Masters Degrees in Youth Work, United Kingdom

Summary

This course offers students knowledge, skills, understanding and reflective practice in the field of community youth work and an opportunity to gain a professional qualification in community youth work. The programme has three main aims: 1. The development of effective professional practitioners in community youth work. 2. The delivery of a postgraduate programme that will challenge, develop and engage critically in issues that relate to the field of community youth work through informed and innovative methods of teaching and learning. 3. To enhance the professional skills and employability of community youth workers.

About

The programme will initially be studied in part-time mode. This is the second revalidation of this programme offering potential students a unique opportunity to gain a professional qualification, validated by the North South Education and Training Standards Committee for Youth Work (NSETS) and an academic award of the University of Ulster. Students will follow six modules for the postgraduate diploma in community youth work for the professional endorsement by the NSETS leading, if desired, to the award by dissertation of a MSc in Community Youth Work. Students will be required to have the postgraduate diploma before embarking on to the Masters level. The modules are arranged to meet the criteria set out by NSETS and to meet the needs of students training to become professional workers. All students will follow a placement module which is supervised by a University tutor and a practice teacher. The placement is an opportunity for CYW staff to assess at first hand the development of professional practice based on the monitoring student skills through reflective practice. The course maintains both academic and professional coherence through the use of modules that underpin fundamental concepts of community youth work, i.e. the context of youth. The module has been specifically designed to facilitate the needs of a postgraduate programme and will be taught exclusively for this cohort. Past experience suggests that it is important to build a strong collegial group early on in the programme. While it is envisaged that other modules will be taught alongside the undergraduate course the first module is explicitly designed to create a sense of belonging for the new intake.. This is followed by more applied modules, i.e. principles and practice of youth work; communities in focus and the in-situ/exigency placements at the beginning of year. After the placement students will follow the principles and practice of youth work: leadership, management and supervision module preparing them for management roles in youth work and the critical thinking and professional development module to consolidate their learning and to focus on areas that they may wish to research or develop further including inter-professional collaboration. The modules have been designed to facilitate the underpinning knowledge, skills and understanding needed to become a professional community youth worker. The modules are: (i) THE CONTEXT OF YOUTH WORK; (ii) PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF YOUTH WORK; (iii) COMMUNITIES IN FOCUS; (iv) IN-SITU AND EX-AGENCY REFLECTIVE PLACEMENTS; (v) PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF YOUTH WORK; SUPERVISION, LEARDERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT; (vi) CRITICAL THINKING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Award of postgraduate diploma in community youth work with professional endorsement; (i) DISSERTATION Award of MSc in Community Youth Work.

Work placement / study abroad

This assessed practice period placement(s) focuses on youth and community work in the context of an agency. Students will build on learning from the taught modules and their own experience. They will use the placement to reflect and evaluate their practice in four disparate but inter-related areas: 1. The development of self; 2. Understanding individuals; 3. The role and function of the group; 4. The agency context within a given community. The students will therefore be offered opportunities to experience; a. Informal education work with young people and adults, individually and in groups, b. Youth service and community agencies, c. Different types of youth and community work provision. d. A reflective and evaluatory experience with supervisory support by a professionally qualified in-situ practice teacher.

Students are expected to: develop appropriate programmes of social education within the constraints of the agency. - develop their 'helping' and 'enabling' skills. - gain experience in terms of the management of practice. - gain an understanding of a specialist agency which focuses on a particular target group (ex-agency placement). - link the practice experiences with theoretical concepts. - record and evaluate their work.

Professional recognition

Endorsed by the North/South Education and Training Standards Committee for Youth Work (NSETS) (JNC Recognised) for the purpose of professional qualification.

Career options

Due to the nature of this postgraduate programme being initially about professional endorsement the career opportunities for students is already set, i.e. they are in employment. The development of a new module, ‘Critical thinking and professional development’ is an indication of the staff teams belief in enhancing the understanding of continuing professional development through evidence- based practice and the development of critical thinking. The students on the programme will benefit from reflecting on their profession and indeed looking at how it is viewed in relation to other professions. One can assume, if past history about the course is anything to go on, that those who gain the PGD in CYW will be highly skilled, knowledgeable and highly employable. For others the course itself if part of their professional development as many students have been working the in the field without professional training.

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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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This postgraduate diploma can be studied on a full- (one year) or part-time (two years) basis. It provides the perfect learning platform for experienced youth workers to concentrate on their professional development, exploring and analysing social education strategies and community development with critical reflection. Students also work to understand the policies and practices which aim to counter discrimination and encourage equality in the community.

This dynamic course offers an in-depth look at the profession in its current state, encouraging students to identify new strategies which can bring about positive change in the future. The course leads to a nationally recognised qualification from the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), as part of the University’s continued commitment to boosting students’ employability and professional confidence.

This intensive course helps students to understand how communities function and how they change according to political, social and economical changes. Students are encouraged to explore historical and contemporary evidence and theory to develop a well-rounded, expert approach to youth and community work.

Modules

Students are required to completed their PG Dip with professional qualification before undertaking a practitioner research project to inform the Masters Dissertation.
-Theory and Practice of Youth and Community Work
-Professional Development (1) Anti-Oppressive, Interpersonal Communication and Group Work in Youth and Community Work
-Professional Development (2) Enhancing Youth and Community Work Practice through Research and Enquiry
-Professional Development (3) Managing and Leading Youth and Community Work
-Youth and Community Work Practice 1
-Youth and Community Work Practice 2

Students who successfully complete their Postgraduate Diploma (Year 1) can exit with that award, or they can return the following year or interrupt and return in any subsequent year to submit a dissertation for the MA. The Masters dissertation of 15,000 words is based on a separate practitioner research project.

Career Opportunities

Youth and community workers are in demand across a wide range of agencies and settings both locally and nationally. From main stream youth work running centres, projects in the Third Sector to work in schools and with youth work partners such as Public Health. The MA Youth and Community is not only responsive to the continuing professional development needs of students in the UK but is also transferable to other Youth and Community Work settings internationally. The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) accreditation is one of the few nationally recognised professional qualifications which places successful students in an excellent position to gain employment in a variety of youth related fields. The University has well established and on-going contact with local and national agencies and a developing rapport with international providers, so the career prospects for graduates of the programme are excellent.

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*Individual modules are also available as short courses, which can be combined into the large qualifications.

This programme provides an ideal route for practitioners working with young people, including youth workers and those who manage them, enabling them to develop an advanced understanding of the issues involved in managing work with young people. It is designed for those who wish to further their understanding of these issues at postgraduate level and who already have (or do not require) a professional qualification in Community and Youth Work.

Course structure

Core Modules

-Youth Policy and Practice (15 credits)
-Professional and Personal Development (30 credits)
-Management in Community Settings (30 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.
-Community Analysis (15 credits)
-Community Policy and Practice (15 credits)
-Crime, Justice and the Sex Industry (30 credits)
-Drugs, Crime and Society (30 credits)
-Gender, Violence and Abuse (30 credits)
-Policy Related and Evaluation Research (15 credits)
-Qualitative Research Methods in Social Science (15 credits)
-Quantitative Research Methods in Social Science (15 credits)

To study the PG Certificate in Managing Youth Work Practice you will be required to take Management in Community and Youth Work and Youth Policy and Practice plus one 15 credit optional module.

To study the PG Diploma in Managing Youth Work Practice you will be required to take Management in Community and Youth Work, Youth Policy and Practice and Professional and Personal Development plus 45 credits from the optional modules.

Learning and Teaching

The MA Managing Youth Work Practice is designed for a range of professionals working with young people including youth workers and those who manage them, who wish to undertake related advanced study. It is ideal for those wishing to develop their understanding of the management of this work especially for those who already have or do not require a professional qualification in Community and Youth Work. It is offered through both a full time and part time route however, this summary refers to the full time route with the part time options being individually tailored to accommodate work patterns of those students already employed in profession practice. The programme is delivered through a range of lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work, reflective practice seminars, research seminars 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.

Typically, taught sessions provide students with academic input on a particular area of the professional disciplines of youth work and reflect the diverse range of settings within which the management of 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 and draw 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.

The MA Managing Youth Work Practice provides the student with a learning opportunity within which they can apply and test understanding, knowledge and skills related to the managerial roles and responsibilities of their practice settings. A critical examination of the relationship of theory and practice is central to this. The programme is assessed through continual assessment using a range of methods including written assignments, reflective journals, individual and group presentations so 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.

This 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 which the students are encouraged to attend such as extracurricular training, research seminars and workshops to broaden their understanding and deepen their knowledge of wider issues related to their professional discipline.

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Course Overview

​MA Managing Community Practice: This programme is designed to enhance the professional practice of experienced practitioners by facilitating a critical and reflective approach to management, staff development, innovatio​n and researching practice. Many of the modules are taught interprofessionally including colleagues from community work, youth work, teaching, PRUs and health in both voluntary and statutory sectors. This provides for rich interprofessional learning and reflects the practice realities of interprofessional working.

PgD in Youth and Community Work: This professionally endorsed award is particularly suitable for graduates who have increasingly found themselves working in the field of youth and community work and who wish to gain a professional qualification. The programme requires students to undertake two separate supervised placements in the field of youth and community work. Students attend university on one evening a week where they undertake taught modules and tutorials. Students on this programme tend to develop into a highly supportive, friendly and analytical professional group.

See the website https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/education/courses/Pages/Youth-and-Community-Work---PgD--Managing-Community-Practice---MA-.aspx

​Course Content​​

MA Managing Community Practice:
The programme consists of three core and one optional module, followed by a dissertation. Most students choose to take two modules per year over two years (one evening per week during term time) followed by the dissertation, although full-time and accelerated modes of attendance may be negotiated.

MA Core Modules:
- Researching Practice
- Reflective Practice
- Managing and Leading Community Practice

MA Optional Modules:
- Mentoring
- Leading and Facilitating Reflective Practice
- Education: Character and Context

PG Dip in Youth and Community Work:
The taught and fieldwork elements of the programme are part time and can be completed in two years. Once both taught and fieldwork elements of the programme are satisfactorily completed it is possible to continue onto the MA. Students will need to attend taught sessions and tutorials on one evening a week.

PgD Core modules:
- Principles and Practice of Youth and Community Work
- Management in the Youth and Community Sector
- The Community Context of Practice (Fieldwork and Tutorials)
- The Social Context of Practice (Fieldwork and Tutorials).​

Learning & Teaching​

​MA:
Most of the modules have a strong application to professional practice and often involve the undertaking of practice-based projects.

PgD:
Students will be expected to undertake a considerable amount of self-study to enhance the collective learning process. It is envisaged that students will utilise their experiences to enhance the level of analysis in all collective sessions. Students are expected to engage in reflective learning processes throughout the duration of the programme.

Teaching methods will tend to emphasise small group discussions and informal lectures.

Assessment

Students will be assessed on both their youth and community work-based practice and their academic assignments through a range of assessment types including essays, presentations, group exercises, portfolios, reflective writing, and viva voce.

Employability & Careers​

MA:
The programme is aimed at practitioners and managers in the generic and expanding field of youth and community development work. It aims to enable people to develop their professional understanding and skills through a supportive and challenging learning environment.
The programme will be of particular interest to experienced practitioners who manage aspects of youth or community development provision and who wish to develop their analytical and professional capabilities. It is one of the pathways on the Master's CPD framework.

PgD:
The PgD is a programme leading to professional qualification in youth and community work which is endorsed by the Wales ETS. As such it enables graduates to qualify in this growing occupational area while enhancing their academic profile.

​Successful Post Graduate Diplomats may wish to continue with their studies to obtain the MA.

Contact for MA:
Jan Huyton:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 029 2041 6499​​

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/scholarships

Find out how to apply here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply

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This is an innovative course designed to qualify you as a professional youth and community worker and gain a JNC professional qualification in youth work. The programme is professionally endorsed by Education Training Skills Cymru (ETS).

The Postgraduate Diploma Youth and Community Work (Initial Qualifying) has been designed to reflect the professional, policy, social, and cultural contexts that youth work within the UK, is currently engaged.

This course is for graduates from a relevant academic background and profession, looking to gain a JNC professional qualification in youth work and a postgraduate or MA qualification.

You may be an experienced youth worker but not yet hold a JNC professional qualification. This postgraduate programme meets the professional development needs of a growing statutory and voluntary social and education sector, that embraces for example, professionals working in youth work, community development, health, education, social care and youth justice.

The additional strengths at the University of South Wales include its focus on the development of critical thinking and leadership skills, and a greater understanding of the policy and practice context of this specific area of professional work. The focus on ethics, reflection and safeguarding complements this. The opportunity to both study, and directly experience, European models of practice with and for children and young people adds a further unique and interesting aspect to the programme.

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/1275-postgraduate-diploma-youth-and-community-work-initial-qualifying

What you will study

As a student on the programme you will study the following core modules:
- Principles, Practice and Professional Foundations of Youth Work
- Ethics, Reflection and Safeguarding
- Social Pedagogy
- Professional Placement (180 hours) and linked teaching.
- Alternative Professional Placement (120 hours) and linked teaching.

Plus one of the following two optional modules:
- Managing and Leading Interdisciplinary Teams
- Research Methods and Project Management

You may then exit with a Postgraduate Diploma, or remain on the programme to complete your Dissertation (20,000 words) or Internship and Critical Report (15,000 words) and achieve the MA Working for Children and Young People.

Assessment methods

You will be assessed through a variety of written assignments, presentations, group work, distance learning tasks and a placement or work-based project.

Learning and teaching methods

Full-time: One year plus dissertation

Part-time: 2-5 years. Part-time students will normally be required to spend one day a week on campus for lectures. This will be supported by independent study and distance learning. This is ideal if you are looking to study and work in tandem. Your time on campus will vary if you choose the part-time route.

Students can also participate in individual stand alone modules based on your professional and CPD needs. The programme is timetabled flexibly and creatively and designed to complement employment. This will not lead to the initial qualifying (JNC) award as this depends on successful achievement of all modules.

You may also take the opportunity to participate in overseas study and work experience visits.

Employment Prospects

An MA is a highly regarded qualification for senior positions in youth and community work in both the statutory and voluntary sector. On completion of the full master’s programme, there may also be opportunities for you to progress into further study via a PhD route on application, both at the University of South Wales and other UK Universities. Our graduates will be well placed to seek advancement in their own professional areas or seek a change of employment.

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Youth and community work is a unique and value-based practice that seeks to support and foster the development of young people and the wider community to enable all to reach their full potential. Underpinned by strong values of social justice Youth and Community Workers seek to critically analyse the social world and nurture the development of others through collaborative and creative practice leading to social change.

The main aim of the MA in Youth and Community Work with JNC professional qualification is to develop skilled, innovative and reflective practitioners, who are able to engage and develop positive relationships within communities, which lead to education and discovery. Through practice workers will demonstrate a clear commitment to promoting participation and empowerment, equality, partnership working and to the personal, social and political development of those involved.

This new MA Youth and Community Work programme has been designed in partnership with service users and leading professionals employed in the field. This collaboration ensures teaching is current and reflective of today’s youth and community work agenda preparing you effectively for a successful career.


Curriculum

This course is delivered through a full-time (1 year) or part time (2 years) route and will provide you with a blend of academic and practice-based learning to develop both your theoretical understanding and experience through two professional practice placements. Students will build a solid foundation in youth and community work through an exploration of the theoretical frameworks of informal education and community development along with advanced studies examining key youth and community work methods and settings, contemporary issues, youth development, welfare and social policy.
- Youth Work Theory and Practice (20 Credits)
- Practice Placement 1: Linked to Youth Work Theory and Practice, Community Empowerment for Social Change (20 Credits)
- Critical Themes and Issues Influencing Contemporary Practice (20 Credits)
- Managing Youth and Community Work (10 Credits)
- Advanced Research Seminars (20 Credits)
- Dissertation Preparation and Research Methods (10 Credits)
- Practice Placement 2 (20 Credits)
- Dissertation (60 Credits)

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This programme offers you the opportunity to study the theoretical and practical dimensions of adult, community and youth development. It will equip you with the skills and knowledge to work alongside people in communities to initiate sustainable social change.

Why this programme

◾You will discover ways in which you can help people realise their potential and work together for a fairer, healthier and happier world.
◾Upon successful completion of the PgDip, you will be awarded a professional qualification accredited by the Community Learning and Development Standards Council in Scotland.
◾This qualification will enable you to work in the field of community learning and development, including community development work, youth work, health, housing and social and economic regeneration.
◾You will have the opportunity to participate in a network of community development projects. Project leads contribute to the taught aspects of the programme and also provide you with placement opportunities.
◾Our students come from a wide range of professional, academic and cultural backgrounds and all bring with them a curiosity about how social justice can be developed by people working together for change.

Programme Structure

You will take two core and two optional courses from a specialist pathway. There is a large practical element either in the form of a placement or as part of your current workplace. Throughout the programme there is emphasis on participative and experiential learning. For the MEd you will also undertake an in-depth supervised research project, on a related topic of your choosing.

Core courses
◾Practice and policy inquiry
◾Theoretical frameworks for practice

Optional courses

Adult education
◾Curriculum development in adult education
◾The psychology of adult learning

Community development
◾Educational approaches to community learning & development
◾Empowerment & social change

Youth work
◾Perspectives in youth & young adulthood
◾Working with youth: Education & learning for change

Career prospects

You will have many employment opportunities open to you in the areas of community development work, youth work, health, housing and social and economic regeneration. With an accredited CLD Standards Council for Scotland qualification, you will have the opportunity to work for local authorities, the voluntary sector and further and higher education institutions.

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Why study the youth work and community learning and development course at postgraduate level?

This exciting advanced programme of study responds to the demands of the field to produce an enhanced current and critical exploration of youth work and community learning and development practice. It is a professional development route leading to a widely recognized postgraduate level qualification in these fields.

If you can demonstrate that you are able to work at postgraduate level are interested in developing critically reflective responses to range of education and learning challenges and keen to mix rigorous academic study with reflective practice, then this programme is ideal for you.

How will studying this programme increase my employability?

The programmes will have particular relevance for those looking to enhance their leadership and managerial profile within the field, contribute to the strategic development of their agencies and extend the depth and breadth of learning experiences with young people and in local communities.

Possession of a highly regarded qualification at postgraduate level will enhance prospects of promotion into management and leadership roles.

The MA offers preparation for a wide range of enhanced career opportunities.

What will I study?

The PG Dip/MA Youth Work and Community Learning and Development is a multi-disciplinary programme available by part time or blended learning modes of study.

The PG Dip takes 16 months to complete by part time study with the full MA taking a total of 24 months to complete.

The programme consists of a two stage qualification process. The first being the PG Dip, with an optional exit point at postgraduate certificate level, then the MA. The MA comprises eight modules, there are six modules for the PG Dip.

You can finish the PG Dip in four terms and the MA in a further two terms. We are flexible to fit into student’s other commitments and so the course can be extended if needed.

PG Dip: Studies in professional youth work, strategic leadership and management, youth work and community learning and development, supervision studies, reflection on professional practice.

Full MA: Research design module, dissertation.

What does studying on the PG Dip/MA involve?

It operates in two day blocks (10-12 hours of teaching per block) approximately two/three times a term. These teaching blocks are replaced with individual supervision and self-directed study when MA students start to write their dissertation.

Assessment is continuous throughout the programme by means of written academic work and practice assessments.

What are the entry requirements for the PG Dip/MA?

The College encourages and welcomes applications from all students able to benefit from the programmes offered. We consider all applications individually and take into account academic qualifications and professional experience. The usual entry requirement is the possession of a first degree (2.ii or above), you must also be able to demonstrate:

• The ability to reflect critically upon your experience and learn from it
• The capacity to participate in the learning process of the programme
• The ability to work constructively with the experience of others
• The commitment to work for equal opportunities and justice for all
• The ability to manage different aspects of your life
• The ability to communicate effectively both face-to-face and in writing
• You are working in an appropriate practice environment to the necessary level for the qualification you are applying for
• You have a satisfactory current DBS (CRB) check with enhanced disclosure

Please contact the College if you would like to apply for this programme but are uncertain whether you meet the entry requirements.

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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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Childhood and Youth is a growing field of inquiry across the social sciences. This MSc offers an opportunity to study in one of the UK's leading centres for childhood and youth based research.

This course is aimed at practitioners, policy makers and postgraduate students who want to develop their knowledge of childhood and youth and consider what it means to conduct research with children and young people at an advanced level.

It offers the opportunity to examine leading theories, methodologies and research evidence in order to understand the relationship between the conceptualisation of childhood, methodological approaches to researching with children and young people and the social impact of childhood policies and practices in a variety of social and cultural contexts and across the young life course.

Distinctive features

A distinctive feature of this programme is that two of the modules are taught as a cluster of stand-alone, day-long workshops, each focusing on cutting-edge policy and research issues. These workshops are especially designed for practitioners and policy makers who want to enhance their substantive or methodological knowledge on key areas of childhood and youth policy and practice. They also provide the opportunity for students on the full programme to engage with contemporary issues and debates through a more focused and practical lens, with leading specialists in the field.

The programme also offers exciting opportunities for you to work in an interdisciplinary social science environment and to benefit from a breadth of substantive, theoretical and methodological expertise with leading childhood and youth scholars. Members of our Childhood and Youth Research Group operate at the forefront of public policy debates, advising and steering at local and national levels on a range of contemporary issues (e.g. 'sexualisation', 'domestic violence', 'adoption') and drawing on their own research.

Structure

The course can be completed in one year with full-time study or in two years by part-time study.

A 20-credit module comprises 200 hours of study, including about 30 hours of contact time, and the MSc as a whole, 1800 hours of study.

The MSc in Childhood and Youth comprises up to three 20-credit specialist modules in childhood and youth, two 30-credit modules in social science theory and research methods, and one 60-credit supervised dissertation on a childhood and youth topic of your choice.

For a list of modules for the FULL-TIME route, please see website:

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/childhood-and-youth-msc

For a list of the modules for the PART-TIME route, please see website:

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/childhood-and-youth-msc-part-time

Teaching

Our teaching is research-informed and led by researchers and scholars in one of the foremost childhood and youth studies research groups in the UK. The programme benefits from being located in an inter-disciplinary environment so that in parts of the course, you will come into contact with staff and students from other subject areas and, in other parts of the course, with staff and students in the same substantive area.

Modules employ a diverse range of teaching including lectures, seminars, group and individual tutorials, and independent guided study. All modules within the programme make use of Cardiff University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Learning Central, on which you will find course materials, links to related materials and information on assessment.

Assessment

Modules are assessed by a combination of essays, reports, reviews and presentations.

Career Prospects

Graduates from this programme will have a theoretical, methodological and substantive foundation from which they can critically evaluate how contemporary social structures, institutions, media, policies and practices impact upon children and young people's everyday lives.

This makes the programme suitable if you wish to work in child and youth-focused research, policy and advocacy roles in the private, public and voluntary sector, both nationally and internationally. It also provides a good foundation for those wishing to go on to further training in a variety of professional fields involving work with children and young people, such as education, health and social care, family policy, youth work, justice, international development and charity work.

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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.

Course Benefits

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 24/7 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.

Core modules

• Critical Perspectives in Youth Work & Community Development
• Contemporary Approaches to Management, Leadership & Enterprise
• Personal & Professional Development (including 150-hour alternative placement)
• Promoting Inclusive Practice
• The Professional Practitioner - substantive placement (250 hours' minimum placement)
• Understanding Social Research & Evaluation
• Dissertation

Job Prospects

By enhancing your ability to build trusting, professional relationships with troubled and challenging young people, coupled with proven experience of working in multi-agency settings, you will become an effective youth and community worker who will be sought after by employers.

• Youth Worker
• Community Development Worker
• Behavioural Support Worker
• Charity Project worker

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This award includes a professional qualification validated by the National Youth Agency and recognised by the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) of Youth Leaders and Community Work. This is conferred at Postgraduate Diploma level (120 credits at level 7) on successful completion of the relevant taught units and placements (but we encourage students to register for full MA where possible). The PgDip/MA is aimed at graduates with relevant experience, particularly in working with young people/communities, and with a commitment to community/social education, youth development, and the possibilities of social justice and change. The course is designed to prepare the student for management and leadership roles in both voluntary and statutory organisations.

The award teaching, learning and assessment strategies will reflect the values, ethical principles and codes of practice that underpin the profession. They are based on a framework of quality drawn from national guidelines (QAA Youth and Community Work Benchmark Statement) and institutional strategies (The Manchester Metropolitan University’s Mission Statement and Learning and Teaching Strategy), as well as National Standards set by the NYA.

This award is part of the Manchester Met Faculty of Education postgraduate Professional Development Programme.

Features and benefits of the course

-Masters level continuing professional development tailored for students own context, priorities and interests, drawing on multi/interdisciplinary perspectives
-Professional development and recognition
-Contemporary partnership contexts fully explored
-Positive commitment to exploring issues of equality and diversity in an urban context
-Participation in a large, dynamic and forward-thinking taught post graduate community

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We scrutinise the differing political and ethical claims on childhood and youth that inform contemporary policy and practice.

You’ll be exposed to new and original ways of thinking about children and young people. You’ll be able to:
-Communicate effectively with child- and youth-focused professionals
-Carry out empirical research with children and young people
-Transfer your analytical, writing and other skills to the workplace

How will I study?

You study core modules and options. You also undertake a research methods module and a research dissertation or work-based project.

You are assessed through essays and case studies of 1,500–3,000 words, and group presentations. As part of the dissertation component of the course, you produce a dissertation proposal and a dissertation of 15,000 words.

Work placement

We have strong links with a number of local organisations through which we offer work placements as part of this course. Many of our graduates find employment in non-profit organisations, schools, and social-research settings.

Scholarships

Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals.

Chancellor's International Scholarship (2017)
-25 scholarships of a 50% tuition fee waiver
-Application deadline: 1 May 2017

HESPAL Scholarship (Higher Education Scholarships Scheme for the Palestinian Territories) (2017)
-Two full fee waivers in conjuction with maintenance support from the British Council
-Application deadline: 1 January 2017

PGCE First-Generation Scholars Award (2017)
-£600 maintenance award to PGCE students with a household income below £42,875

USA Friends Scholarships (2017)
-A scholarship of an amount equivalent to $10,000 for nationals or residents of the USA on a one year taught Masters degree course
-Application deadline: 3 April 2017

Centre for Innovation and Research in Childhood and Youth Studies

The School is among the leading academic units in the UK for the quality of its research and hosts the ground-breaking Centre for Innovation and Research in Childhood and Youth (CIRCY). The Centre brings together academic expertise from across the University and also benefits from having an international advisory group including policy and professional experts.

We warmly encourage student participation in all CIRCY activities including the regular seminars and workshops we host in collaboration with our external partners.

Recently commissioned research projects include:
-An international study into children’s participation
-Safeguarding children’s internet use in the digital age
-Child protection in secondary schools
-The development of a ‘sex positive’ health-service delivery for young people

Careers

You may already have a professional qualification in social work, teaching, youth work, early years or related fields and wish to specialise further in the field of childhood and youth studies.

Our MA is ideal for advanced practitioners, leaders and managers, project development and policy officers, and others working with children and young people in local, national and international agencies in the statutory and non-governmental sectors.

Whatever your level, this MA provides an excellent step into doctoral-level study in any academic discipline or profession concerned with childhood and youth.

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Our MSc Critical Youth & Community Studies course is ideal if you have a first degree or experience in youth and community practices and aspire to develop your knowledge and understanding of statutory or voluntary contexts.

Our course contributes to fulfilment of strong leadership and management youth and community practices and opens doors to communities around the world:

• Youth Work
• Community Work
• Voluntary and Statutory Sector Interface or Intermediary Organisations
• Community Activism
• Social Enterprise
• Teaching Artists
• School-Community work
• Creative Industries

The course offers three learning pathways for qualified, non-qualified and international students. It responds to demand for a masters-level qualification in a distinct and growing professional area, where high quality learning is supported by research that is recognised internationally and takes a similarly blended methodology in its teaching and learning methods.

The Postgraduate Certificate level of this course is recognised by CLD Standards Council for Scotland as a lead practitioner qualification.

Course Details

If you are studying full-time on our course then you will normally undertake three modules in each of trimesters 1, 2 and 3 to achieve 180 credits at Level 11, over one year - one year and a half, as required for the award of Master of Science.

If you are a part-time student then you will normally undertake one module in each of trimesters 1, 2 and 3 to achieve 180 credits at Level 11, over a period of two years – two and a half years, as required for the award of Master of Science.

A Postgraduate Certificate can be taken on successful completion of three modules, either as a discrete course or as the first step towards a Diploma, which also consists of three modules. Upon successful completion of the Diploma, you can undertake a capstone project or dissertation on a relevant topic.

Teaching & Assessment

Learning is either work-based or practice placed.

It is anticipated that you will be employed within an organisation that provides a relevant placement experience which will enable you to achieve the required learning outcomes within your own workplace.

If you are a full-time student and do not have relevant employment you will normally be placed by the University within an organisation for a defined period in each year of our course. The placement experience enables you to meet specific learning outcomes and a placement learning agreement is drawn up.

Assessment is through a combination of the following methods:

• essays
• assignments
• individual presentations
• group presentations

Career Prospects

Jobs

Our Master's course opens doors to a range of career prospects in communities across the world, such as:

• youth and community work
• voluntary sector interface
• community activism
• social enterprise
• teaching artists
• school-community work
• creative industries

Further Study

Following successful completion of your Degree you can then progress to PhD level study.

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