Applicants requiring an opportunity for informal discussions or a guidance interview should contact the Admissions Tutor. This programme of professional education and training is recognised by the Joint Negotiating Committee for Youth and Community Workers and professionally endorsed by the National Youth Agency. It prepares students for employment as competent and creative workers within the broad range of youth and community development work. It is also responsive both to the complex and conflicting demands on young people and adults in contemporary society and to issues of current professional concern. In this respect, youth development work, based within community-oriented practice, requires a commitment to redressing social inequality and injustice wherever it is found in society.
Students study all modules.
Students spend 12 weeks in a final professional block practice. The field practice modules allow students to negotiate a practice programme reflecting professional training interests and future employment intentions. Through a partnership agreement, financially supported by the European Commission, students have the opportunity to undertake their final practice and research project in, for example, France, Germany, Sweden, Spain, Eire, Greece, Italy, Holland or India. The programme seeks students who wish to become qualified youth and community workers, and looks specifically for applicants who already have some understanding and awareness of youth and community work arising from an active practice involvement. Teaching methods include large and small group discussion and activities, video work, lectures, and written material.