Overview

The Youth Work and Communities degree at BCU is a contemporary and exciting course, which has accreditation from the Joint Negotiating Committee, which is the Professional body that accredits Youth Workers in England and Wales.

The course has been designed with key stakeholders, including the National Youth Agency, UK Youth, youth work managers, practitioners and young people themselves, to integrate the core knowledge and skills required to jump-start a successful career, working with young people and communities, whether that be in the public sector, non-governmental organisations/voluntary field or private sector.

Practice skills, cultural competencies, communication, placement and community engagement opportunities, have been built-in throughout the programme, to ensure students incrementally develop the essential and specialist skills and expertise to build thriving careers, working with diverse young people and communities.

What's covered in this course?

A JNC recognised qualification to work in Youth Work, which is also valued and recognised in many other ‘people work’ contexts and sectors, in the UK and across the globe

A core focus on diversity, equality and social difference. We offer opportunities to learn and work on placement in Britain’s second biggest city, with highly diverse young people and communities, in a vibrant urban context of rapid social change. This experience is supported with diversity-oriented learning on core modules

A core leadership and enterprise strand, which runs throughout the programme, to develop skills to fast-track your career through strategic, project management and youth work organisational skills

A global focus and commitment throughout modules, and in two dedicated modules, situated in level 5 and level 6, which prepare students for careers that could lead to employment anywhere in the world. We integrate global issues in youth and community across your studies, such as refugee and migrant support, cross-cultural working, working in situations of conflict and anti-modern slavery/anti-trafficking practice

Opportunities at level 5 and 6 to select optional modules including: mental health and counselling approaches, black political activism, youth, crime and justice

Excellent placements throughout the three years to provide experiential learning and opportunities to build professional networks and your own field of interest in youth and community

Research skills training specifically focused upon working with diverse communities and young people

Coverage of innovative and creative digital skills and practice for youth and community work

Employability

Enhancing employability

We work closely with employers in the West Midlands working in Youth Work organisations to support the course with placement opportunities, guest lectures and the occasional field trips to see the work in action.

Throughout your time on the programme there will be the option to seek additional support from the Careers + service and Graduate + service helping you to shape your skills in CV writing and Interview preparation.

We will work with you throughout your time on the programme to seek the best next steps whether that be employment, research or building on your education level to study a Master’s degree.