27Nov
PostgraduateCourse summary
Applicants must have experience (paid, voluntary, full-time or part-time) of youth and community work and a relevant first degree. Our exciting MA Youth and Community Work course provides a career pathway for anyone who wants to work with young people and communities. You will be encouraged to explore historical and contemporary evidence and theory to develop an enhanced understanding of youth and community work. You will learn how to support inclusive practice that can inspire positive social change. The course offers a rich and culturally diverse teaching and learning environment and you will undertake two placements where you will be able to apply your knowledge and hone your practical skills. The course meets the requirements for professional validation by the National Youth Agency and is therefore recognised by the Joint Negotiating Committee conferring professional qualification status in Youth and community work in England. Career paths are varied and wide-ranging based on individual interests. Graduates find employment as Professional Youth Workers in Local Authorities or in voluntary sector organisations; as Education-based workers: a number of role titles are used to describe this type of work e.g. Youth Support, Youth Mentor, Behaviour Mentor, or as issue-based workers, working with young people who have drug / alcohol problems, poor mental health or housing issues for example. This course is the pathway to exciting, meaningful, and challenging careers in youth & community work organisations that aim to promote young people’s wellbeing and to empower them and their communities as active, critical citizens who can contribute to positive social change at local, national, and global levels. Our graduates have forged careers in the public and voluntary sectors, in schools, in housing projects and in public health-related projects. The MA Youth & Community Work programme is available by full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) modes of study. The teaching is delivered in 4 blocks, supported by e-learning. You will critically engage with the tensions and challenges of current practice, develop an enhanced knowledge of effective leadership approaches, critically evaluate responses to shifting government policies and develop enhanced skills in practitioner research. Throughout the course you will be encouraged to reflect on your role as a practitioner and question and critically evaluate your professional role. You will develop the skills and knowledge needed to work alongside people in communities to initiate sustainable social change.
Modules
Modules Students study five modules, including two professional practice modules in which they complete 400 hours of supervised practice Theory & Practice You’ll explore the origins and histories of youth & community work practice, the contested aims and purposes and the key theoretical approaches. You will develop a critical understanding of the ideological and political determinants that have shaped practice. Leadership & Organisational Contexts You’ll explore leadership in youth & community practice; examine the implications of managerialism, the implications of integrated working, the limits of leadership and the role of entrepreneurship and social enterprise. You’ll gain an enhanced appreciation of community management practices and develop creative and participatory practice for leading change. Research in Practice You’ll critically examine the key concepts associated with Practitioner Research; its purpose, the various approaches & methods and the role of values & reflexivity. You will develop a critical and contextual understanding of the inter-relationship between research and practice and an appreciation of how techniques of research are used to create and interpret knowledge in youth & community practice. Professional Practice (1) In this practice-based module you will complete 252 hours of supervised professional practice informed by relevant National Occupational Standards. You will developing understanding of ‘communities’ through the application of community profiling and develop your critical reflective skills, evaluate the role of values and ethics in practice and synthesise theory and practice to develop a nuanced appreciation of contemporary practice. Professional Practice (2) In this second practice-based module, which will be based in a different setting, you will complete 148 hours of supervised professional practice informed by relevant National Occupational Standards. You will build upon the skills and understanding developed in the previous module and develop your ability to research, reflect, develop and implement projects with young people and /or communities. Research Project Supported by your supervisor, you’ll conduct a piece of original research using a practitioner research approach in in your chosen topic relevant to youth & community work practice. You will design, complete and present your research culminating with a presentation at the end of programme conference.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- National Youth Agency
Entry requirements
Applicants must have experience (paid, voluntary, full-time or part-time) of youth and community work and a relevant first degree.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £8000 | Whole course |
| EU | £14500 | Whole course |
| England | £8000 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £8000 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £8000 | Whole course |
| Wales | £8000 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £8000 | Whole course |
| International | £14500 | 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
EU applicants will be classed as International unless they hold Settled or Pre-settled status
Provider information
Plymouth Marjon University
Derriford Road
Plymouth
PL6 8BH