The transition into adulthood is often viewed as challenging and complex, but it’s also a time of fresh opportunities and new discoveries. Young people are represented in association with contemporary social concerns, ranging from unemployment to social relationships and youth protests, yet at the same time, they’ve become a pulsating presence in the media and in creative arts.
This interdisciplinary degree will develop your skills to work with young people and practice youth work. You’ll explore the phenomenon of youth culture, providing an understanding of youth in a social, cultural and political context. You’ll examine local, national and global issues, and developments that shape young people’s lives and life experiences. Practical and transferable skills essential to employment, further education and research you’ll gain through this degree include computing, video production and multimedia creativity, as well as quantitative and qualitative analysis.
You’ll be taught by qualified and experienced practitioners in youth-centred research, and you’ll also be able to take part in debates with expert external speakers.
In your second and third year, there are a range of modules designed to represent aspects of youth culture and current social issues impacting on young people. These include subjects relating and prompting analysis of youth, resistance and social control, and exploring and critiquing the notion of self, identity and gender. You’ll be able choose modules that focus on areas which interest you. You’ll be able to examine topics including the relationship between the media and young people’s cultural experiences and expressions, anti-social behaviour and criminal activity, mental health in young people.
„Society throws many obstacles and challenges at our young people, many of these you may already have experienced or observed. You may also have read about the ‚challenges’ and recognised how some of the narrative about young people are incorrect. This is your opportunity to delve deeper into the frameworks, theories and methods of working with young people. Everyone has something worthwhile to contribute, to share your ideas and opinions, and to challenge and critically discuss the impact on young people.” Aine Woods, course leader for Youth Studies, BSc (Hons)
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through coursework, class test, exam, individual and group presentation, work placement portfolios and an explorative project.
What our students say
Current student, Michael Ayeni, had this to say about his experience:
„This course has really helped me – it has provided me with a solid background knowledge in youth work and the skills I need. Through this course, I’ve been able to think in a different dimension about working with young people.”
Read more on Michael’s profile page.
„I feel that this course will enhance my future career prospects through my learnt skills and knowledge. The leader’s passion has definitely infected me with enthusiasm to make a difference in society with youth practice.”
National Student Survey (NSS) 2016
After the course
Graduates have a wide choice of careers within a rapidly expanding array of commercial, public and voluntary sector bodies; fields of particular relevance include social research, community work, counselling, teaching, youth justice, trainee probation, housing, health, education, welfare rights and drugs services. Previous graduates are now in roles as student support mentors and family case workers for schools, and as caseworkers for housing services for young people.
