Masters Degrees in Community Work

Overview

The MA in Community and Youth Work integrates advanced study in challenging issues facing society today with accredited professional education for key roles in community development, youth work, and associated equality, human rights, international development, local development, local authority, national institutions, and international agency work. The programme provides an opportunity to engage in education and training in a dialogical environment, combining research and praxis for action, policy influence and advocacy, and participation in shaping society and facilitating young people to reach their potential.

Professional Endorsement:
The MA in Community and Youth Work [incorporating the Postgraduate Diploma in Community and Youth Work (PDCYW) is endorsed by the North South Education and Training Standards Board as a professional qualification in Youth Work and by the All Ireland Endorsement Body for Community Work as a professional qualification in Community Work.

Course Structure

The programme, in line with all postgraduate professional qualifications takes place over two years full time or three years part time in service. Students undertake a full time professional fieldwork placement lasting fourteen weeks in each year, and undertake study visits nationally and internationally. Modules include fieldwork placements and visits, community and youth work theory and practice, equality and human rights studies, youth and community arts, public administration, group work, social policy, social theory and comparative international studies.

Career Options

The programme creates critical thinkers who are engaged professionally to work dynamically in leadership positions in the fields of community development and youth work and a variety of areas such as development, policy analysis, organisational leadership in NGOs and statutory organisations in Ireland, Europe and internationally Graduates are involved in a variety of positions at national, regional, local and international levels in youth projects, community based work and statutory and voluntary organisations.

How To Apply

Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

PAC Code
MHB55 Part-time in-service

The following information should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:

Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport.

Maynooth University graduates are required to produce a professional reference for relevant work (voluntary or paid).

Garda Vetting
In line with national provisions for the protection of children and vulnerable adults, all applicants called for interview for the MACYW and DCYW will be required to complete a Garda Vetting Form.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships

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Overview

The MA in Community and Youth Work integrates advanced study in challenging issues facing society today with accredited professional education for key roles in community development, youth work, and associated equality, human rights, international development, local development, local authority, national institutions, and international agency work. The programme provides an opportunity to engage in education and training in a dialogical environment, combining research and praxis for action, policy influence and advocacy, and participation in shaping society and facilitating young people to reach their potential.

Professional Endorsement:
The MA in Community and Youth Work [incorporating the Postgraduate Diploma in Community and Youth Work (PDCYW) is endorsed by the North South Education and Training Standards Board as a professional qualification in Youth Work and by the All Ireland Endorsement Body for Community Work as a professional qualification in Community Work.

Course Structure

The programme, in line with all postgraduate professional qualifications takes place over two years full time or three years part time in service. Students undertake a full time professional fieldwork placement lasting fourteen weeks in each year, and undertake study visits nationally and internationally. Modules include fieldwork placements and visits, community and youth work theory and practice, equality and human rights studies, youth and community arts, public administration, group work, social policy, social theory and comparative international studies.

Career Options

The programme creates critical thinkers who are engaged professionally to work dynamically in leadership positions in the fields of community development and youth work and a variety of areas such as development, policy analysis, organisational leadership in NGOs and statutory organisations in Ireland, Europe and internationally Graduates are involved in a variety of positions at national, regional, local and international levels in youth projects, community based work and statutory and voluntary organisations.

How To Apply

Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

PAC Code
MHB54 Full-time

The following information should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:

Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport.

MU graduates are required to produce a professional reference for relevant work (voluntary or paid).

Garda Vetting
In line with national provisions for the protection of children and vulnerable adults, all applicants called for interview for the MACYW and DCYW will be required to complete a Garda Vetting Form.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships

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This unique programme is aimed particularly at international or UK students, with an interest in international social work, community development and comparative social policy. The programme will give students advanced knowledge about the theory and practice of social work and community development in an international context. It will encourage students to develop a critical understanding of global social issues (such as social exclusion, poverty and environmental degradation) and relate this knowledge to developments in their own country. It will also equip students to engage in research and to apply research findings effectively in practice. The programme includes a two-week placement in a social work agency and the opportunity to carry out research on an aspect of social or community work in the UK.

Durham University is a world leader in International Social Work and Community Development. Our social work team edit the prestigious International Social Work journal and work closely with the International Federation of Social Workers and the International Association of Schools of Social Work.

Course structure

You will study in a small group of international students and alongside UK students on postgraduate social work and research degree programmes. This will give you plenty of opportunities to share knowledge and experience in addition to your learning through lectures, presentations and seminars.

The MA consists of five core modules, designed to give you an understanding of social work as it is practiced in the UK, and a thorough grounding in research methods and their application. You will also choose two specialist modules according to your particular professional interests. Finally, you will undertake a research project and write a dissertation. To achieve the Master's degree, you must accumulate a total of 180 credits, as listed below.

Core Modules

-International Social Work (30 credits)
-Social Work: Context and Practice (30 credits)
-Field Based Learning (15 credits)
-Community Policy and Practice (15 credits)
-Practitioner Research and Dissertation (60 credits)

Optional Modules

Typical modules outlined below are those that were available to students studying this programme in previous years.
-Youth Policy and Practice (15 credits)
-Management in Community Settings (30 credits)
-Policy Related and Evaluation Research (15 credits)
-Statistical Exploration and Reasoning (15 credits)
-Quantitative Research Methods in Social Science (15 credits)
-Qualitative Research Methods in Social Science (15 credits)
-Theorising Crime and Criminal Justice (30 credits)
-Crime, Violence and Abuse (30 credits)

Learning and Teaching

The MA International Social Work and Community Development provides students with advanced knowledge about the theory and practice of social work and community development in an international context. The programme is offered full-time, starting in early October and continuing over 12 months following university terms, or part-time over 24 months.

Core teaching on the programme falls primarily within the two 10 week terms. The programme is taught according to a variety of approaches, including lectures, seminars, Field-Based Learning, independent learning and empirical research/ dissertation.

Lectures enable staff to present scholarly material, both generic and subject-specific, to introduce the main debates within each topic and to situate arguments within broader debates. They introduce the subject at both a conceptual and a practical level. Seminars furnish opportunities for both staff and students to explore issues arising from lectures and from independent learning and to pursue them in more depth and in greater detail. Independent learning allows students to acquire subject-specific and generic knowledge by reading contemporary and historical debates in the topic; and by developing a critical awareness appropriate to advanced study. The Dissertation provides students with the opportunity to plan, design, carry out and present a piece of research. Dissertation work is supported by a dedicated module and by the student’s supervisor who will advise students at each stage of the project. Students have a ten-day field-based learning (FBL) opportunity in a local social welfare agency. FBL normally takes place in the north east region and students are required to travel independently to these.

Modules are assessed through essays, observation studies, project reports, case studies, group and individual presentations. Practitioner Research is assessed through a 12,500 word dissertation.

Further academic support is available as both the University and the School organize seminars by external speakers that are open to all students. Students will have access to a variety of learning resources, including learning spaces in libraries and teaching rooms, readings and textbooks, computers, databases, etc.

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The MA in Youth work offers both a professional qualifying route for those looking to gain a professional qualification in Youth Work and an academic route for those seeking CPD opportunities.

The MA is underpinned by a key set of principles and values and also addresses contemporary issues affecting work with Young People in society.

Course Overview

The MA Youth Work offers both a professional qualification in Youth Work and opportunities for CPD. The programme can be undertaken through the medium of Welsh and bilingually.

It is run on a flexible, part-time bases (twilight sessions and Saturdays); as well as the opportunity to study the non-qualifying route on a full or part time bases via flexible and distributed learning.

Youth Work is a profession with a clearly stated purpose, values, and principles. The key purpose of Youth Work in the United Kingdom is to:

‘Enable young people to develop holistically, working with them to facilitate their personal, social and educational development, to enable them to develop their voice, influence and place in society and to reach their full potential’

This statement refers to the holistic development of young people, recognising that personal, social and educational development can also include, for example, physical, political and spiritual development (LSIS, 2012).

Youth Work regards itself as rare among wider services for young people; being driven by a clear set of agreed values, these values are summarised in the National Occupational Standards for Youth Work and include:
-Participation and active involvement
-Equity, diversity and inclusion:
-Partnership with young people and others
-Personal, social and political development

The Programme is committed to a vision of Youth Work clearly based upon these principles, including the voluntary engagement of young people being fundamental to the process of Youth Work.

Additionally a form of Youth Work which empowers young people and adopts a stance where they are partners in the process of learning. The programme team are committed to teaching a form of Youth Work which has at its core the importance of providing safe environments for young people and of supporting the safety as well as their development and well-being. Fundamental to the MA in Youth Work are also the principles of equality and inclusion.

Modules

-Researching and Reflecting upon Youth and Community Practice
-Social Education
-Professional Practice
-Sustainable Communities
-Outreach and Detached Youth Work
-Adolescent Psychology
-Supervision and support skills

Key Features

-The MA Youth Work offers both a professional qualification in Youth Work and opportunities for CDD
-The programme can be undertaken bilingually.
-Fieldwork opportunities offering links to employment.
-Professionally Qualified staff who are research active.
-Opportunities to progress to PhD

Assessment

-Field Work Portfolios
-Essays
-Seminar Presentations
-Online discussions

Career Opportunities

-Youth and Community Worker
-Community Worker
-Learning Support Worker
-Health Based Youth Worker
-Young people’s Participation Worker
-Youth Justice
-Voluntary Sector

Professional Accreditations

The programme is a professionally endorsed programme by the Education and Training Standards for Wales.

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Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Community and Primary Healthcare Practice at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).

The Community and Primary Healthcare Practice course provides a flexible opportunity for practitioners wishing to enhance their leadership, research and educational expertise within community and primary and public healthcare practice.

Key Features of Community and Primary Healthcare Practice

Performance:

- a new course designed to help practitioners develop their role in community, primary care and public health practice.

Teaching and Employability:

- closely linked to current Welsh Government and Department of Health policy, practice and services

- students are encouraged to explore and reflect on their own community and primary healthcare practice with the potential for contribution to the development of innovative, cross-disciplinary research outputs

- the course enhances career development and promotion opportunities for successful students

- students are supported in clinical practice by an experienced and prepared mentor

To ensure that our communities are strong and sustainable, it is important to continue to improve the health and well-being of our population.

The government’s investment in public health and primary care emphasises the importance of good leadership and the need for innovative practice.

Community practitioners are vital to improving the health of the population as they are committed to working with individuals, families and communities within the public health agenda.

Their expertise in public health allows them to have insight into how social and environmental factors can influence the health and well-being of people in society.

The Community and Primary Healthcare Practice course helps practitioners to develop their role in protecting, promoting and improving public health.

The Community and Primary Healthcare Practice course uses a range of teaching and learning methods which offer a variety of opportunities. Teaching is carried out through formal taught sessions and discussion groups/seminars using action-based learning approaches.

The degree in Community and Primary Healthcare Practice offers the option for students to engage in a work-based learning module as part of the Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma programmes.

Course Structure

The Community and Primary Healthcare Practice course is a modular postgraduate course consisting of 180 credits at level M.

The course is offered on a part-time basis with completion typically within three years.

Assessment

Community and Primary Healthcare Practice students are assessed throughout their coursework (e.g. written assignments such as research projects and essays and seminar presentations) and a dissertation of approximately 20,000 words.

Work Placements

The MSc Community and Primary Healthcare Practice course offers students the option to engage in a work-based learning module. This requires an arrangement between the student, personal tutor and practice facilitator and as such will require collaboration with the NHS Health Boards and/or independent healthcare sector to ensure adequate support and supervision in the workplace.

Existing partnerships are well established and this programme will suit current arrangements.

Modules

Modules on the Community and Primary Healthcare Practice course may include:

Continuing Your Professional Development in Community and Primary Health Care Practice

Working in Community and Primary Health Care Practice

Working in Community and Primary Mental Health Care Practice

Working with Individuals, Families & Communities in Primary Health Care Practice

Foundations in Research

Additional Support

Pastoral support is offered by personal tutors and the Swansea University student support and health services are recommended to students and stipulated in student handbooks.

Blackboard has a dedicated tab for student services which provides money advice, information about wellbeing services, equal opportunities and accommodation issues.

In cases where students have personal or any other kind of problems that they would prefer not to discuss with College lecturers, they are able to talk with a Student Counsellor.

Similarly, if lecturers feel that the concern the student has expressed is better discussed with the Student Counsellor, they will suggest to the student that he or she make an appointment for an interview.

Staff Expertise

The Community and Primary Healthcare Practice course sits within the Department of Public Health, Policy and Social Sciences.

The community and public health team is well-qualified and experienced. It comprises one professor and four lecturers. Members of the team are registered with the:

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the Community Practitioners and Health Visitor Association (CPHVA)

Queen's Nursing Institute

All academic members of the team hold a Master’s degree and/or a Doctorate.

Postgraduate Community

The College of Human and Health Sciences has a vibrant postgraduate community with students drawn from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. The College is known for its friendly, welcoming and supportive environment, which combined with its extensive facilities, state-of-the-art technology and superb beachside location, helps to ensure that students benefit from an exceptional student experience.

In addition, Community and Primary Healthcare Practice students have access to a wide range of excellent facilities and equipment for realistic workplace experiences.

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The challenges of youth and community work are constantly changing. We will help you engage with the policies and ideologies associated with this dynamic area.

You will examine topics such as the London riots, youth crime and alcohol and drug abuse, allowing you to understand the impact of Government policy on the lives of young people. You will study different approaches to community work and the importance of studying international issues and applying them to situations closer to home.

You will gain practical experience as you bid for funding for a real project and choose a wide variety of option modules to tailor your course to your needs.

Expert guest lecturers and staff will offer insights into the evolving nature of youth work in the UK and overseas. You will also study alongside students from a range of backgrounds, giving you a fresh perspective on every day issues.

- Research Excellence Framework 2014: our University demonstrated strength in five emerging areas of research which it entered into the assessment for the first time, including social work and social policy

Visit the website http://courses.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/communityandyouth_ma

Mature Applicants

Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu.

If you wish to apply through this route you should refer to our University Recognition of Prior Learning policy that is available on our website (http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/recognition-of-prior-learning.htm).

Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.

Careers

With an in-depth understanding of youth and community issues, you'll be able to continue your career development in a management role. Graduates from similar subjects have gone on to work with children who have been excluded from school, refugees, the homeless and in hostels. You could consider mentoring, becoming a youth worker or pursuing a role as a case worker for a charity.

Careers advice:
The dedicated Jobs and Careers team offers expert advice and a host of resources to help you choose and gain employment. Whether you're in your first or final year, you can speak to members of staff from our Careers Office who can offer you advice from writing a CV to searching for jobs.

Visit the careers site - https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/employability/jobs-careers-support.htm

Course Benefits

You will benefit from the expertise of our staff and a range of guest lecturers. Previous speakers have included international academics who provided an insight into the differences between youth and community work here and overseas, and a member of OFSTED who spoke about the changing shape of youth work.

The broad scope of our course means you choose your own option modules from across our University, so you can tailor your course to your interests. Whether you want to find out more about criminology, spirituality, cognitive therapy, working with difference or special education needs, we'll endeavour to meet your requirements.

As an added bonus, you'll be studying alongside students from a range of different backgrounds - from new graduates to those who are already working in the community. With this exposure to different views and methods of problem solving, you'll gain a fresh perspective on the issues you deal with day to day.

Core Modules

Historical Perspectives on Youth and Community Work (Policy, Ideology & Practice)
You will get an overview of recent Government policy and its impact on professional practice, then critically analyse this in relation to the values and ethics of youth and community development.

Understanding Social Research and Evaluation
You will gain a theoretical, methodological and practical foundation for social research, enabling you to act as a social researcher to resolve practice based problems.

Management: Current Issues in Practice
Gain an understanding of the challenges faced by managers and leaders in a complex and changing professional context by understanding the tensions that exist between the values of youth and community work and approaches to management and leadership.

Dissertation
An independent piece of original advanced research that you will be expected to plan, implement and report with guidance from a supervisor.

Community Development and Learning
Explore the various models and approaches to community work, and locate them within a historical, ideological and global context. You will study key theorists and critically analyse their application to a range of practice contexts.

Professor Ieuan Ellis

Dean, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences

"We have a long history of providing education across a wide range of professional and academic disciplines in health, applied global ethics, social sciences and related subject areas... The Faculty has a number of areas of research excellence."

Ieuan is responsible for the strategic leadership of the Faculty of Health and Social sciences. He is also a member of Academic Board, and an elected staff representative on the Board of Governors. He is also Chair of the UK Council of Deans of Health and Co-chair of the National Allied Health Professions Advisory Board. After practicing as a chartered physiotherapist in the NHS and private sector, Ieuan entered higher education working initially at Northumbria University prior to joining our University. Ieuan has held a number of leadership and management roles across health and social care education and was awarded a personal chair as Professor in Healthcare Education.

Facilities

- Library
Our libraries are two of the only university libraries in the UK open 24/7 every day of the year. However you like to study, the libraries have got you covered with group study, silent study, extensive e-learning resources and PC suites.

- Clinical Skills Suite
The £1 million suite has been designed to meet the learning needs of a range of health professionals, with specialist equipment in purpose-built rooms enabling a variety of sessions to be carried out in a suitable and safe environment.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

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Master of Social Work (MSW) programs prepare graduates for advanced professional practice in an area of concentration. The MSW program will prepare UAEU graduates to enter the job force as specialized practitioners, accepting leadership roles within the areas of health/mental health, criminal justice, applied research, policy analysis, community education, schools and in the planning and provision of social services in other areas. The Master of Social Work consists of 30 credit hours of specialized course-work and practicum for students with a Bachelor degree in Social Work (BSW). The MSW program also welcomes students with a bachelor degree in disciplines other than social work. However, for these students, the program of study will consist of foundation courses (30 credit hours) in year 1 and specialization courses (30 credit hours) in year 2 for a total of 60 credits hours.

Program Objectives

‌•Practice in accordance with social work values and ethics that acknowledge the history and laws of UAE society.
‌•Practice in a culturally competent manner that promotes quality of life and well-being, human rights and social and economic justice, with diverse Arab, Muslim and expatriate populations of the UAE and GCC.
‌•Use, produce and apply research knowledge to enhance their skills for practice with the diverse Arab/Muslim families, children, individuals, groups, organizations, communities, and societies of the UAE and GCC.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
‌•Use communication/facilitation skills ethically in building empowering relationships with the diverse populations in the UAE, the Arab Gulf and internationally.
‌•Employ skills for influencing policy formulation and change in communities that advance social and economic justice.
‌•Apply knowledge and leadership skills in managing projects, and working with community groups and/or organizations to address populations at risk and engage in community resource development
‌•Demonstrate skills in quantitative/qualitative research design, data analysis, program evaluation, practice evaluation, community needs assessments, and knowledge dissemination.
‌•Apply the knowledge, values, ethical principles, and skills of a generalist social work perspective to practice with diverse social systems in the UAE, the Arab Gulf and internationally.
‌•Analyze social policies at a local, regional, national, and international level.
‌•Evaluate existing research studies and one’s own practice interventions.
‌•Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems and seek necessary organizational change.

Program Structure

Required Courses (21.00 hours)

‌•Models and Methods of Social Work Practice
‌•Leadership & Supervision
‌•Intermediate Social Work Research
‌•Field Practicum II
‌•Directed Readings

Elective Courses - 9CH (3 courses) from a specialization track

‌•Health/Mental Health
‌•Social Work Practice with At Risk Students
‌•Social Work & Traditional Help Seeking Behavior
‌•Social Work in Behavioral Health Settings

‌•Criminal Justice/Substance Abuse
‌•Social Work in Criminal Justice Settings
‌•Social Work & Addictions
‌•Techniques in Rehabilitation Counseling

Bridge Program

For Students without the BSW degree (30.00 hours)
‌•Social Welfare Policy and Services: A worldview
‌•Human Behavior and Social Environments I
‌•Human Behavior and Social Environments II
‌•Research Methods for Social Work Practice
‌•Integrative Seminar
‌•Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
‌•Social Work Practice with Groups
‌•Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations
‌•Field Education I

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This programme provides an exciting opportunity to develop professional practice that is supported by an in-depth theoretical understanding for those working in a wide range of careers with young people and communities. The programme attracts practitioners from a wide range of contexts and countries, enabling learning in an internationally-comparative context. At the same time, it enables students to become professionally validated by the National Youth Agency (with JNC recognition) for practice in the UK. Learning on the programme incorporates reflective professional approaches to informal education which enable the development of young people and communities. These are integrated together with wider critical learning on shaping the wider social, political and organisational context in which such practice takes place. The programme combines academic study on taught modules, two periods of fieldwork practice and students conducting their own choice of research with support from experienced researchers. The fieldwork practice placements enable students to develop their practice within local agencies (e.g. local charities and non-governmental organisations) with supported from experienced supervisors. Find out more about the programme from staff and students by watching our short videos.

Course structure

Core modules:
-Community Policy and Practice (15 credits)
-Youth Policy and Practice (15 credits)
-Professional and Personal Development (30 credits)
-Management in Community Settings (30 credits)
-Research in Professional Practice (45 credits)
-Fieldwork Practice Development 1 (15 credits)
-Fieldwork Practice Development 2 (30 credits)

Students are required to pay for travel costs to and from their fieldwork practice placement.

Academic learning is assessed through 3,000 word essays, fieldwork reports, self-assessment, oral presentation and a 10,000 word research report. There are no examinations. To gain a Durham University MA, you must gain 180 credits at Masters level (pass mark 50%)..

Learning and Teaching

The programme is delivered through a range of lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work, reflective practice seminars, research seminars, fieldwork practice and study visits.

Within an ethos of informal education, our teaching and learning incorporates a range of methods which reflect this and time is allocated to provide a balance between tutor-led and self-directed learning. The programme is taught as part of a group of programmes, which attract practitioners from a wide range of contexts and countries, enabling learning in an internationally-comparative context, whilst including a particular focus on UK policy and practice.

Typically, taught sessions provide students with academic input on a particular area of the professional discipline of community and youth work and reflect the diverse range of community and youth settings within which practice takes place. Drawing from relevant literature and legislation and acknowledging the related range of professional skill, competence and understanding, issues are identified for discussion, drawn from historical and contemporary contexts. Seminars provide the opportunity for students to discuss and debate the issues, to share ideas and experience, broaden their understanding and test out their knowledge gained through the taught sessions and independent study. Classroom learning provides students with the latest research and critical theory on the subject area. Two assessed periods of fieldwork practice offer opportunities for learning in practice settings related to community and youth work.

The MA Community and Youth Work provides the student with a learning opportunity within which they can apply and test understanding, knowledge and skills related to professional roles and responsibilities in practice settings. A critical examination of the relationship of theory and practice is central to this.

Core modules are structured to enable students to attend university for teaching on an average of one day per week (part time) or two days per week (full time), so that their study can fit around other commitments that they may have.

The programme is assessed through continual assessment using a range of methods including written assignments, reflective journals, individual and group presentations, and assessed fieldwork practice. There is an expectation that students will undertake independent study to prepare and plan for their classes, through reading relevant literature and legislation, journals and drawing on their current and previous practice experience.

The Community and Youth Work Programme is part of the School of Applied Social Sciences and is significantly involved with the Centre for Social Justice and Community Action at Durham University, as well as being a partner in many collaborative pieces of research and professional practice developments. There are therefore many events and initiatives that students are encouraged to attend, such as extra-curricular training, research seminars and workshops to broaden their understanding and deepen their knowledge of wider issues related to the professional discipline.

Other admission requirements

Applicants with substantial professional experience may be admitted by concession without an upper second class honours degree, providing that they have demonstrated an ability to undertake Masters level work. All applicants for this programme have to pass an informal interview, which can be conducted either in person in Durham or via telephone/webcam. This will also give applicants an opportunity to find out more about the programme from a member of the teaching team and have any questions answered. If potential applicants have any queries about the entry criteria or programme before making an application, we are happy to respond to informal queries at any stage and to discuss the programme with you.

Admission is subject to satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure check being undertaken upon an offer of a place being made, to assess whether applicants have any previous convictions that prevent them from working with vulnerable people. The cost of a DBS check is currently £44.

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We welcome enquiries from appropriately qualified applicants with research interests in community and youth work- http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/mphil-phd-community-youth-work/

Current research topics include:

-‘Community Participation in New Deal for Communities Programmes’
-‘Participation, Power, Authority and Empowerment: Case Studies from West London’
-‘Parental Participation and Local Budgeting: Comparing and Contrasting Experiences in the UK and in a Southern Context’

The MPhil programme offers the opportunity for the student to continue their research to a PhD.

You will be assessed by thesis and viva voce.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Jennifer Mayo-Deman.

The Department of Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies has human relationships at its heart.

You’ll benefit from the wealth of experience of our staff and their commitment to ensuring that you’ll leave us as a reflective, research-minded professional.

We offer programmes in Community Studies, Social Work, and Therapeutic Studies.

Our degrees are informed by our commitment to social justice and applied practices – whether you want to:

-understand and challenge the ways that vulnerable individuals and groups are disadvantaged and marginalised
-become a social worker, community and youth worker, therapist or counsellor
-change people’s lives through dance, drama and music

You’ll benefit from the wealth of experience of our staff and their commitment to ensuring that you’ll leave us as a reflective, research-minded professional.

How to apply

Before you start at Goldsmiths, the actual topic of your research has to be agreed with your proposed supervisor, who will be a member of staff active in your general field of research. The choice of topic may be influenced by the current research in the department or the requirements of an external funding body.

If you wish to study on a part-time basis, you should also indicate how many hours a week you intend to devote to research, whether this will be at evenings or weekends, and for how many hours each day.

Research proposals

Along with your application and academic reference, you should also upload a research proposal at the point of application.

This should be in the form of a statement of the proposed area of research and should include:

delineation of the research topic
why it has been chosen
an initial hypothesis (if applicable)
a brief list of major secondary sources

How detailed a research proposal are we looking for?

Obviously what you put on the form and exactly what you end up researching may be rather different, but in order to judge whether or not to offer you a place, the Department needs to know whether you have the broad outlines of a viable project. This means:

a project that is both worthwhile and interesting, but not over-ambitious
a project that can realistically be achieved within the confines of PhD on a full-time (4 years typically) or part-time (6 years maximum) basis
we need to be sure that you have thought about it carefully and are fully committed to the research
we need to be sure that you understand what is involved in doing a PhD
your research proposal should give us enough information to be able to interview you (if you are in the UK) or reach a decision as to whether to admit you if you are not based in the UK

Funding

Please visit http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/fees-funding/ for details.

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The MA in Community Leadership is a unique course developed and inspired by individuals who work within communities as activists and change makers. The course is based upon the concept of a learning community, whereby learners come together to share experiences and best practice. It works on the belief that within the context of community leadership, individuals learn best from a peer led programme.

The course is grounded in the educational philosophy of Paulo Freire, and uses action reflection praxis as a basis for learning, allowing students to take new theoretical concepts and critically challenge them within their own communities. It also utilises and explores the management concepts of the community educator Mary Parker Follett (1868 to 1933); a woman recognised as ahead of her time in management science and whose ideas are hugely pertinent to the community sector today. The staff engaged in the delivery of the programme are all practitioners and internationally recognised in their fields. Their role is to share their knowledge on a peer to peer basis and support learners in developing new and innovative solutions to current issues.

INDUSTRY LINKS

An academic qualification in community leadership provides an excellent and recognised foundation for a career in the field. The course is designed to prepare the student for senior positions of community leadership within the third sector, the public sector, governance and politics, and also to play a leading role on the international stage. The course provides excellent opportunities for international, national, regional, and local networking and the development of personal social capital which will serve to effectively enhance employability prospects.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

The course is available part time and includes a flexible teaching pattern. Some modules are taught in short intensive blocks of five days. Other modules adopt a blended teaching approach where lectures are delivered once per month.

This makes it possible for students that are working or live at a distance to be able to take individual modules without regular weekly attendance at the University. However, the ethos of a strong peer learning community is central to all modes of learning, regardless of being either classroom or web based.

A range of assessment methods will be used during your course. Your skills, knowledge and understanding will be formally and informally assessed through written assignments, oral presentations and through practical tasks. The requirements and the marking criteria for all course assessments are clearly set out for you in this handbook and module handbooks. Tutors may provide additional supportive material to you.

Opportunities will also be provided throughout the course for informal, formative assessment of your skills, knowledge and understanding. You will be invited to present seminar papers, contribute to class and online discussions, apply your learning informally in the workplace and take part in tutorials.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The MA in Community Leadership is a unique course developed and inspired by individuals who work within communities as activists and change makers. The course is based upon the concept of a learning community, whereby learners come together to share experiences and best practice. It works on the belief that within the context of community leadership, individuals learn best from a peer led programme.

The course can be taken at either MA, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate level. Students who successfully complete three taught modules are eligible for the award of PG Certificate.

The course focuses on core themes relating to politics and governance, faith, gender, global society, and community resilience. In addition to the MA, students will also be eligible for an optional exit award in Strategic Leadership at Level 7 from the Institute of Leadership and Management. Through the Interfaith Dialogue route, he course offers an annual field visit to an international destination, usually Cordoba in Spain, but this varies according to availability. Further international visits and collaborations are available at the discretion of the course tutor and subject to numbers.

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The six-month Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Community Development provides working professionals with a flexible path to improving their practical experience, skills and knowledge in sustainable community development through new thinking, strategy and applied solutions.

This program combines on-site experiential learning with online study for an effective, flexible education option.

Through our collaborative partnership with the City of Victoria, students will complete an intensive eight-day residency at CityStudio, an innovative learning space located in downtown Victoria.

Who It's For

This graduate certificate program is for community-oriented professionals in the public and private sectors who are seeking practical tools and a holistic understanding of sustainable community-based development. By working on current, local projects that demand initiative, originality and leadership, you will gain the applied and theoretical expertise necessary for resolving complex community challenges. The CityStudio residency also creates the opportunity to apply place-based evidence decision-making, improving your ability to effectively facilitate sustainable community development.

Outcomes

Upon completion of this six-month graduate certificate, students will be able to:
-Apply principles and practices to increase resiliency, innovation and transformation on the path to sustainability
-Demonstrate an understanding of and ability to analyze applied research challenges or opportunities from an interdisciplinary perspective
-Gather, select and interpret appropriate quantitative and qualitative data to critically assess and evaluate issues using a systems lens
-Critically analyze, interpret and evaluate sustainable community development issues and scenarios, and recommend effective resolutions and strategies
-Work with comprehensive tools to support community success in planning, decision-making and successful implementation
-Apply principles and practices to build community engagement, capacity, collaboration and positive outcomes in varied contexts
-Demonstrate creativity and initiative across systems thinking and critical thinking
-Apply experience and theory for practical, effective community development solutions

Laddering Options

This graduate certificate program is designed to be taken on its own, or to ladder into the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program.

Delivery Model

The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable and Community Development at Royal Roads University offers the unique advantage of an eight-day residency, preceded by one online course and followed by another online course. This structure provides students with the opportunity to apply and benefit from real-life case studies and place-based evidence decision making.

Residency
Students can expect the residency period to be quite rigorous. The normal schedule for a residency is from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Homework, readings and team assignments are completed outside of these hours so it is recommended that students keep their evenings available for these activities.

Online Learning
The online portion of the program involves several information delivery methods, including textbooks, articles, case studies, interactive learning and "chat" bulletin boards for corresponding. Courses involve assignments and teamwork, requiring students to plan carefully to meet timelines.

The two online courses last for a period of 10 weeks each, and require a level of effort of approximately 20 hours per week. During the first online course, the amount of time required may be higher as students familiarize themselves with our online learning platform.

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This course is for students who have completed the PGDip in Community Health Care Nursing and who wish to develop their academic skills in undertaking relevant research for practice.

This course will assist the practitioner to advance in their area of specialist practice. It will also assist with the dissemination of advanced knowledge skills to other colleagues, learners and other practitioners.

What will this course cover?

The course is based on a work based project involving primary research and/or an extended literature review in their area of interest.
You will then need to produce a dissertation based on that project of about 15.000 words.

Support and supervision for the dissertation will be offered on an individual basis and guided reading for further study will be provided as necessary.

Why choose this course?

On successful completion of the programme a graduate will be able to:
• show a systematic approach to the analysis of research in the context of professional practice delivery.
• make sound judgements in the absence of complete data and communicate conclusions clearly.
• demonstrate mastery in the understanding of the approaches to the delivery and evaluation of quality health and social care in the community setting.
• Show a systematic approach to the analysis of research in the context of professional practice delivery.

How will I be taught and assessed?

Students will be allocated a supervisor for the duration of the study who will be a member of the academic teaching team for the course with an interest in the area of study. The students will be provided with a handbook to guide and support them through the dissertation process.

Students will meet as a group on a number of occasions throughout the year according to expressed need for guidance on the process of undertaking the research project and discussion of experiences with other students.

They will be offered the opportunity to present their ongoing findings to the group either face to face or online. In addition to this, students will be invited to attend the research seminars presented by staff working in the Faculty Research Centre.

The virtual learning environment will be fully utilised to support students in distance learning and communication will be maintained through discussion boards with supervisors and other students.

Careers

This course gives you an understanding of the complexities of working within a community setting, giving an increased awareness of strategic influences on policy.

With the changing demographics of patients being cared for in their own homes, this programme provides you with an underpinning knowledge to equip you with skills to care effectively for patients/clients in their own homes or community settings.

How to apply

Apply here: http://bucks.ac.uk/applynow/

Funding

There are a range of funding opportunities for postgraduate students which include sponsorship, bursaries, scholarships and loans: http://bucks.ac.uk/fees_funding/postgraduate-masters-scholarships/

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This award develops a pathway specific for practitioners working in the area of community justice and provides an opportunity for them to work towards a specified qualification at postgraduate level. The course will be of interest to professionals within the community justice sector, including Probation Officers, Youth Justice Workers, Workers in Drug and Alcohol Agencies, Crime Prevention Officers, Victims of Crime Support Workers, members of police and prison services and other related fields. The course will enhance the opportunity for practitioners to develop and research specialist areas and to equip themselves for management or strategic management roles.

Each module encourages candidates to consider existing best practice; developing new skills and advanced knowledge in the area of community justice. The course will develop research skills and research-mindedness; it will evaluate the contribution of research to inform practice and enhance service delivery.

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION

The University has been endorsed by the College of Social Work as a provider of CPD training.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

Keynote lectures, seminars, tutorials, material for self-directed learning, e-learning, workshops will form part of university based learning provision.

Students will be required to link formal learning to their practice and will be encouraged to build on existing skills/develop new skills to consolidate their learning across the academic and practice fields.

Skills, values and knowledge will be developed through group discussions, group tutorials, presentations and practice learning opportunities.

The overarching teaching and learning strategy will enable students to develop cognitive skills which are appropriate to independent learning and postgraduate study.

A range of assessment methods will include essays, presentations, case studies, practice observation, reflective writing, practice portfolios, and personal development files.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The course will:
-Enable students to critically reflect on and review their professional development to facilitate enhanced performance and service delivery in the area of community justice
-Provide learning opportunities for students to critically reflect on complex challenges, current issues and evidence-based practice in the area of community justice
-Develop and enhance students’ capacity for critically evaluating advanced theoretical knowledge, law and policy in relation to community justice
-Provide learning opportunities for students to develop and to enhance decision-making skills in complex situations in community justice
-Develop the student’s understanding of methods of assessment and intervention within the context of community justice
-Enable students to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level

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In recent years, there has been growing emphasis on an intelligence led approach to delivering community safety and reducing crime and disorder. Data analysis, community consultation and other methods are needed to ensure that resources achieve maximum effect, while engaging with communities in delivery. This flexible, part-time qualification is for professionals who require specific training and development to meet the challenges of such an approach.

Tuition is designed not only to equip you with the latest knowledge from the field, but also the skills to research and apply this in your workplace. Achieving this award will recognise the value of the higher level, professional activities conducted by practitioners in this field. It will be of particular interest to those working in community safety, policing, crime prevention, fire and rescue services, youth offending, probation, health services or local authorities.

Throughout the course, you will have full support and access to tutors with experience in this field. Discussion sessions are also built into the course, which are ideal to exchange good practice and work-related ideas with fellow professionals from across the country.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the course and would recommend it to anyone wanting to further their knowledge in this area. It has assisted me in my professional career.” Louise Lucas – PgC Community and Partnerships,Deputy Sector Inspector

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/1026-msc-community-and-partnerships-online-delivery

What you will study

You will study the following modules:

Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)
- Problem-orientated Partnerships
- Community Safety
- Researching Contemporary Issues
- Neighbourhood Analysis and Performance

Postgraduate Diploma (PgD)
- Strategic Partnerships
- Violent Extremism and Terrorism
- Community Issues

MSc
This award requires completion of a Dissertation Development module and a dissertation.

Learning and teaching methods

You will study this award by distance learning through the University’s online learning system, so you can combine your studies with work based learning. You will get to interact with other professionals through a specially designed virtual learning system, which includes forums and discussion groups.

Your learning will be supported by the course team, textbooks and related documents supplied by the University.

Modules start in April and September and new students are welcome to join whenever a new module begins.

Work Experience and Employment Prospects

This creative, flexible course is for professionals who want to develop their expertise and network with other practitioners in this area.

Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge for successful partnership interventions, the skills to research and apply this for the benefit of communities and their respective organisations, and the problemsolving skills for a multi-professional approach in a contemporary workplace.

Assessment methods

Assessments will be work-based, including critical essays and reflections on discussion groups.

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The Equality and Community Leadership programme is a unique course developed and inspired by individuals who work within communities as activists and change makers. The principle concern of the programme is the study of communities and the dynamics and tensions of human interaction within them, alongside the role of law as a vehicle of governance. It aims to focus on understanding disadvantages within communities and how inclusivity can be established, as well as, understand social inequalities and how to enhance the value of diversity and inclusion. It is developed in the context of recent legislation which requires public bodies to ‘set and publish’ equality information objectives and both theory and practice at their centre. You will critically engage with concepts and methods to uncover inequalities and offer strategies for change towards valuing diversity and social inclusion in the context of society, communities and organisations.

INDUSTRY LINKS

An academic qualification in community leadership provides an excellent and recognised foundation for a career in the field. The course is designed to prepare the student for senior positions of community leadership within the third sector, the public sector, governance and politics, and also to play a leading role on the international stage. The course provides excellent opportunities for international, national, regional, and local networking and the development of personal social capital which will serve to effectively enhance employability prospects.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

The course is available part-time and includes a flexible teaching pattern. Some modules are taught in short intensive blocks of five days. Other modules adopt a blended teaching approach where lectures are delivered once per month.

This makes it possible for students that are working or live at a distance to be able to take individual modules without regular weekly attendance at the University. However, the ethos of a strong peer learning community is central to all modes of learning, regardless of being either classroom or web based.

A range of assessment methods will be used during your course. Your skills, knowledge and understanding will be formally and informally assessed through written assignments, oral presentations and through practical tasks. The requirements and the marking criteria for all course assessments are clearly set out for you in this handbook and module handbooks. Tutors may provide additional supportive material to you.

Opportunities will also be provided throughout the course for informal, formative assessment of your skills, knowledge and understanding. You will be invited to present seminar papers, contribute to class and online discussions, apply your learning informally in the workplace and take part in tutorials.

FURTHER INFORMATION

You will enjoy a postgraduate research culture and varied developed links with professional bodies such the Institute of Leadership and Management and other public, voluntary, community and faith organisations.

You will draw from experience of active equality-trained practitioners and research expertise within UCLan’s award-winning Centre for Volunteering and Community Leadership, noted for its work in developing community cohesion and active citizenship projects. The Centre works across a number of key areas, with students looking to gain an advantage through our accredited volunteering opportunities.

The course is designed to capacity build individuals from across the sector in driving civic engagement and maintaining inclusivity. They aim is to critically engage students with concepts and methods to uncover inequalities and offer strategies for change towards valuing diversity and social inclusion in the context of society, communities and organisations.

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