Youth Work BA (Hons)

Introduction:

NTU has a national reputation as a leading institution for teaching and research in relation to working with young people. BA (Hons) Youth Work / Youth Development is for students wishing to work with young people. The course combines full-time academic study with placements and a practice pathway for JNC qualification, which is the recognised entry route for professional Youth Work. Youth Development has wide application within the field of education, social work, politics and psychology, which generates insights, research and theoretical knowledge of what it means to be young.

Why choose this course?

This course will explore the most significant social, cultural and economic changes that affect the lives of young people today. Key themes include youth culture, social inclusion and social policy, youth rights, ethics and safeguarding.

The course benefits from a diverse range of students on the programme. We welcome and support students from a range of educational background and those who have worked in practice and are now returning to study.

This course is approved and endorsed by the National Youth Agency.

How you’re taught

Structured teaching is delivered through a combination of traditional lectures and seminars. The smaller group seminars provide opportunities to develop skills in problem-solving, group working, analysis, debating and presentation, and to discuss a wide range of views. You will also learn from audio-visual presentations, information technology-based exercises, and practical experience.

Students on the professionally endorsed pathway are allocated practice based supervisors to support learning in the work place.

How will I be assessed?

The course's assessment methods are varied. We use a wide range of approaches that acknowledge that different students have varied learning styles, capabilities and preferences. The assessment methods used replicate those required in the work environment as far as possible. You will gain a range of transferable skills for employability, not only for the youth based sector, but also beyond.

Assessment tasks recognise an appropriate mix of academic writing, practical applications and reflection on linking theory to practice. In addition, our range of non-exam based include activities and assignments that mirror workplace scenarios such as group presentations, designing resources, case study work, analysis and appraisal, and report-writing.

In response to student feedback, the University have introduced a policy ensuring marked work is returned to you electronically within three weeks of submission.

Careers and employability

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be prepared with skills for practical application and research experience for working with young people. Students will also be able to apply for further study at Masters Level. For example: MA Youth Work Leadership and Practice: MA Social Work or MA Career Development and a wider variety of other courses.

On the professionally endorsed pathway, students will have the skills, knowledge and experience to be qualified Youth Work practitioners.