Youth Work and Communities - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2024/25 Entry. Switch to 2025/26 Entry
September 2024 — UCAS code 1076
The Youth Work and Communities degree at BCU is a contemporary and exciting course, which has accreditation from the Joint Negotiating Committee, which is the Professional body that accredits Youth Workers in England and Wales....
64 points required
Calculate UCAS pointsClearing places available
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time/Part Time
- Location City Centre
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2024
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Social Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences
This course is:
Open to International Students
Overview
Clearing 2024
64 points (or equivalent) is the minimum you will need to be considered for this course in Clearing.
Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out your points.
[00:00:02] Sangeeta Soni Youth and Community Work is a vocation that comes from the heart. We've got some really innovative practise here, for example, in the second year, we've got a module on entrepreneurship, things like digital youth work.
[00:00:15] Sarah Humpage The course, the fact that it is JNC recognised, which is important for me. It comes with placements as well, so that by the time I do finish my degree, I won't only have the qualification, but I'll have the relevant work experience to be able to go out and get a job.
[00:00:29] Sangeeta Soni We have 800 hours of placement, which runs over all three years of the course.
[00:00:33] Chloe Dennis-Green The types of organisations that we have on board at the moment are quite a big mixture.
[00:00:38] Aftab Rahman We're very excited at the prospect of taking on student placements because they will bring energy, ideas and also be able to engage with young people in a new and meaningful way.
[00:00:49] Tom Clarke-Forrest Whilst on placement with us, students will be supporting the front line staff, so we'll be working with them on the ground, really getting experience and skills of working in the community and with young people.
[00:01:00] Sangeeta Soni This is a good time to be a youth work student because I think there's a regeneration taking place within the sector.
[00:01:06] Aftab Rahman The traditional youth work settings, they don't operate in the same way. They need a new breed of youth workers.
[00:01:12] Tom Clarke-Forrest There's a real eclectic range of jobs that you can go into. It's not just directly working with young people. There's also opportunities around marketing and administration, management leadership strategy - so much.
[00:01:24] Chloe Dennis-Green Could potentially fund their own enterprise within youth work.
[00:01:27] Sangeeta Soni Community interest companies, social enterprises, et cetera.
[00:01:30] Tom Clarke-Forrest Students can be really ambitious about what the sector can provide to them.
[00:01:34] Sarah Humpage For anyone that's considering to study youth work and communities at BCU, I'd definitely say go for it.
[00:01:40] Sangeeta Soni You're coming onto a course creating professionals with skills where ultimately they can do impact on other people's lives in a huge way. It's a very unique profession. A very unique way of working with people, and I think is phenomenal.
The Youth Work and Communities degree at BCU is a contemporary and exciting course, which has accreditation from the Joint Negotiating Committee, which is the Professional body that accredits Youth Workers in England and Wales.
The course has been designed with key stakeholders, including the National Youth Agency, UK Youth, youth work managers, practitioners and young people themselves, to integrate the core knowledge and skills required to jump-start a successful career, working with young people and communities, whether that be in the public sector, non-governmental organisations/voluntary field or private sector.
Practice skills, cultural competencies, communication, placement and community engagement opportunities, have been built-in throughout the programme, to ensure students incrementally develop the essential and specialist skills and expertise to build thriving careers, working with diverse young people and communities.
What's covered in this course?
- A JNC recognised qualification to work in Youth Work, which is also valued and recognised in many other ‘people work’ contexts and sectors, in the UK and across the globe
- A core focus on diversity, equality and social difference. We offer opportunities to learn and work on placement in Britain’s second biggest city, with highly diverse young people and communities, in a vibrant urban context of rapid social change. This experience is supported with diversity-oriented learning on core modules
- A core leadership and enterprise strand, which runs throughout the programme, to develop skills to fast-track your career through strategic, project management and youth work organisational skills
- A global focus and commitment throughout modules, and in two dedicated modules, situated in level 5 and level 6, which prepare students for careers that could lead to employment anywhere in the world. We integrate global issues in youth and community across your studies, such as refugee and migrant support, cross-cultural working, working in situations of conflict and anti-modern slavery/anti-trafficking practice
- Opportunities at level 5 and 6 to select optional modules including: mental health and counselling approaches, black political activism, youth, crime and justice
- Excellent placements throughout the three years to provide experiential learning and opportunities to build professional networks and your own field of interest in youth and community
- Research skills training specifically focused upon working with diverse communities and young people
- Coverage of innovative and creative digital skills and practice for youth and community work
Why Choose Us?
- We aim to infuse learning with exposure to real-world experiences. Through participation in the Social Impact Hub, we give students the chance to work on real-life projects. These offer a unique opportunity for students to gain this invaluable experience while they study.
- We pride ourselves on being the University for Birmingham and our commitment to contribute to the city and local community. As part of this commitment, we have forged strong links with local organisations across the city and many graduates end up playing valuable roles in the local community.
- We have strong links with West Midlands Police and regularly welcome serving officers and experts to give guest lectures and provide opportunities for exposure to real-world activities.
- We have a strong focus on employability and through placement opportunities and our links with local businesses, we aim to ensure you graduate not only with your degree but also with the skills and knowledge needed to embark on your chosen career.
- The STEAMhouse offers amazing opportunities for entrepreneurial students to kick start and build a business or organisation. Services available include the Incubator which helps focus and solidify business ideas and the Hatchery which offers support in getting your business or organisation off the ground.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.
Next Open Day: 19 October 2024
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2024/25.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
64 points (or equivalent) is the minimum you will need to be considered for this course in Clearing.
Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out your points.
Essential requirements
112 UCAS tariff points
Please note: If you qualify for our BCU Accelerate scheme, you could receive an offer that is two grades below our normal entry requirements. Find out more about BCU Accelerate.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £9,250 in 2024/25
- Apply via Clearing
- Part Time
- 5 Years
- Show fees
- £1542 per 20 credits
- Year 1 - 80 credits
- Year 2 - 80 credits
- Year 3 - 80 credits
- Year 4 - 80 credits
- Year 5 - 40 credits
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £16,085 in 2024/25
Places available to start in September 2024
If you'd like to start this course full-time this September, you can apply through Clearing.
International and part-time students can apply online as normal using the links above.
Want to start in September 2025? You can start your application via UCAS now.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
First Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
This module provides you with an introductory understanding of contemporary youth and community practice in the UK, set within a contextualisation of the historical development of these professional fields. It begins with an outline of the historical development of youth and community work, from informal work, philanthropy, to faith-based outreach and then an organised dualism of related professional fields. Key concepts of empowerment, inclusion, diversity, equality, equal opportunities and community-building are outlined and illustrated with contemporary examples. You will learn about contemporary issues around austerity, youth and community policy issues and movements, such as Black Lives Matter, and each will be focused on demonstrating how youth and community work responds to changing social norms, values and critique. In addition, emphasis is placed upon how youth and community work has drawn from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, social movements and philosophies, to become an important cornerstone in creating healthy, sustainable, inclusive communities.
This module will introduce the topic of working with individuals, groups, and communities. You will explore intersections between sociology, community engagement, key social and cultural organisations, and the wider community. The module’s aims are theoretical, practical, and methodological, equipping you with knowledge of some of key debates within the social sciences around community, public space and the politics and ethics of public engagement as well as practical ideas for their implementation.
This module provides you with the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of the ways in which Social Policy is created and enacted in the context of young people and the community. You will gain an understanding of the social and political contexts which intersect in the shaping of policy and identify the ways in which social policy has evolved in response to differing ideological perspectives on the nature, function and resourcing of welfare state policies. As the module progresses, we will evaluate the roles played by the public, private and voluntary sectors in responding to contemporary social problems and indeed in informing social policy. You will develop a critical appreciation of the ways in which Social Policy can reinforce and magnify structural inequalities by identifying what inclusive social policy looks like in policy and practice.
Understanding equality, diversity, the values that underpin such concepts and promoting social justice are at the core of Youth and Community Work. This module will offer a theoretical foundation and a global context to current challenges and debates within the broad field of equality and diversity. The module supports your journey of self-awareness and building self-esteem by exploring your own and others’ world views in a supportive environment.
Foundations in Practice is the first of three placement opportunities during your studies. In this foundational module, emphasis is placed on introducing you to the placement strand within the programme. This aligns with the importance of spending time in the field developing and refining your youth and community work practice. We will explain the format of the taught sessions and introduce the assessment and establish who will work with you to identify your early strengths and areas of focus for further development.
The aim of this module is to introduce students to theories of intersectionality as an approach to exploring identities in relation to ‘the self’ and principles of social justice. Intersectionality is based on an understanding that a person’s social location is central to their lived experiences as influenced by the interaction of categories such as gender, class, race, ethnicity, sexuality, disability/ability, migration status etc. Intersectionality further recognises that these interactions are situated within interconnected power structures including but not limited to patriarchy, media, and economic systems. Intersectionality, therefore, theorises how forms of oppression and privilege such as racism, misogyny, homophobia, and ableism can rise. This module will encourage students to critically reflect on their own identities and how these influence and impact on their work in community and/or youth-based contexts.
Second Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits).
This module aims to support you in developing an understanding and appreciation for research enquiry and knowledge in youth and community practice, leading to developing critical appraisal skills and an awareness of their role as a reflexive research-practitioner. As youth workers and community based practitioners there is a requirement for you to understand techniques for analysing qualitative and quantitative information, needs analysis, methods to involve and consult with communities, agencies, partners and stakeholders and monitoring and evaluating programmes.
This module provides you with an understanding and analysis of contemporary youth and community practice in global perspective, recognising that youth and community development happens around the world and is core to empowerment and social justice in diverse societies. We begin by examining globalisation and global change as a central tenet in the work of all youth and community workers, including discussion of how the global effects the local and vice versa, and these notions are then used to frame the module.
Reflexive Practice, the second of three placement opportunities during your studies. In this module at level five we continue to emphasise, and support time spent in the field with a core focus on supporting individuals to develop their skills in reflexive practice.
This module provides an intermediate level understanding of contemporary leadership, management and enterprise skills, with a focus on how these are embedded in, and pertain to, youth and community practice in the UK. Starting with an outline of the main leadership and management theories, it provides an outline of how management skills are important to the design and creation, smooth running and sustaining of youth and community contexts, and sets these within an understanding of the historical development of the area. An emphasis is placed upon youth and community leadership that encourages enterprise activities (such as diverse funding and monetisation activity) to improve organisational sustainability and outcomes. These issues are all approached in relation to a range of sectors and youth and community employment contexts (e.g. public, private or voluntary/community/faith settings).
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.
This module provides you with an understanding and analysis of the area of mental health, ideas and concepts around wellbeing support, and counselling approaches. We begin by examining what is meant by mental health and wellbeing, examining the epidemiology and prevalence of mental health issues in the UK. In addition, common mental health conditions and forms of distress will be examined. The public health policy focus and youth and community agenda, in relation to youth and community issues, will be presented and analysed. Then the module focuses upon the main approaches to counselling support, examining the three main different approaches – person-centred, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural. We will also examine integrative approaches of counselling and guidance, and how counselling skills might be used on a day to day level in youth and community contexts, including digital youth and community support.
Most people learn about crime not through direct experience of it but through consumption of media about it – for example news, television drama, film, fiction, documentaries, reality television, blogs, websites and social media. These representations are often characterised by under-representation, over-representation, misrepresentation and distortion of the crimes, criminals and victims they portray. As such, understanding the relationship between crime, media and culture is an important strand within our programme philosophy, which places an emphasis on developing a critical appreciation of the relationship between individual and social aspects of crime, punishment and victimisation.
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Final Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).
Welcome to the third and final placement module, Critical Operational Reflexive Practice. In this module at Level 6 we will enable you to focus on developing and using your investigative, strategic and evaluative skills to consider how you might contribute to the development of youth and community practice. You are expected to undertake the final 300 hours of your required placement hours across this final year of study.
This module provides you with a critical introduction and analysis of multi and inter-professional collaborative working practice in Youth and Community contexts. Working in partnership and collaboration is increasingly common and expected as policy and practice turn away from the model of the practitioner working in an isolated professional bubble. The contemporary focus in areas such as youth and community work, health and social care services and education, is on cross-professional teams, which offer the complementary skills, experiences and knowledge to support and meet the needs of a variety of service users and groups. Good practice models of co-working together with perceived unsuccessful ones will also be provided.
This module follows on from the Level 5 Management and Leadership core module, by providing advanced level study with a focus upon leading in youth and community contexts. In this module you will examine academic and practice understandings of strategic management and planning, and then issues of line management and supervision of real-world youth and community project management contexts. There will be a key focus on developing your understanding and practice skills, in support and motivation of groups, specifically around staff team development, in addition to individual support. Identifying stakeholders and managing the development of partnership working is also central to this module and understanding how leadership and management practices can support best practice in working in partnerships and collaborations, networking with key stakeholders and service beneficiaries and innovating through collaborative youth and community projects.
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.
Mediation of conflict is extremely important for the effective functioning of organizations, groups, and in individuals in relation to the social development of individuals. The way conflict is mediated is also a key consideration based on the type of violence involved. This module aims to help you develop a coherent culturally competent understanding of mediating violence and conflict. It will also equip you with the skills to communicate and identify positive approaches across a wide range of insights, differences and worldviews when mediating conflict and violence. By recognising and analysing processes involved in conflict management and violence disruption in the area of cultural mediation, you will be able to critically assess what actions are required when addressing and alleviating the outcomes of conflict and violence.
With rising prison populations and high rates of reoffending, the problem of how to support people back into the community and thus, help them cease offending has long been ignored in mainstream Criminology. This module therefore, examines what theories might support this process. The module adopts a Positive Criminological approach considering a range of strength-based theories such as rehabilitation, desistance, therapeutic communities, restorative justice etc. and their relationship with criminal justice policy and application to practice. Aspects within the criminal justice system and wider communities that support the rehabilitation, reintegration and re-entry of people convicted of committing crime will be explored and critically examined.
The module explores and examines the historical context which produced the Black Arts Movement in Africa and across the Diaspora. It aligns with the aims of the Black Studies degree programme as it focusses on a social movement, and discusses the contribution that artists from the African diaspora have contributed to visual culture. By engaging with a range of intellectual perspectives that contributed to the development of the Black Arts Movement, students will have the opportunity to understand how, in the case of the Black Arts Movement, intellectual thought and artistic production are symbiotic.
This module follows on from the level 5 Counselling Module, to build a stronger counselling skills base for practice and applied contexts. The key focus is counselling and wellbeing as a toolbox of skills and competencies, used widely in youth and community contexts and providing insight and experiences of use in a safe environment. Diverse ‘helping’ techniques are introduced, to provide a springboard for further study of counselling, wellbeing and case work support in the workplace or in further study. The development of newer techniques and approaches, such as mindfulness and mental health first aid, will be introduced, along with coverage of digital and online techniques of counselling, which have become particularly important since the emergence of Covid-19.
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Download course specification
Download nowTestimonials
"The youth and community degree provides an opportunity for students to engage in a bold and thoughtful new subject of study at BCU. The course will meaningfully engage with contemporary issues that require responses from across the voluntary and public sectors.
Students will not only be provided with learning opportunities on the social, cultural, political and economic factors that impact youth and community work, they will also learn about employment pathways upon completion of the degree. BCU’s strong partnerships with local employers will provide work placement opportunities to enhance students’ learning and employability.
Combining theory and practice, this degree is an essential offer to young people who wish to develop and enhance their knowledge and skills to include critical, analytical and reflective thinking within a youth and community work setting."
Halima Nessa, Head of National Programmes, UK Youth
"This course is an excellent opportunity for an individual to gain both theoretical and practical experience to prepare them for a career in youth work. It balances knowledge with real life experience to support people for a real world role, ensuring that students engage with different types of working and learning as a practice for the working world.
Students will be able to specialise in subject areas that resonate with them, and I am particularly excited about the discussions on themes surrounding diversity and inclusion for students that want to work in those areas.
The course situates itself well in the wider context of the University’s aim to become embedded in its local landscape, helping to support the people of Birmingham."
Sharan Dhanda – BeatFreeks
Employability
Enhancing employability
We work closely with employers in the West Midlands working in Youth Work organisations to support the course with placement opportunities, guest lectures and the occasional field trips to see the work in action.
Throughout your time on the programme there will be the option to seek additional support from the Careers + service and Graduate + service helping you to shape your skills in CV writing and Interview preparation.
We will work with you throughout your time on the programme to seek the best next steps whether that be employment, research or building on your education level to study a Master’s degree.
Placements
Having accreditation from the National Youth Agency, our degree programme includes a mandatory 800 hours of placement to complete in order for you to get your professional Youth Work status from the JNC (Joint Negotiating Committee).
There will be a number of placement opportunities throughout your time on the programme and we have links with local authorities, community, and charity organisations as well as encouraging you to develop your own youth work projects and programmes.
As placement is an integral part of the course, with one placement module per year, there is opportunity to network with employers, gain valuable and relevant experience and shadow other youth workers in their field.
This will not only develop your professional skillset but will leave you with a portfolio of contacts and potentially paid opportunities beyond your degree.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Details of the entry requirements for our courses
- Some of the good reasons why you should study here
- How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Information relevant to applicants from your country
- Where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and have spent over £400 million on new learning facilities.
The Curzon Building
This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other social sciences, law and business students.
The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.
Realistic, simulated environments include two mock court rooms, a Magistrates' and Crown Court, and an interviewing suite. We’re also exploring the use of virtual environments as a way to develop case study analysis.
For those studying on the BSc (Hons) Professional Policing or BA (Hons) Criminology, Policing and Investigation degrees, you’ll experience simulations of police interviewing environments for both suspects and witnesses, with access to tape recording and video playback analysis. You’ll also be able to utilise our unique mobile crime scene to simulate true-to-life and interactive situational simulations.
Crime investigation files are prepared using computer-based technology, and the crime data analysis requirements of the degree are supported by appropriate statistical and analytical software.
Psychology students can look forward to using state-of-the-art equipment as well, including the latest in eye-tracking software, and our new EEG machine, all geared towards giving you true hands-on experience with tools you’ll be using in your later career. You will also benefit from facilities across the wider campus including the Parkside and Millennium Point buildings.
The Curzon Building also features:
- An impressive library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
- Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
- A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
- Accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
- Shared facilities with the wider campus including the Parkside Building and Millennium Point
Our staff
Dr Sarah Pemberton
Head of Law, Social and Criminal Justice
Having initially studied Social Policy as an undergraduate Sarah became immersed in the study of the social world, this served as the foundation for an unrelenting interest in social research which she pursues to this day.
More about SarahChloe Dennis-Green
Lecturer in Youth Work and Communities
Having years of practice experience with young people, Chloe Dennis-Green is now keen to support the next wave of innovative youth workers in the sector. The underpinning of youth work is something she is passionate about passing on but also Chloe is also looking forward to shaping what youth work looks like in this digital age.
More about Chloe