Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Youth Work and Community Development
Learn the real, practical skills you need to transform lives for the better and gain a professional youth and community work qualification, valid anywhere in the world.
Course Overview
-
LMLM -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
19 Sep 2022
This course gives you a gateway into a rewarding career, a career that can take you anywhere in the UK or overseas.
Locally, nationally and globally, young people and communities are having to deal with difficult and challenging situations. Learn the skills you need to help them, and yourself, rise to those challenges.
You’ll undertake placements in a wide variety of settings and work with individual young people, as well as with groups and the wider community. This includes young offenders, drug services, environmental agencies and outdoor education centres.
Your qualification is validated by the National Youth Agency (NYA) and recognised by the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC). These bodies endorse professional qualifications for youth and community workers.
You’ll build real practical skills:
- Through an extensive range of taught modules
- By completing 800 hours of assessed youth and community practice placements
You’ll also have the opportunity to transfer to the BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People & Families or BSc (Hons) Social Care, Justice & Recovery course on completion of your first year, without the need to repeat modules.
Studying in Leeds gives you access to diverse placements, ranging from rural communities to multi-cultural suburbs. You can take a pre-planned placement in India, South Africa or New York. Alternatively, you can set up your own placement in any area you wish.
Why study Youth Work and Community Development at Leeds Beckett University...
- Professional accreditation
- Study abroad options
- Placement Opportunities
- Work on real-life projects
- 93% of BA (Hons) Youth Work & Community Development (JNC) students said they were able to apply what they learnt*
- 92% of students from BA (Hons) Youth Work and Community Development (JNC) were in work or further study 15 months after graduating**
* National Student Survey 2021
**Graduate Outcomes 2020
BA (Hons) Youth Work and Community Development (JNC) Find out what it’s like to study the course at Leeds Beckett University.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
104
points required
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
We have now welcomed students from over 140 countries across the globe. If you are interested in studying with us you can find your country and get all the information you'll need about entry requirements and how to apply.
Entry requirements
104
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 104 points required.
(Minimum 64 points from two A levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs:
English Language at Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSE English Language.Access to HE Diploma:
Pass overall with a minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points.Scottish Awards:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade B at Higher Level.Irish Leaving Certificate:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade C1 or above at Higher Level of which at least 3 must be at B2.Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
International baccalaureate
24 Points
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
DBS Check
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course, (processed through the University only). The University is unable to accept DBS checks obtained through another institution (this includes those registered with the DBS Update Service); the checks undertaken by the University are appropriate to the course of study and relevant regulated activity placements. For important information on the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requirements please refer to the Guidance on DBS and Additional Checks.
Self Declaration Check
You will be asked to complete this online form as part of the DBS check process. You will be asked to identify on the self-declaration form if you have any cautions/convictions that would not be filtered out on a DBS certificate. Please refer to the following website for guidance on filtering. The form will also ask if you have resided outside of the UK after the age of 16, to establish if an Overseas Police Record check may be required.
Overseas Police Checks/Letter of Good Conduct
The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants; those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency of 12 months or more after the age of 16; therefore, require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country(ies) prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will also be required prior to enrolment; the DBS team will send you guidance on how to apply following your offer of a place. The application process and timeframes for Overseas Police checks can differ from country to country and so it is recommended that you start the process as soon as possible after you have been made a conditional/Unconditional offer to ensure you have enough lead in time to obtain the check prior to enrolment. For some countries, an individual can only apply in person and so it is preferable for those applicants still resident in the relevant country, to apply before entering the UK.Our commitment to help every student succeed:
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).
Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website)
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants)
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts
- Declared as a care leaver on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants)
Our place as an Anchor Institution:
Leeds Beckett University is in the top 10 universities nationwide for being representative of our local community. To further strengthen our position as a key provider of education and training for West Yorkshire we apply an Anchor Institution Policy in our admissions process. Students who apply to us from any of the five Local Authority areas in West Yorkshire (BD, HD, HX, LS, WF) will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points.
Mature applicants:
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable..
All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.
We have now welcomed students from over 140 countries across the globe. If you are interested in studying with us you can find your country and get all the information you'll need about entry requirements and how to apply.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
International baccalaureate
24 Points
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
DBS Check
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course, (processed through the University only). The University is unable to accept DBS checks obtained through another institution (this includes those registered with the DBS Update Service); the checks undertaken by the University are appropriate to the course of study and relevant regulated activity placements. For important information on the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requirements please refer to the Guidance on DBS and Additional Checks.
Self Declaration Check
You will be asked to complete this online form as part of the DBS check process. You will be asked to identify on the self-declaration form if you have any cautions/convictions that would not be filtered out on a DBS certificate. Please refer to the following website for guidance on filtering. The form will also ask if you have resided outside of the UK after the age of 16, to establish if an Overseas Police Record check may be required.
Overseas Police Checks/Letter of Good Conduct
The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants; those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency of 12 months or more after the age of 16; therefore, require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country(ies) prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will also be required prior to enrolment; the DBS team will send you guidance on how to apply following your offer of a place. The application process and timeframes for Overseas Police checks can differ from country to country and so it is recommended that you start the process as soon as possible after you have been made a conditional/Unconditional offer to ensure you have enough lead in time to obtain the check prior to enrolment. For some countries, an individual can only apply in person and so it is preferable for those applicants still resident in the relevant country, to apply before entering the UK.Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Our silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
Teaching & Learning
Gain the expertise required to become a youth work and community development worker, while meeting the skills and values demanded by the National Youth Agency's Professional Validation and Curriculum Requirements. The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload will be informed by your core modules and the option modules you choose to study; the information provided is an indication of what you can expect and may be subject to change. The option modules listed are also an indication of what will be available to you. Their availability is subject to demand and you will be advised which option modules you can choose at the beginning of each year of study.
What you'll learn
Examine how politics impacts on everyday life and seek to gain an understanding of how globalisation affects and shapes political organisation(s) and this effect on young people, families and their communities.
Understand the foundations for successful employability and to consider how volunteering can provide an environment for learning. You will develop a wide range of personal and professional skills.
Gain an understanding of the qualities and skills needed for effective communication and engagement skills for practice. You will explore key aspects of verbal and non-verbal communication and relate them to established therapeutic techniques and communication skills theory.
Transition into higher education by developing the academic and professional skills necessary to successfully complete the course and become competent practitioners in a social care setting. You will be introduced to a range of skills which include: study skills, reflection, communication, working to deadlines, management of self and independent learning.
Develop your understanding of multiple inequalities and the way that these limit choices and opportunities for individuals, groups and communities. This engages you in contemporary debates that surround social justice, diversity and inequality in a broad inter disciplinary network of health, criminal justice, housing, addiction, and welfare services.
Study the knowledge concerning physical, psychological and psychosocial development across the human life course, in a political, cultural, economic and environmental context.
What you'll learn
Engage in a minimum of 325 hours assessed professional practice. Taught input will focus on the placement process and introducing students to the knowledge and skills involved in delivering informal education and facilitating learning. Students are required to plan, deliver and evaluate a 'programme of intervention' which is initially 'rehearsed' in the classroom and then delivered to individuals/groups in practice.
Explore the concept of community and examine the ideas, perspectives and approaches of critical thinkers and writers/practitioners. You will study contemporary issues that impact on communities such as Preventing Violent Extremism, Forced migration, Brexit, Poverty and Inequality and Environmental concerns. In a second section, you will investigate in more depth community development ? both as a set of National Occupational Standards and as a distinctive practice that sits alongside youth work. Learn how to facilitate community research, collaborative partnership work and promote community learning that creates meaningful social change.
You will learn the basic approaches of social research, helping you to foster critical thinking and research skills, and examine ethical research considerations and prepare to become a practitioner researchers.
Study a range of theoretical approaches which inform youth and community work and the historical and ideological debates that influence youth and community work practice.
Option modules may include
Develop your critical awareness and promote a better understanding of the socially complex issues practitioners face within community practice. You will have the opportunity to explore key contemporary debates within youth, social care, justice, recovery and family services in an academic, critical and informed manner.
You will develop your awareness of models and approaches used working in the outdoors with young people, with a particular focus on the relevance of outdoor activities for use in a youth work setting.
Build on your awareness of models and creative approaches used in engaging individuals and groups through drama and creative arts. You will develop creative ways of working around a range of issues.
Enhance your awareness of models and approaches used in health initiatives, with particular focus on the relevance for use in informal education. You will consider health in a global context, but also focus on work in the UK. You will be enabled to develop creative ways of working with people around issues of health.
What you'll learn
Foster your skills, familiarity, and confidence to enable you to take on personal and organisational responsibilities. In a workplace context, you are equipped with knowledge and practice in management, leadership and motivation approaches whilst at an individual level gaining insights into their own styles, preferences and experiences. The aim is to enable you to be able to make choices about how you work to get the best from yourself and others at work. On completing the module you'll have developed skills and techniques to become effective day to day managers and innovative leaders.
Study an area of practice in depth and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant social, economic and political context impacting on that particular practice. You will utilise skills developed in the Year 2 research module which introduces the basic approaches of social research and helped you foster critical thinking and research skills, informed by an ethical approach consistent with your professional value-base.
Build on your understanding of the social, political, economic and cultural issues that impact upon contemporary family life and increase your knowledge of evidence-based practice to promote the well-being of children and young people and support families.
Explore the concept of globalisation and locate global forces within contemporary practice. You will critically explore the impact of globalisation on local practice, with reference to themes such as economics, migration and conflict.
Undertake a minimum of 325 hours' assessed professional practice. You will critically apply your academic learning and demonstrate a high level of practice informed by the values, ethics, principles and National Occupational Standards of Youth Work, and core standards of Community Development Work.
Fees & Funding
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Fees & Funding
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Work-based learning / placement opportunities. You can choose a workplace location which is convenient for travel. Travel expenses thresholds are tiered dependent on the location of the placement. You can claim public transport receipted costs as follows: regional travel up to £300, national travel up to £500, international placement travel up to £750. You will need to cover any costs above these limits
- Volunteering or relevant work experience; undertaking 100 hours of required volunteering (or paid work) in the first year may incur travel costs that you will need to cover
Optional Costs
- Overseas trips (maximum £200), costs will vary depending on course and location and could include visit, flight and accommodation
- Books (£100) E-books available for some key texts
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Work-based learning / placement opportunities. You can choose a workplace location which is convenient for travel. Travel expenses thresholds are tiered dependent on the location of the placement. You can claim public transport receipted costs as follows: regional travel up to £300, national travel up to £500, international placement travel up to £750. You will need to cover any costs above these limits
- Volunteering or relevant work experience; undertaking 100 hours of required volunteering (or paid work) in the first year may incur travel costs that you will need to cover
Optional Costs
- Overseas trips (maximum £200), costs will vary depending on course and location and could include visit, flight and accommodation
- Books (£100) E-books available for some key texts
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
93%
of BA (Hons) Youth Work & Community Development (JNC) students said they were able to apply what they learnt.
BA (Hons) Youth Work and Community Development Jo Bishop Youth Work and Community Development (JNC) course video
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
92%
of students from BA (Hons) Youth Work and Community Development (JNC) were in work or further study 15 months after graduating
My course placement opportunities were invaluable. They helped me realise my career goals and how important and powerful youth and community work can be. I learned about the differences in people and how to respect diverse opinions and choices. The experience on my placements alongside my academic progression has helped me achieve my perfect job.
Amanda Croft
Youth and Family Support Practitioner, East Riding of Yorkshire Council. BA(Hons) Youth Work and Community Development (JNC)
Career Prospects
As a qualified youth and community worker, you will be able to work in children and young people’s services, employed alongside or managing a range of other professions. Our graduates have gone on to work in schools, colleges, youth offending services, outdoor activity centres, residential settings and youth and community centres.
- Youth Worker
- Community Development Worker
- Behaviour Management Worker
- Learning Support Worker
The skills you leave with enable you to challenge preconceptions about young people, so you feel confident and passionate in the work you do. You will be empathetic, effective practitioners.
Dr Erika Laredo
Senior Lecturer
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that the opportunity to experience an education here at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us to study for your undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary.
Bursaries are usually awarded depending on household income, whilst scholarships are available for a number of areas, and are based on sporting or academic excellence. For more information visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
Beckett Careers Team
Our Beckett Careers Team will support you with all aspects of your career planning, throughout university and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job or want to gain experience alongside your studies, need help preparing an application or exploring graduate job options, we can provide expert support every step of the way!
Throughout your university journey and up to five years after you graduate you'll have access to a broad range of support and tools to help you with:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Preparing for an interview
- Applying for a graduate vacancies or placements
- Connecting with employers and organisations
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
BA (Hons) Youth Work & Community Development (JNC) student - Rebecca Chapman BA(Hons) Youth Work and Community Development (JNC) from a student perspective
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed.
Life in Leeds
Leeds is an exciting and vibrant student city, find out what it has to offer!
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
OPEN DAY
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