MA Youth & Community Studies (Advanced Practice)

Why choose this course?
The MA Youth and Community Studies course is designed for practitioners who already hold a JNC professional qualification, or for those who have previously studied youth work, community development or youth studies, and would like to progress their studies at postgraduate level.

Supported by tutors with experience of conducting research in the field, students on the course will work towards generating research that will have implications for youth work policy and practice, helping to shape professional identity within the sector and improve youth work provision for young people.
The Youth and Community Department at Wrexham University is regarded as the ''home of youth work in Wales'', having offered education and training to the youth and community sector since 1977. As such, the department has excellent links with employers across North Wales, North West England and the Midlands, and it works in partnership with organisations across the statutory, voluntary and third sector.
Delivered through a blended learning approach, students will start each semester with an introductory residential weekend at our Wrexham Campus, then continue learning online with support from dedicated tutors. This approach is ideal for those who are looking to study around home and work commitments.

Key course features
Flexible delivery through a blended learning approach, with a residential experience at the beginning of each semester, followed by online learning and face-to-face support with tutors as required.
Further develop your academic research skills to critically analyse the underpinning philosophy of youth work and its values and principles, whilst conducting your own research.
Option to tailor your learning to suit your specialist area of practice and interests through negotiated learning and research.
Support from tutors with experience of conducting research in the field.
Work towards generating research that will have implications for youth work policy and practice.
Successful completion may lead to further study at PhD level.

Career prospects
Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Graduates from the course work in a variety of settings, including working in projects and services in the following areas:

Young Carers
Care Leavers and Young People in Care
Young Offenders
Hospital Youth Work
Mental Health
Youth Homelessness and Housing
Youth Sports and Health Development
Youth Clubs and Street Based Youth Work
Child Sexual Exploitation
Outdoor Education
Community Development
Mentoring and Advocacy
Young People who have disabilities

• We require an undergraduate degree classification of 2:1, but a 2:2 will be considered, in youth work, community development, social pedagogy or similar. Ideally with an existing JNC professional youth work qualification.
• We will also consider applicants with relevant youth and community work experience.
• Applicants will also need to successfully complete a short informal interview with the admissions tutor.
• A DBS may be required to undertake research in practice.
• Two references will be required.