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An innovative and inspiring course for experienced and qualified youth and community workers who want to develop their expertise and chart a course to leadership roles.
A relevant degree and practice experience are required
International students will be expected to meet the English language requirements of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent
UCAS code Apply to Marjon
UCAS institution code P63
Duration One year full-time or two years part-time
This exciting MA provides the perfect learning platform for experienced and qualified youth and community work practitioners to develop expertise in their chosen area. You will be encouraged to critically analyse historical and contemporary evidence and theory to develop a sophisticated understanding of contemporary youth & community work practice and to actively develop new and innovative forms of practice. The programme offers a rich and culturally diverse teaching and learning environment informed by, and contributing to, international, national, and local perspective of youth and community work. You will undertake two projects where you will be able to develop and apply specialist knowledge in practice.
The teaching is delivered in four blocks, supported by e-learning. You will critically engage with the tensions and challenges of current practice, develop an enhanced knowledge of effective leadership approaches, critically evaluate responses to the changing policy context and develop enhanced skills in practitioner research. You will develop expertise in your chosen area through research in practice. Throughout, you will be encouraged to reflect on your role as a practitioner and question and critically evaluate your professional role. You will develop the skills and knowledge needed to work alongside people in communities to initiate sustainable social change.
Our teaching team are at the forefront of research in youth and community practice
Explore youth and community practice from both British and International perspectives
Specifically designed to support CPD for those qualified and experienced practitioners
Research focus enabling the development of expertise enhancing employability
Flexible delivery enabling study and work to be combined
Collaborative learning environment with Master Classes from British and International practitioners and academics
Is youth and community practice fit for purpose in the 21st century?
Is the outcomes agenda the death knell for youth and community practice?
Should youth and community practice be state-governed or community-driven?
Is participatory practice a thing of the past?
Has the individualisation agenda destroyed any hope of associational practice?
What forms of youth and community work practice can support social justice in today’s context?
The MA Youth & Community Practice - Research & Leadership offers an in-depth look at the profession in its current state, encouraging you to identify new strategies which can bring about change in the future.
This MA is the pathway to exciting, meaningful, and challenging professional development for professional youth and community workers and enhances employability through the development of expertise.
A combination of on-campus teaching (lectures / seminar work), twilight group tutorials (including virtual attendance for those at distance) and tutor-supported independent study. On campus teaching will be delivered via 4 weekend blocks (Fri day pm to Sunday lunchtime).
Via essays, presentations, project reports, self-assessment, dissertation and visual media such as posters and websites.
Course leader
Sue is a youth work academic and author, specialising in participatory practice. She was youth and community worker for thirty years, working as youth worker in Norfolk, Birmingham and Gloucestershire and then and as a senior manager in Hampshire. Currently, her work on evaluating the impact of youth work is influencing youth work practice regionally and internationally (Scotland, France, Italy, Estonia, Finland and Western Australia). Her book ‘Participatory Evaluation in Youth and Community Work’ was published in 2017.
Fees UK students: £6,500 per annum
Fees for International students: £12,500 per annum
This fee covers your tuition and access to course-specific equipment and facilities, as well associated services including access to the library, study skills support, IT support, student support and wellbeing services and membership of the Student Union. There may be additional costs by course.
Our Student Funding Advisors offer confidential and impartial advice about your funding options.
Learn more
Jon worked for 20 years as a youth worker before joining Marjon in 2003. He brings his knowledge and commitment to youth work to his teaching and research. He is particularly interested in the impact of policy on practice as well as theory and practice of youth and community work, as well as outdoor education. In 2018 Jon led a major research project into the value and impact of Youth Work on the lives of young people in Europe.