Course summary

This practice-focused Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) has been specially developed by the University of Bedfordshire to give you the skills you need to take on the role of youth justice practitioner, working with young people in the criminal justice system to stop them from offending or reoffending. If you are already working in the social care or youth justice sectors, it is an ideal way to upskill or change direction to fill skills shortages and workforce gaps. Course Accreditation/Industry Endorsement

• This Level 5 HTQ is approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, meaning that it meets the occupational standards for the sector and delivers the specific training you need to work as a youth justice practitioner.

• Seven-storey library with an extensive range of physical and digital resources.

• Bespoke lecture theatres, presentation rooms and group study spaces.

• This course is designed and delivered in partnership with local employers, who provide additional specialist knowledge and ensure our progressive curriculum reflects real-world practices and policy.

• Develop the skills and behaviours needed to work with young people, often from disadvantaged backgrounds and with complex needs, perhaps involving mental health problems; safeguarding issues; and/or substance misuse.

• Learn to work with families and build positive relationships with them as well as with other professionals including social workers, probation officers, schools and staff at ‘secure estates’ such as young offender institutions and children’s homes.

• Put theory into action in real and simulated environments including placement units and work projects.

• Benefit from guest talks and subject-relevant field trips.

• Draw from our academic team’s professional involvement in areas such as youth work; contextual safeguarding; criminal justice; and sexual offending.

• This Foundation degree opens the way to degree-level study in a related field, such as our Childhood and Youth Studies BA (Hons) or Criminology BSc (Hons).

This Higher Technical Qualification is approved against occupational standards decided by employers. Learn more about Higher Technical Qualifications.