11May
PostgraduateCourse summary
The MA Youth and Community Work (JNC) programme provides a unique opportunity to obtain a JNC professional youth work qualification, allowing students to register with the Education Workforce Council in Wales and practice as a youth worker throughout the UK and further afield. This programme is ideal for practitioners who would like to gain the JNC professional qualification, but may already hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject. The programme covers core topics, principles and values required to be a professional youth worker, whilst also allowing you to tailor your learning to your specialist area of practice. The youth and community department at Wrexham University is regarded as the “home of youth work in Wales”, having offered education and training to the youth and community sector since 1977. 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. Delivered through a blended learning approach, students will start each semester with an introductory residential weekend at our Wrexham Campus, then continue to learn online with support from dedicated tutors. This flexible approach is ideal for anyone who is looking to study around their home and work commitments. Key course features: Flexible delivery through a blended learning approach, with a residential experience at the beginning of each semester. This is followed by online learning and face-to-face support with tutors as required, allowing you to study alongside work and home commitments. Develop the knowledge and core skills for youth work practice and informal education that are transferable to work with children, young people and adults in a range of different settings. The course has added value, with opportunities for continuing professional development and additional practical training opportunities. Learn and gain experience during 300 hours of supervised fieldwork practice, with a placement in each year of your programme. This can be taken in the UK or internationally, e.g. with a part-funded European placement. Develop skills in teamwork, positive communication, working with groups and individuals, reflective practice and leading others. Option to tailor your learning to suit your specialist area of practice and interests through negotiated learning and research.
Modules
YEAR 1 Theorising Youth and Community Work (including professional placement 1)(Core) Critical Pedagogy and Anti-Oppressive Practice (Core) YEAR 2 Professional Placement 2 (Core) Research Methodology and Enquiry in Social Sciences (Core) Negotiated Learning (Option) Leading and Managing Professionals (Option) YEAR 3 Dissertation
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
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Joint Negotiating Committee for Youth and Community Workers
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. Many 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 will 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.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| 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