are four core modules on the course. Two are the placement-based Fieldwork Practice modules 1 and 2.

In the university-based sessions, you will learn the principles of group work, theory, management and supervision as well as gaining insight into youth work policy.

You will then apply this knowledge in the field. You could be organising workshops in schools, putting on informally structured learning activities, developing young people’s inter-personal skills or working with partner organisations, such as the Youth Offending Service, housing associations, community organisations or schools.

The dissertation element of the course can have a tangible impact in the real world. For example, a current student is writing her dissertation on the effectiveness of anti-radicalisation programmes for Muslim youth run by a local foundation.

The traditional model of youth work, where you work in and later manage a youth club as the focal point of the community, is becoming less common.

The range of roles open to you now is as rewarding as it is wide. You could move into the Third Sector, a social enterprise, a housing association, a voluntary organisation or even a college.
For example, a local college has employed graduates of this course as student enrichment officers – in effect working in informal education on a college site.

Other graduates are working as youth workers, in pupil referral units and youth offending teams. You could specialise in more targeted work, whether it is around learning support, diversion from crime or working with people already in the justice system.

As your career progresses and you gain both experience and credibility in the field, you can move into more senior roles, perhaps shaping policy, working in national charities such as Barnardo’s or The Children’s Society or taking a sideways step into a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

You could also develop an international, as well as a national and local, focus to your career – for instance, taking young people abroad, supervising and supporting them to broaden their horizons on a community project overseas.

Minimum 2.2 Honours in any subject.
We would normally expect you to have Grade 4 / C in GCSE English and Maths. All suitable applicants are required to attend an interview.