The programme aims to provide graduates in relevant fields and/or JNC qualified Youth Workers with substantial experience of working with young people and community groups an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of Youth and Community related theory, policy and practice issues.

Topics covered on the programme are the theory, policy and practice of Youth Work, inter-personal communication and group work, accountability, professionalism and leadership. The programme also provides an overview of the theoretical, philosophical, and ethical principles which underpin research and introduces students to the theory and practice of practitioner research.

The MA in Youth and Community Studies provides:

• An opportunity for JNC qualified Youth Workers and other graduates a flexible credit based programme leading towards a higher degree with a strong focus on policy and practice
• An opportunity for youth work practitioners to become familiar with the principles and practice of practitioner research 
• The option of interim awards at certificate and diploma level for students who are unable to complete the programme
• A well established pool of youth organisations offering a variety of youth work settings, within diverse communities, to conduct action research projects

JNC qualified applicants without a degree:

1. JNC qualification gained in conjunction with a Certificate or Diploma of Higher Education
2. Minimum of 5 years post-qualifying experience of working with young people between 13 and 19 years of age;
3. Interview;
4. A written task relating to the nature and purpose of Youth Work.

Graduate applicants:

1. An undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in the Social Sciences or Humanities area (e.g. Sociology, Education, Psychology, etc.), minimum 2 :2 classification or equivalent;

All applicants must complete an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required, applicants should have a minimum score of 6 in the writing component. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes.

Students that apply to enter stages of the programme may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate and evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption.

Core modules are designed to develop critical awareness of theoretical, policy and practice issues relating to youth and community work, drawing upon multidisciplinary research and scholarship.

The learning/teaching strategies adopted by the programme aim to encourage independent and active learning. A wide range of active teaching methods will be employed throughout the programme including;

• Practical workshops - enabling experimentation and the analysis and discussion of issues, documents and materials;
• Lectures - providing the opportunity for the presentation of an extended and coherent line of argument;
• Seminars - to generate group and individual creativity, discussion and reflection;
• Work based activities - to allow participants to undertake enquiry and/or development work;
• Conferences - to facilitate the opportunity to share ideas and to experience research and enquiry undertaken in areas outside the participants’ immediate professional spheres;
• Guided reading and independent study - to enable participants to engage with relevant and appropriate debate;
• Supported self study using relevant materials - to promote individual enquiry and development;
• Individual tutorials - to enable a more extended, in-depth analysis and support of self study;
• E-learning opportunities - involving the use of interactive packages and virtual learning environment.

The MA Youth and Community Studies is assessed by coursework for taught modules and an extended final research project in the form of a written dissertation. Assessed coursework includes essays, seminar presentations, group projects and research reviews. Each module assessment will typically be an assignment of 5,000 words or equivalent. Assignments are research based and must relate to the particular topic of study. The final research project will be a dissertation of 14,000 words.

More detailed information on assessment is given in the Student Handbook and in individual module guides.

The programme is aimed at JNC qualified youth workers with experience of working with 13 to 19 year olds and has a strong practical focus. This is reflected in the way in which pedagogic materials are addressed in all modules at the level of theory and practice. In addition, the research methodology training which supports the dissertation has a strong action research focus. Research for the dissertation is geared towards youth work practice.

The final dissertation provides students with an opportunity to investigate a specific field of study in depth. Students are required to liaise closely with their supervisor in the design of their study and engage with the demands of independent research at the implementation and writing up stages.

Students on the programme are encouraged to develop their own research interests and, where appropriate, to take these to doctoral level. All students are given support to publish their work in professional and academic journals, and to present their work at conferences. The programme will also equip those who are interested in pursuing an academic career in the field of youth and community or who wish eventually to embark on a PhD with essential research and analytical skills.

On completing the programme, students will enhance their career prospects in statutory or third sector organisations. The sector trade Union (CYWU) estimates that there is currently a short fall of over 4000 youth workers to meet the Government’s requirements in line with the Ten Year Strategy. Youth Work has become increasingly complex and demanding, and youth workers now find themselves working in a wide variety of educational settings, including schools, educational welfare and the NHS. This in turn has created career opportunities for Youth Workers, calling upon higher level of evidence-based knowledge and skills of Youth Work practitioners.

Students are supported through an initial induction which introduces them to the teaching and learning environment, particularly UELPlus as it will be used extensively by the programme team to provide learning resources and sign posts to further material to complement lectures, seminars and tutorials. Module group tutorials enable students to discuss any problems they may be experiencing, discuss assessed work, present written work for feedback and make presentations based on group activities.

The programme team is made up of colleagues with extensive experience of youth and community work in the statutory and third sector. They are also research active in youth related issues. It is expected that students will also have diverse experiences of working in a variety of settings. Such diversity of experiences will provide opportunities for rich dialogue and critical engagement with current issues related to youth in society.