Youth and Community Work (Diploma)

Why study with us?

This course has been developed specifically for students with a first degree (or equivalent), and fieldwork experience in a youth or community work setting, who wish to gain a Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Professional Range Qualification. The graduate diploma is worth 120 level 6 credits.

The full-time route is meant for students who can undertake full-time study and placements, whilst the part-time route is aimed at experienced people who are already working (including voluntary work) in a youth and community work setting and who can use that post as their full-time placement.

Our team of academic staff have substantial youth and community work experience and are committed to offering a positive student experience which builds on students strengths. We offer teaching and learning opportunities which pro-actively respond to student diversity, supporting all students at every stage of their learning.

What can this course lead to?

This programme leads to a professional qualification validated by the National Youth Agency and recognised by the Joint Negotiating Committee.

It will enable you to work in a diverse range of youth and community settings, within statutory and voluntary sectors, including youth services, domestic violence charities, homeless hostels, work in the outdoors, drug and alcohol projects, prisons, young offender institutions, Young Enterprise initiatives and Connexions partnerships.

Resources and facilities

Our team of academic staff have substantial youth and community work experience and are committed to offering a positive student experience which builds on students strengths. We offer teaching and learning opportunities which pro-actively respond to student diversity, supporting all students at every stage of their learning.

Entry requirements

1st or 2nd class honours degree

Students with other qualifications may be admitted to the course via APL procedures

More about levels and credits

Credit and UCAS requirements Credit: 120 credits Selection criteria

Two references are required, one of which must be from a practicing Youth Work professional.

Students should be able to demonstrate experience of varied work activities in a range of youth and community work contexts. These should have carried a degree of responsibility and autonomy and demonstrate experience of playing an active role as a team member in the delivery of youth and community work.

All applicants must complete an enhanced CRB clearance disclosure form. Part-time students must show they can meet the placement requirements.

Additional contact information

Name: Victoria Torrance
Title/Role: Undergraduate Course Leader
Email: ycw@cumbria.ac.uk
Phone: 01524 384 384

Modules

Youth Work

• The relationship between personal, professional, ethical and legal boundaries in the work
• Dealing with young people in crisis
• Individual values and philosophies for youth work
• Pathologisation and liberation

Management and Leadership

• Best practice in people management, recruitment and selection, motivation, supervision, individual and team development
• Managing change
• Strategic management, business planning

Community Work

• Community development: its analysis and practice
• The skills of community development frames within its ideology
• Power and poverty in relation to social/environmental justice
• Difference and diversity in relation to a complexity of oppressions

Youth and Community Work in Practice (Practice Placement)

• Professional role in relation to the value base of youth and community development work
• Models of anti-oppressive practice

Course summary

All students must complete a full-time placement in term three and a further 120-hour placement during their time on the course. Students are expected to manage substantial independent study.

A wide range of teaching methods are employed throughout the course and includes: formal lectures, tutorials, seminar activities, workshop activities, directed study and reading, presentations, individual and group projects, research projects, problem-based learning, case study analysis, role plays and simulations, posters and exhibitions of work, debates, library and study skills exercises.

Case studies

"The tutors are very supportive and the whole learning experience has been fantastic for me. It has helped me explore further reading I was already interested in and the placements as part of the course have been a great way to develop my skills as a worker.

The lessons have been great for aiding discussion around sensitive topics and giving the freedom to express opinions around certain subjects and I have loved taking part in the role-plays.

I would say to others by all means go for it - you will not regret the learning and support offered."

Scot Davidson, Graduate
Graduate diploma in Youth and Community Work