Youth Studies at UEL addresses current and relevant topics which effect young people and those who work with them. The programme is underpinned by good practice in the field, diversity, empowerment and rights and responsibilities in working with young people. The programme is innovative, providing students with knowledge for the future; providing options for specialist career choices and specialisms.

Applicants need 240 UCAS tariff points.

Students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes.
In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) is required.  International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.

• Experience significant and challenging opportunities for professional development in work with young people
• Understand the social, political and theoretical impact of discourse in the study of youth
• Develop transferable academic skills in reading, writing, speaking
• Explore the key issues in youth and community work for the twenty-first century

Knowledge

• Demonstrate knowledge of Youth Studies in its historical, political and social contexts
• Demonstrate an understanding of the contribution of a range of different areas of knowledge to the study of Youth
• Develop awareness of the principles which inform and underpin work with young people
• Develop knowledge of current themes and priorities in Youth issues
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding and practical skills relevant to academic study and professional conduct in working with young people in a variety of settings
• Gain knowledge and understanding of the needs of young people over a range of theories, contexts and approaches

Thinking skills

• Develop analytical and critical approaches to theory and knowledge
• Develop the skills of the reflective advocate or supporter of young people
• Develop abilities in approaching complex Youth issues and applying these to settings within the community
• Develop skills in gathering, analysing and summarising information
• To be able to undertake research from a variety of theoretical perspectives

Subject-Based Practical skills

• Develop the ability to work independently
• Develop the skills of  group work including planning and delivering presentations
• To be able to work effectively within a team and across disciplinary boundaries
• Develop the skills to communicate effectively to diverse audiences
• Work within ethical and value-led boundaries and in association with other professionals
• Develop the personal and organisational qualities necessary to become a Youth and Community worker
• Develop the skills to identify ways of addressing issues that affect young people in a variety of settings  
• Develop ICT skills

Skills for life and work - general skills

• Self management skills in organising learning
• Time-management skills and the ability to prioritise tasks
• Communicate effectively in a variety of media to diverse audiences
• Develop the ability to interpret and present information in a critical and constructive way
• Develop the ability to organise and articulate opinions, arguments, and information in speech and in writing
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, including working through conflict
• Ability to network within the field and share ideas and information
• Identifying, understanding and responding to the needs of young people
• Read critically and write fluently for a range of audiences

The expected duration of this programme is three years when attended in full-time mode or longer in part-time mode. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

The teaching year begins in September and ends in June, but students are also allowed to join at the start of Semester B, in February. A student, normally registering for 6 modules in one year (3 modules in each Semester) would do so in a full-time attendance mode of study and a student registering for up to 4 modules in one year (2 modules in each Semester) would do so in part-time attendance mode of study.

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.
It is possible to bring together modules from one field with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations.

• Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three
• Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three
• Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three
• Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three

Modules are defined as:

• Core - Must be taken
• Option - Select from a range of identified module within the field
• UEL Wide Option - Select from a wide range of UEL wide options

The following pages show the core and optional requirements for the single and major programmes.
The following are the core and optional requirements for the single and major routes for this programme

In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher
In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.
In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher

(A foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree.)

Knowledge is developed through

• Lectures, seminars, workshops
• Discussion and in-class activities
• Private study to consolidate understanding of key issues
• The use of audio-visual aids
• Group work sessions within the learning environment and outside these times
• Research seminars and talks organised by the School of Education
• Reading and study for modules, coursework and exams

Thinking skills are developed through

• Understanding, analysing and applying theory and theoretical models, in the context of youth and community work, and synthesising solutions to show original and creative thought
• Planning, managing, and reflecting on learning and progression, in acquiring graduate attributes towards a career in youth and community work

Practical skills and skills for life and work are developed through

• The wide spectrum of tasks involved in the programme
• Project and course work requiring a variety of skills
• Participation in group work within modules necessitating skills of empathetic interaction and communication

Each module is assessed through one or two assignments, linked to learning outcomes. The assignments may take a variety of forms including:

Knowledge is assessed by

• Coursework assignments – reports, essays, learning journals, presentations
• Examinations
• Individual tutorials

Thinking skills are assessed by

• Reflective journals
• Coursework assignments
• Participation seminars, workshops and tutorials

Practical skills are assessed by

• Presentations
• Research project

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

• Presentation of data in research projects and other assignments
• Participation in class/group/tutorial discussions