COURSE CURRICULUM

The course is structured across three years, with a combination of core and optional modules that prepare students for a career in youth and community work. In Year 1, students engage with foundational topics such as youth and community work, working with individuals and groups, social policy, equality and diversity, and self-awareness. Key modules include "Introduction to Youth and Community Work," which covers historical development and contemporary issues like austerity and movements like Black Lives Matter, and "Working with Individuals, Groups and Communities," which introduces sociological and community engagement theories. The "Social Policy: Inequalities and Inclusion" module develops critical thinking about how social policies impact inequalities, while "Equality, Diversity, Values and Social Justice" promotes an understanding of the importance of these values in youth and community work. Students also gain practical experience through the "Placement: Foundations in Practice" module. "Identities, Self and Intersectionality" explores the interaction of personal identity with social justice issues, focusing on how power dynamics shape people's experiences.In Year 2, the emphasis shifts to practical and research skills. Modules like "Researching with Youth and Communities" introduce students to research methods, while "Global Youth and Community Development" provides a global perspective on community work. The "Placement: Reflexive Practice" module encourages self-reflection in practice. The "Leadership, Management, and Enterprise Skills in Youth and Community Contexts" module develops management and leadership skills relevant to the field. Students can also choose from optional modules such as "Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Counselling" and "Crime Media Culture."The final year focuses on advanced practice and professional skills, with key modules like "Placement: Critical Operational Reflexive Practice," where students complete their final placement, and "Multi and Intra-professional Working Project," which explores collaborative working. The "Leadership, Networking, and Partnership Building in Youth and Community" module develops leadership and partnership-building skills. Optional modules include "Violence, Conflict, and Mediation," "Rehabilitation, Reintegration, Re-Entry, and Therapeutic Communities," and "Counselling and Wellbeing Support Skills for Youth and Community." These modules aim to prepare students for diverse roles in youth and community work, with an emphasis on practical experience, leadership, and social justice.