Educational aims
This degree is suitable for experienced practitioners working directly with young people (aged 13–19 years) in informal settings or with informal educational roles in a formal environment. It will provide knowledge and skills required for working with young people, give professionally recognised status (subject to validation) and will also prepare you to engage with further research, study, enquiry and practice where knowledge of working with young people is required.
Through your study you will:
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develop a systematic and critical understanding of the application of theoretical, practice and research knowledge and skills in relation to working with young people in diverse and multi-agency settings
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develop as a reflective practitioner who is able to develop, interrogate and evaluate ethical practice within the framework of professional principles, purposes and values that applies to professional practice with young people.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this degree, you will:
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have a systematic and critical understanding of the key ideas, theoretical debates, issues and policies relating to informal education work with young people
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have a critical understanding of the principle methods and approaches used in work with young people and leadership, and management of that work
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understand the principles, purposes, values and ethical issues affecting work with young people and the tensions that arise within practice
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understand the contested and changing nature of practice and the changing and diverse experience of young people.
Cognitive skills
On completion of the degree you will be able to:
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critically assess and evaluate different approaches to the study of work with young people, reflecting on the dynamic two-way relationship between theory and practice
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synthesise and critically evaluate research literature and carry out a piece of personal research utilising appropriate methods and showing awareness of their limitations
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critically engage with the social issues that affect young people and exercise informed judgement in relation to them.
Practical and/or professional skills
On completion of the degree you will be able to:
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operate as a reflective practitioner working with young people, recognising and managing complex situations and applying ethical principles and anti-oppressive practice as appropriate
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design, lead, implement and evaluate activities, programmes and projects that support young peoples’ development and learning
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critically apply the research, analytical and evaluative skills needed for effective practice and the promotion of equality across working with young people
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work in partnership and in teams, ensuring an environment that values other professionals and supports the development of self and colleagues.
Key skills
On completion of the degree you will be able to:
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communicate complex information, arguments and ideas effectively and appropriately, using diverse media and to diverse audiences
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find, critically evaluate and use information or data accurately in complex contexts
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select and use ICT tools to improve your learning and contribute to your community of practice
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as an independent leaner, plan, monitor and evaluate your learning and seek ways to improve your performance.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
The teaching material is offered through supported open learning modules and includes module texts, audio-visual material and directed reading. Knowledge and understanding are principally developed through these teaching materials and in-text questions, tasks and activities. Summative assessment is by written tutor-marked assignments and by end-of-module assessments. Tutors support development through online and telephone support, letters, tutorials and written feedback on assignments.
On the work-based learning modules you will attend day schools, and also have professional supervision sessions that contribute to the development of knowledge and understanding.
Cognitive skills are assessed by module assignments. These will allow you to demonstrate your ability to structure a clear and reasoned argument and to critically analyse module issues. The Personal Development Plan and Work-Based Learning Projects in the work-based modules will allow you to demonstrate independent thinking skills and your understanding of theoretical concepts and the underpinning principles for practice as they apply to young people in a work-based context. They will also give an opportunity to show evidence of reflective practice and use appropriate methods of enquiry.
Key skills are promoted within learning materials and as part of continuous assessment. Assessment criteria of assignments require you to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in a variety of formats. Learning skills focusing on information literacy, setting priorities and targets, and self-assessment are a feature of the Personal Development Plan, the general approach to key skills and of the work-based learning components.
You are encouraged to use online forums to communicate with tutors and other students throughout the degree and use of ICT will be a requirement of the delivery and support process for the work-based learning modules. Opportunities to develop personal ICT skills are a component of the work-based learning modules.
Professional skills are developed as part of an increased awareness and understanding of good practice and through understanding and undertaking a reflective practice approach. The assessment of practice skills is via module work, participation in Day Schools (or equivalent) and assessed observed practice. This includes developing an appropriate approach to recording development in relation to work-based practice. Students also develop a Personal Development Plan throughout the degree.