If you would like to work with young people and help them reach their full potential, or play a part working in the community with local groups then this Youth and Community Work degree could help you get the qualification and experience you need. The course doesn’t just lead to a degree in Youth and Community Work – upon successful completion you will attain recognised status as a professional Youth Worker: as it’s endorsed by the National Youth Agency and recognised by the Joint Negotiating Committee for Youth and Community Work, this qualification could help you stand out from the crowd.

Why Youth and Community Work?

• During your studies you’ll have the chance to study a whole range of subjects relating to young people in today’s society. You’ll look at education, learning and development, and explore how groups and communities interact. You’ll also be able to study social policy and inclusion.
• We’ll give you the opportunity to gain a wider knowledge and understanding of government policies, as well as the current theories and strategies to do with how young people act. You’ll also have the chance to study a wide range of broader topics, including controversial issues like what society can do to prevent child sexual exploitation or violent extremism.
• The course is designed to be an extremely practical introduction to your subject. In fact, we aim to give you at least 800 hours of practical, hands-on experience in a wide range of settings. You could be working: with a wide range of youth projects; as part of a creative team supporting young people's participation in theatre, music or other arts-based work; in High School pastoral care teams; and at other alternative education settings. Some students have even completed placements in prisons, preparing young offenders to prepare for life after they are released; or in community-based services supporting young people to address their issues with alcohol and drugs; and in other community services addressing mental health, child sexual exploitation, gangs and violence and sex / relationship education.
• With such an emphasis on placements and work experience, the course is a great opportunity to develop your practical knowledge and skills – exactly what employers in the real world are looking for. During your time at Huddersfield you’ll be able to access our extensive professional and academic network, not to mention our excellent facilities and specialist equipment.

Placements

A significant amount of your learning takes place whilst on placement. In fact you’ll benefit from a minimum of 800 hours of practical, hands-on experience in a diverse range of settings. Previous placements have included youth and community centres and projects, youth theatres and other arts-based organisations, community centres, housing associations and organisations working to support young people with alcohol and drug issues, those excluded from schools with Pupil Referral Units and those seeking to prevent child sexual exploitation and violent extremism.

Your placement could be in Huddersfield or surrounding areas, so please consider any travelling costs you may incur.

Your Career

This course provides a much sought after professional Youth Work qualification endorsed by the [National Youth Agency| http://www.nya.org.uk/] and recognised by the Joint Negotiating Committee for Youth and Community Work. This course could enable you to consider a wide range of careers in youth and community settings, including youth offending teams, housing associations, organisations supporting people with alcohol and drug issues and community centres. Previous graduates have also progressed into teaching, social work and learning disability support worker roles.**

*Percentage of graduates from this subject who are in work and/or further study fifteen months after graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 17/18, UK domiciled graduates).