Course summary
The Youth Work and Social Education programmes are designed to prepare students to become skilled and professionally qualified youth workers. Endorsed by Education Training Standards Wales (ETS), these programmes provide a recognised professional qualification in youth work and are ideal for those looking to make a meaningful impact in supporting children and young people. The programmes aim to develop students into thoughtful, effective, and knowledgeable professionals in youth and community work. The curriculum is designed to encourage students to become more independent, helping them to identify their own learning and development goals. With an emphasis on leadership in youth work, students will learn to balance practical skills with critical thinking, preparing them for a range of youth worker career paths in community and youth settings. The course takes a social science approach to examine some of the most urgent challenges affecting young people today, from trauma and adverse childhood experiences to substance misuse and issues related to County Lines. Students will also explore topics such as children’s rights, health and well-being, and the impact of relationships on young people’s lives. This understanding of contemporary social issues enables students to take on community development roles, with a commitment to safeguarding and ethics. Central to the course are youth work placements that allow students to put theory into practice. These placements are a crucial part of their training, offering hands-on experience in real-world settings that strengthen their research skills in youth services and build a practical understanding of project management and bid writing in youth services. Through these experiences, students learn to apply theory, policy, and practice in an integrated way, helping them become confident, capable, and empathetic youth workers. These programmes are offered as full-time study options and encourage students to engage deeply with the work of supporting young people, developing their skills in a collaborative and professional environment. The goal is for graduates to leave with the skills, insight, and practical knowledge to lead in their field and contribute positively to the lives of young people. With a strong foundation in leadership, safeguarding, and ethical practice, these programmes are designed for those who are committed to making a difference through their work in youth and community services.
Modules
In the first year, students engage deeply with the Theory, Policy, and Practice of Youth Work and Social Education, understanding how social education shapes youth and community work. Modules cover topics such as social research methods, leadership, and sustainable communities, with a focus on children’s rights and innovative methods like theatre approaches in youth work. This year builds a solid foundation in professional practice and prepares students for advanced responsibilities. Compulsory Professional Practice 1: Theory, Policy and Practice of Youth Work and Social Education (30 credits) The Philosophy and Practice of Social Research (30 credits) Professional Practice 2: Young People and Society in Focus (30 credits) Optional Sustainable Communities (30 credits) Supervision, Leadership and Management for Professionals (30 credits) Applying Theatre Approaches in Youth Work and Social Education (30 credits) Leading Children’s Rights: Developing Professional Practice (30 credits) The second year centres on a dissertation in Childhood, Youth, and Education, allowing students to focus on a specific area of interest in youth work. This research project encourages independent inquiry, applying the theories and methods studied in Year 1 to real-world youth and social education contexts, and equipping students with strong research skills in youth services that are valuable for future roles. Compulsory Dissertation: Childhood, Youth and Education (60 credits)
Assessment method
Assessments are designed to reflect the requirements of the field, and develop wide-ranging employability skills in students. There are no exams.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. For full information read our visa application and guides. Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
Entry requirements
All applicants will be required to provide a satisfactory enhanced disclosure Child and Adult Workforce document from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Due to the professional endorsement of the degree programme, all applicants need to have at least 200 hours of recent and relevant Youth Work experience. 2:2 honours degree or UWTSD recognised equivalent.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Acceptable Evidence of English
https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/apply/international-applications/english-language-requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Republic of Ireland | £7800 | Whole course |
EU | £16800 | Whole course |
England | £7800 | Whole course |
Northern Ireland | £7800 | Whole course |
Scotland | £7800 | Whole course |
Wales | £7800 | Whole course |
Channel Islands | £7800 | Whole course |
International | £16800 | Whole course |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
College Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3EP