MA Youth and Community Studies: University of East London

About the programme

This programme aims to provide JNC-qualified youth workers with substantial experience of working with young people and community groups an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of youth and community-related theory, policy and practice issues.

Career opportunities

On completing the programme, students will enhance their career prospects in statutory or third-sector organisations. Youth work has become increasingly complex and demanding and youth workers now find themselves working in a wide variety of educational settings, including schools, educational welfare and the NHS. This in turn has created career opportunities for youth workers, which demand higher levels of evidence-based knowledge and skills of youth work practitioners. The award and work undertaken can contribute to academic progression towards a PhD or professional development and the opportunity of subject specialism in the field.

Admission requirments

JNC qualified applicants without a degree:

• JNC qualification gained in conjunction with a Certificate or Diploma of Higher Education
• Minimum of 5 years post-qualifying experience of working with young people between 13 and 19 years of age;
• A written task relating to the nature and purpose of Youth Work.

Graduate applicants:

• An undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in the Social Sciences or Humanities area (e.g. Sociology, Education, Psychology, etc.), minimum 2 :2 classification or equivalent.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required, applicants should have a minimum score of 6 in the writing component.

Students that apply to enter stages of the programme may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement.