Childhood, Youth and Family Studies: Youth Work Pathway MA

This 15-month course is specifically for those wanting to work with young people in a variety of settings, giving you the skills and knowledge to pursue or develop your career in youth work. It runs alongside our MA Childhood Youth and Family Studies

You explore the theory, practice, research and policy that underpins children’s, youth and family services while developing your understanding of children’s rights; the ideologies and responsibilities of welfare; and how they are applied.

Course accreditation / industry endorsement\
This course with Youth Work pathway is validated by the National Youth Agency, giving you a Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) professional qualification in youth work.

Facilities and specialist equipment

* Access to our simulation suites including our brand-new simulation floor that takes you from mock home to hospital, giving you hands-on experience of a range of scenarios you’ll encounter in the real world

* Resources from the National Youth Agency

Career-powered links\
As part of this course, you access the Youth Work Community of Practice network, hosted by the University of Bedfordshire, which brings together youth workers from across Bedfordshire.

Your student experience

Gain hands-on experience on placement, supporting young people in a range of settings and learning the different ways in which youth work is delivered.

Learn from an expert teaching team with a range of professional experience working with children, young people and families.

Attend regular talks by local practitioners and managers involved in working with children and young people.

Follow your interests with a choice of optional units including young people, group offending and violent crime; safeguarding; coaching and mentoring; and relationship and sex education..

Complete 400 practice hours on placement (paid or voluntary) across nine months (full time) or two years (part time); if you are not currently in practice, we can support you to find a placement.

Explore practice-based issues by joining the University’s Youth Work Community of Practice, open to all students and practitioners in the region.

Challenge yourself by undertaking an independent research project in a subject area of interest.