Course summary

Our BA (Hons) Youth Work programme is designed to offer a comprehensive and professionally recognised qualification, equipping you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to make a meaningful impact to young people’s lives. Aligned with the National Youth Agency's (NYA) standards and Occupational Standards for Youth Worker, the course has been co-designed with young people and stakeholder including young people, employers, local councils, charities and youth workers from across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex, ensuring it reflects current real-world needs and prepares you for the evolving future of youth work. Throughout the programme, you will benefit from one day of learning each week (including lectures, seminars, and online study), tailored to fit around your work and life commitments. You will complete a minimum of 800 hours of professional practice in at least two different settings, supported by experienced practitioners who will mentor and assess you based on National Occupational Standards. In your final year, you will be fully prepared to submit your practice portfolio which provides you with the opportunity to showcase the knowledge, skills and behaviours you will have developed throughout the programme. The curriculum blends theory, policy, and practice, helping you critically engage with key issues in youth work while providing hands-on experience in areas such as safeguarding, multi-agency working, informal education, active citizenship, mentoring, group work, research, and project management. You will develop practical expertise in communication, anti-discriminatory practice, and evaluation, as well as the ability to drive positive change in organisations and communities. We are seeking JNC recognition as a professional youth and community work qualification for this programme, though the validation process is not yet complete.