11May
PostgraduateCourse summary
The MA Youth and Community Studies programme is a post-qualifying course, providing an opportunity to develop further academic skills and enquiry in the field of youth and community work. The Youth and Community Studies course is designed for practitioners who already hold a JNC professional qualification, or for those who have previously studied youth work, community development or youth studies and would like to progress their studies at postgraduate level. Supported by tutors with experience of conducting research in the field, students on the course will work towards generating research that will have implications for youth work policy and practice, helping to shape professional identity within the sector and improve youth work provision for young people. The youth and community department at Wrexham Glyndwr University is regarded as the “home of youth work in Wales”, having offered education and training to the youth and community sector for more than 41 years. As such the department has excellent links with employers across North Wales, North West England, and the Midlands, and it works in partnership with organisations across the statutory, voluntary and third sector. Graduates from the programme are employed in a range of settings from the local authority, voluntary and community sector, and education providers across England, Wales and internationally. Our graduates have gained employment in the British Council, traditional youth and community settings, school-based projects, play work, work with young carers, work with young offenders, supported living settings, anti-poverty and regeneration work, and drug and alcohol work to name but a few. Delivered through a blended learning approach students will start each semester with an introductory residential weekend at our Wrexham Campus**, and then continue learning online with support from dedicated tutors – allowing you to study around home and work commitments. *Subject to validation As part of its continuous quality assurance and enhancement, the University has new and updated courses in development. The details of these courses are in the process of being finalised and are awaiting their turn in the approval cycle, known as the ‘validation’ process. As soon as the programmes are validated the details of the course will be confirmed. The majority of new courses that are still ‘subject to validation’ are approved by their validation process; however, this is not guaranteed and should the course not go ahead as planned, or be significantly amended, you will be informed by the university and assistance will be provided to those who have been offered a place to find a suitable alternative course either at Wrexham Glyndwr University or at another provider. **cost of accommodation, if required, is not included in student fees and needs to be met by the student
Modules
YEAR 1 Philosophy in Youth and Community Work (Core) This module explores and critically analyses the underpinning philosophy of youth and community work and to examine how these concepts have shaped youth and community work theory and practice. It will encourage you to explore your own philosophy of education and professional identity, values and beliefs in relation to youth work and young people and society. Critical Pedagogy and Anti-Oppressive Practice (Core) This module explores the relationship between youth work, informal education and critical pedagogy. It critically examines how education and youth work practice can be used to constructively challenge inequalities and imbalances of power in society to ensure youth work practitioners are working in an Anti- Oppressive way. YEAR 2 Research Methodology and Enquiry in Social Sciences (Core) The aim of this module is to enable students to engage in a small-scale work-based research project. It will examine the philosophical roots of research and focus on examining existing bodies of knowledge related to a work-based research question. Students will gain practical experience of the research processes and will have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to do so using an ethical approach and an appropriate research methodology. This module forms a key element of preparing students for the year 3 dissertation module. Negotiated Learning (Option) The module aims to provide students with an opportunity to define their own focus of study within the parameters of youth and community work. Students will critically evaluate and analyse policy, practice and theoretical developments in that identified area. They will be offered the opportunity of devising their own assessment vehicle- this may be a project, essay, presentation etc Leading and Managing Professionals (Option) This module aims to allow practitioners to explore leading and managing professionals in youth and community work contexts. This is a key skill for those working at a professional level. The module will critically explore the differences between the roles of leadership and management, critically evaluate the various roles played by members of teams and recognise the importance of team dynamics. YEAR 3 Dissertation The dissertation is an independent study, involving the collection and analysis of data from primary sources, carried out by students on a topic of their choice within the context of youth and community work. This is an extended piece of writing that allows students to evaluate critically theoretical concepts and practice in relation to their chosen topic.
Assessment method
Assessments are designed with the dual aims of supporting a student’s professional development and their academic understanding. This builds knowledge and skill from a belief that being an excellent practitioner means not only working with people but also being able to express yourself in a range of ways that includes writing reports, documents and essays based on the collection and analysis of evidence to build an argument. Throughout the programme, and within individual modules, a variety of assessment methods are employed which seek to demonstrate equity with respect to the individual needs, learning styles and interests of students. The forms of assessment are selected to ensure that they characterise the academic level of the modules and are designed to enable students to explore the philosophies, concepts and theories underpinning youth work and community work, through the exploration and analysis of issues pertinent to these areas of social provision. The transference of learning from one module to another is encouraged and the core modules provide a focus for this. As such, assessment methods on this undergraduate programme are used to develop a student’s confidence and ability to carry out a range of transferable skills which are considered useful in both academic work and professional practice. Assessments on this programme will therefore take on a variety of forms including Essays, Presentations, Portfolios, contribution to Online Forums etc.
Entry requirements
The academic requirements for the course are a good honours degree or appropriate professional qualification. Previous experience of 200 hours in a youth and community work setting is required and must be evidenced. This can be gained in voluntary or paid work within the field of youth and community work. The programme team are able to advise students regarding volunteering and practice experience opportunities if required. All applicants considered suitable will be interviewed, with those with disabilities or from relevant courses automatically being offered an interview. International applicants are welcome with relevant experience, qualifications and English language proficiency. Some modules will require you to be working in, or have access to, a suitable youth and community work practice environment in order for you to contextualise your learning and complete the assessments. You may be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance (previously known as CRB) so that a check can be made on your suitability for working with children and/or vulnerable adults should you be conducting research with these groups.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Channel Islands | £2650 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £2650 | Year 1 |
| England | £2650 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £2650 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £2650 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £2650 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Billed annually for 3 years
Provider information
Wrexham University
Plas Coch
Mold Road
Wrexham
LL11 2AW