Youth and Community Work MA

At Cardiff Met, our professionally focused postgraduate degrees in Youth and Community Work are designed for passionate practitioners who want to take the next step in their careers. Whether you are already working with young people, families and communities, or you are a graduate holding a nationally recognised JNC endorsed qualification, our courses offer an effective route to professional recognition and leadership within the sector.

* MA in Youth and Community Work (qualifying route)

* Postgraduate Diploma in Youth and Community Work (JNC professional endorsement and exit award from the MA in Youth and Community Work)

Our MA in Youth and Community Work offers a valuable dual pathway: you’ll graduate with a full academic master’s degree and a professionally endorsed Postgraduate Diploma in Youth and Community Work. This makes the programme ideal for graduates who are already working (or moving into work) with young people, families and communities and want to gain a recognised professional qualification alongside advanced academic study.

Designed to bridge theory and practice, the course combines inspiring teaching with real‑world experience. Alongside your studies you will complete two professionally supervised youth and community work placements, allowing you to build confidence, competence and credibility in the field. The programme can be taken full‑time or part‑time, offering flexibility to fit around work (which could be used as your placement) and other commitments.

Students consistently describe the course as challenging, supportive and collaborative. You’ll learn alongside a committed cohort of professionals, developing strong peer networks that often last well beyond graduation.

Endorsed by Education Training Standards (ETS) Cymru Wales, the MA provides a clear route into professionally recognised youth and community work roles. By the end of the programme, you’ll be equipped not only with advanced knowledge and practical skills, but also with the professional status needed to progress in this rewarding sector.

The course includes four taught modules (one optional), alongside two placement‑focused modules that run concurrently with your fieldwork. Each taught module carries 20 Level 7 credits. You’ll also complete a 60‑credit dissertation, enabling you to explore in depth a topic you’re passionate about within youth and community work.

Our Exceptional Entry Route opens the MA to experienced practitioners without an undergraduate degree, you can gain both a master’s degree *and* the sector’s professional qualification, enabling you to qualify professionally and academically – full time in one year or part time over two.