BA (Hons) Youth Work

The module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts, principles, and theories of youth work. It explores the historical context, ethical considerations, and the role of youth workers in contemporary society. Additionally, the module discusses the importance of effective communication, partnership working, and reflective practice in youth work, including strategies for building positive relationships with young people and stakeholders within communities. Through a combination of theoretical learning, practical case studies, and reflective exercises, students will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to engage effectively in youth work practice.

This module is designed to provide students with the essential skills necessary for success in their youth work course and future careers. The module covers a range of study skills, including academic writing, critical thinking, time management, and research skills. Additionally, students will learn about the importance of self-care and well-being in maintaining academic success. Through a combination of theoretical learning, practical exercises, and reflective activities, students will develop the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their studies and beyond.

The module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of youth work in promoting social justice, fairness, equality, and inclusion for all young people. The module explores the historical context and development of youth work, analyses national and local plans and strategies relevant to youth work and young people, and examines theories and models for program planning, development, delivery, and evaluation. Students will also learn about project management tools and processes, cultural and community competency, and principles of anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice in youth work. Through a combination of theoretical learning, practical exercises, and case studies, students will develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to engage in youth work that is inclusive, equitable, and promotes social justice.

This module delves into the multifaceted issue of social exclusion among young people, exploring its root causes, manifestations, and the role of youth workers in addressing it. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, case studies, and practical exercises, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by excluded groups, including homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health issues. They will also examine various interventions aimed at fostering inclusion and empowerment, such as education and skills training programs, mental health support services, and community outreach initiatives. By the end of the module, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage with excluded groups effectively, promoting social justice and positive change within their communities.

This module examines the multifaceted journey of child and adolescent development, exploring the intricate interplay between biological, cognitive, and social factors. From the prenatal stages through adolescence, students will examine the critical milestones and challenges that shape young individuals' growth and well-being. Drawing from diverse theoretical perspectives, including psychoanalytic and neuroscientific frameworks, the module will illuminate the complexities of development and the role of cultural, environmental, and socioeconomic influences. Through engaging discussions, readings, and assessment, students will gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to variations in development and strategies for promoting positive outcomes across diverse contexts.

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the policy frameworks that influence youth work practice. It will explore the roles and responsibilities of practitioners and politicians in addressing youth-related issues, and the ethical dilemmas and challenges that arise in the implementation of youth work policies. The module will also discuss differing perspectives on youth work policies and practices among practitioners and politicians, and the potential impacts of these perspectives on the provision of services and support for young people.

This module is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively integrate safeguarding principles (including statutory guidance) into their practice. It covers key concepts such as risk assessment, confidentiality, and multi-agency working, providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of how to safeguard vulnerable individuals in a variety of settings. Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical application, participants will develop the confidence and competence to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, ensuring the safety and well-being of those they work with.

This module links to the 'Professional Projects' enquiry where they apply skills into a work based environments and will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of action research in the context of youth work. It will explore the principles, methodologies, and ethical considerations of action research, and how it can be applied to address real-world challenges faced by young people. The module will also examine the role of reflective practice in action research, and how findings can be used to inform and improve youth work practice and policy. Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical application, students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct action research projects that contribute to positive change in the lives of young people.

This module will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the contemporary issues that impact young people's lives. It will explore topics such as mental health, social media, identity, and relationships, and examine the perspectives and experiences of young people in relation to these issues. The module will also focus on strategies for effectively engaging young people in discussions about these issues, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and understanding, and promoting dialogue and collaboration. Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical application, students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to address the complex challenges facing young people today.

This module is designed to equip youth workers with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to engage and empower young people in their communities. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, practical strategies, and real-world examples, participants will explore the importance of youth participation and empowerment in community development, understand the challenges faced by young people today, and learn how to create safe and inclusive spaces for youth to thrive. The module will also examine the ethical considerations in working with youth, the role of community engagement, and the impact of global perspectives on youth participation and empowerment.

This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of mental health and wellbeing in young people, focusing on the role of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) resources building on previous learning on child and adolescent development. Students will explore various aspects of mental health, including common disorders, risk factors, protective factors, and evidence-based interventions. They will also learn how to create a support pack for CAMHS resources, which can be used to promote mental health and wellbeing among young people.

This module is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to undertake a professional research project. Building on their previous learning of research methods, students will apply this knowledge to their own research project, evaluating the effectiveness of different methods and approaches. The module will also cover ethical considerations in research and the importance of critical thinking and reflection.

This module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of leadership and management principles within the context of youth work. It will explore various leadership theories and models, as well as practical strategies for effective management in youth work settings. Students will critically engage with key texts and case studies to develop their leadership and management skills, with a particular focus on ethical considerations and the promotion of positive youth development.

This module aims to develop students' understanding of reflective practice and its importance in professional development. It will explore various models of reflection and their application in youth work practice. Students will be encouraged to critically reflect on their own practice and develop strategies for ongoing professional development.

This module explores the multifaceted role of education within the realm of youth work, with a particular emphasis on the complementary nature of informal and non-formal education alongside formal education systems. It provides a critical examination of existing educational approaches, aiming to identify their strengths and limitations. Furthermore, it seeks to justify the pivotal role of informal and non-formal education in the holistic development of young individuals, emphasising their capacity to foster experiential learning, critical thinking, and socio-emotional skills. By the module's conclusion, students are expected to have acquired the skills necessary to craft tailored educational interventions, drawing upon theoretical frameworks and evidence-based practices. These interventions are designed to address the diverse learning needs of young people and to support their holistic development within the context of youth work settings.

This module is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for effective youth work in diverse communities. This will prepare apprentices for their end point assessment by exploring the multifaceted nature of diversity, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and ability. It examines the historical and contemporary contexts of diversity in youth work, emphasising the importance of cultural competence, inclusivity, and social justice.