13May
PostgraduateCourse summary
The MA Children’s, Young People’s, and Community’s Services programme is ideal for those working within the children and young people’s workforce or those seeking to start or advance a career in this rewarding field. This programme focuses on building high-level, practical skills through a thorough study of children’s development, youth and community work, and effective approaches to promote positive social change. Blending theory and practical research, students will develop essential skills that directly apply to their current or future roles in community service. The programme is structured to meet the needs of working professionals, providing a flexible study format that combines face-to-face and online learning. Whether you’re a full-time student or balancing study with a career, this approach makes it possible to earn a professional qualification while developing skills that can immediately be applied in the field. Students can choose to study through either Welsh or English, promoting inclusive practice within the programme. Throughout this degree, students will be encouraged to examine and evaluate research in children’s development and youth and community work. This helps develop a deep understanding of the issues that shape young people’s lives and enables students to effectively critique existing research and theories. The programme emphasises applied knowledge and aims to support students in producing their own research that directly relates to community service and to the positive social change they want to drive within the sector.
Modules
The MA Children’s, Young People’s, and Community’s Services programme centres on reflective practice, critical analysis, and practical application. This programme empowers you to engage thoughtfully with research and professional practice, building the expertise and confidence needed to create positive, lasting change in your work with children, young people, and communities. The programme includes modules such as The Philosophy and Practice of Social Research and Critical Reflections of Academic and Professional Practice, establishing a foundation in research principles, ethical considerations, and critical engagement with issues in children’s and young people’s services. These modules provide essential skills in evaluating research and policy, fostering a strong basis for reflective and practical learning. Optional modules allow you to tailor your learning experience. Choices for example, Sustainable Communities, Supervision, Leadership and Management for Professionals, and Critical Perspectives in Policy, Planning and Delivery enable you to deepen your understanding of specific areas within youth and community services. Additional options include Research Design and Management for Professional Practice, Well-being and Belonging in the Early Years, Developing Professional Curiosity: A Critical Literature Review, and Young Children’s Learning, offering the flexibility to develop expertise in areas that align with your professional goals. Compulsory The Philosophy and Practice of Social Research (30 credits) Dissertation: Childhood, Youth and Education (60 credits) Critical Reflections of Academic and Professional Practice (30 credits ) Optional Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (30 credits) Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (60 credits) Sustainable Communities (30 credits) Supervision, Leadership and Management for Professionals (30 credits) Critical perspectives in policy, planning and delivery (30 credits ) Research Design and Management for Professional Practice (30 credits ) Well-being and belonging in the early years (30 credits ) Developing Professional Curiosity: A Critical Literature Review (30 credits ) Young children’s learning (30 credits )
Assessment method
The programme uses a range of assessment types. In some modules, you will be assessed through portfolios, blog submissions, and a conference-style presentation. In others, assessment consists of a research proposal, completed ethics form and research report. For all types of assessment, staff will provide feedback to allow you to develop your ideas and respond to constructive advice before the final submission. The range of assessment types will develop your skills in academic writing, giving presentations in front of an audience, reflective practice, critical thinking and research design.
Entry requirements
You may enter this course after completing an undergraduate degree in a related subject, or after having spent a short or long time out of education. Many students on this MA will have part-time or full-time jobs in the field of child, youth or community services, and keep them while studying flexibly around their professional commitments. As a prospective student, you may have a background in one or more of the following areas, or may plan on building your career in them: Youth Services Families Services Childcare Early Years Education Social Care Community Development Play Work Civil Servants Third Sector Organisations Blue Light Services (particularly the police) Youth Justice Health Services. If you already have at least two years’ experience in a relevant occupation, you may wish to look at the Professional Doctorate in Children’s, Young People’s and Community’s Services.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £7800 | Whole course |
| EU | £16500 | 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 | £16500 | 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
Students may choose to purchase textbooks to support their studies. This is not required as texts are generally available in the library or online. Textbook costs range from £20 to £100.
There may be opportunities to attend research conference(s), where this may be appropriate for the student and related to their research interest. Costs range from £50–£500 depending on location and length of attendance.
Provider information
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
College Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3EP