Start Date
- September 2025, Full Time
This programme is subject to revalidation with our University partner, UEA, ready to accept new entrants from September 2025. Therefore, for next year there may be some changes to this advertised course content following the revalidation process.
Summary
Our BA (Hons) Youth Work programme is designed to offer a comprehensive and professionally recognised qualification, equipping you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to make a meaningful impact to young people’s lives. Aligned with the National Youth Agency's (NYA) standards and Occupational Standards for Youth Worker, the course has been co-designed with young people and stakeholder including young people, employers, local councils, charities and youth workers from across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex, ensuring it reflects current real-world needs and prepares you for the evolving future of youth work.
Throughout the programme, you will benefit from one day of learning each week (including lectures, seminars, and online study), tailored to fit around your work and life commitments. You will complete a minimum of 800 hours of professional practice in at least two different settings, supported by experienced practitioners who will mentor and assess you based on National Occupational Standards. In your final year, you will be fully prepared to submit your practice portfolio which provides you with the opportunity to showcase the knowledge, skills and behaviours you will have developed throughout the programme.
The curriculum blends theory, policy, and practice, helping you critically engage with key issues in youth work while providing hands-on experience in areas such as safeguarding, multi-agency working, informal education, active citizenship, mentoring, group work, research, and project management. You will develop practical expertise in communication, anti-discriminatory practice, and evaluation, as well as the ability to drive positive change in organisations and communities.
We are seeking JNC recognition as a professional youth and community work qualification for this programme, though the validation process is not yet complete.
Why our College?
Flexible study options
Most of our courses require two days per week attendance at college. This means you can continue to work alongside your studies and balance other commitments.
Smaller class sizes
Our smaller class sizes mean you get all the support you need during your studies. This is a crucial difference to larger universities and provides you with access to your lecturers when you need them.
Outstanding progression
97% of our full time graduates and 100% of our part time graduates are in employment or further study 6 months after completing their degree (Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes, 2019, for CCN, published by Office for Students)
Entry Requirements
Candidates will be interviewed and will need to be able to demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding of working with children and young people. In addition, applicants should have sufficient and appropriate prior experience in a youth setting (100 hours) or a Level 3 qualification and show the potential for successful study at HE level, commitment to study and work in the sector. It is desirable for applicants to have GCSE English grade 3-9 (A-D) or equivalent qualification. The student entry point (and target audience) for this course will typically be students with a minimum of 80 UCAS points (or equivalent). Mature candidates are welcome, if they can demonstrate appropriate qualifications and suitable experience.
In order to enrol onto this programme, individuals must have:
- 100 hours of youth work experience or 80 UCAS points. Mature candidates are welcome, if they can demonstrate appropriate qualifications and/or suitable experience.
- English and maths (GCSE grade 4/ C or Level 2 Functional Skills)
- an enhanced DBS that would allow you to work as a Youth Worker
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. For International students we require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading), the required minimum is: IELTS (SELT) 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components). Please contact the Advice shop for advice and guidance. International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the International Students webpage.
Assessment
The course uses a range of assessment strategies which allows learners to be assessed on theoretical issues to assist them in their preparation into a work environment. Assessments are varied and innovative and are aimed to develop transferable skills to support employability. They include essays, case studies, journals, individual and group presentations, academic posters, reports, portfolio/CPD building, professional discussion, examination, and exhibitions. Each module assessment has been considered alongside the knowledge, skill, and behaviours required in practice. Therefore, assessment activities (both formative and summative) have been designed to encourage authentic assessment that support theory-practice links, and to develop transferrable employability skills specific to the sector.
Career Progression
This programme not only prepares you for a range of career paths, including roles as a youth worker, community development officer, family support worker, but also empowers you to shape the future of youth work. Whether you are just starting out or looking to enhance your current role, this apprenticeship is your pathway to becoming a confident and qualified JNC professional youth worker.
Fees
£9,250 per year (for UK students).
For international students (students from outside of the UK), fees are set at £14,335 per year.
This course requires you to complete a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. The cost of this is covered by the student.
Where Next?
Why our College?
Flexible study options
Most of our courses require two days per week attendance at college. This means you can continue to work alongside your studies and balance other commitments.
Smaller class sizes
Our smaller class sizes mean you get all the support you need during your studies. This is a crucial difference to larger universities and provides you with access to your lecturers when you need them.
Outstanding progression
97% of our full time graduates and 100% of our part time graduates are in employment or further study 6 months after completing their degree (Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes, 2019, for CCN, published by Office for Students)
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