Youth Work and Community Development MA
City Campus, United Kingdom
MA Youth Work and Community Development
Leeds Beckett University
Youth Work and Community Development
Program Overview: MA Youth Work and Community Development
The MA Youth Work and Community Development at Leeds Beckett University prepares you to become a professionally qualified youth and community worker, validated by the National Youth Agency (NYA). You will participate in a culturally diverse teaching and learning environment, undertake two challenging placements totalling 400 hours, and develop the practical skills needed to make a real difference in the lives of young people.
During your studies, you will critically engage with the tensions and challenges of current practice, build sophisticated knowledge of effective management approaches, and debate how youth work and community development has responded to shifting government policies. The program is designed on principles that promote social justice and challenge injustice and inequality.
Alongside the taught modules, you will benefit from a professional development programme that offers opportunities to explore recent developments in the field, exchange experiences with colleagues and practitioners, and learn from one another. You will also gain an understanding of how to conduct research as a practitioner and undertake an in-depth dissertation study.
Key Program Highlights
- Professionally validated by the National Youth Agency (NYA), enabling you to qualify as a youth and community worker
- 400 hours of supervised placement practice, with at least half spent working directly with young people aged 11-25
- Integrated professional development programme connecting you with practitioners and recent developments in the field
- Designed on principles of social justice, challenging inequality and supporting inclusive practice for positive social change
Curriculum and Modules
The MA Youth Work and Community Development curriculum combines rigorous academic study with extensive professional practice. Modules cover youth work theory, community development practice, research methods, and management approaches, culminating in a substantial dissertation project and 400 hours of fieldwork placement.
Youth Work Theory and Practice
30 creditsExplores the foundational theories, values, and principles underpinning youth work practice. You will critically examine concepts of youth, identity, and participation while developing your professional practice framework.
Community Development: Policy and Practice
30 creditsExamines how community development responds to shifting government policies and social change. You will analyse effective management approaches and strategies for supporting inclusive community practice.
Fieldwork Practice Placement 1
30 creditsThe first of two supervised placements meeting NYA fieldwork practice requirements. You will apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, working directly with young people and community groups.
Fieldwork Practice Placement 2
30 creditsA second supervised placement building on your earlier experience, enabling you to work in multi-agency settings and develop advanced professional competencies in youth and community work.
Research Methods for Practitioners
20 creditsDevelops your understanding of conducting practitioner research, covering qualitative and quantitative methodologies relevant to youth work and community development contexts.
Dissertation
40 creditsAn in-depth independent research project on a topic of your choice within youth work or community development. You will demonstrate advanced analytical skills and contribute original insights to the field.
Elective and Specialist Options
Admission Requirements
Admission to the MA Youth Work and Community Development is competitive, and applicants are expected to demonstrate both academic readiness and relevant practical experience working with young people or communities. All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
Academic Requirements
- Academic QualificationAt least a second class honours degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent qualification
- Professional ExperienceEquivalent experience or training from a work or voluntary setting environment may be considered in lieu of a degree
- Personal StatementApplicants must demonstrate relevant work or voluntary experience with young people or adults in a community-related setting
- InterviewAll suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process
- DBS CheckA satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check is required prior to commencing placements
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall 6.5 with no individual skill below 6.0
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for current accepted scores and equivalencies
- PTE AcademicContact Uni4Edu for current accepted scores and equivalencies
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Leeds Beckett University offers a range of scholarships and financial support options for both UK and international postgraduate students. Uni4Edu can help you identify and apply for the funding opportunities best suited to your profile and circumstances.
Leeds Beckett International Scholarship
GBP 1,500 - GBP 3,000Available to international and EU students assessed to pay overseas fees. This merit-based scholarship is automatically applied as a tuition fee reduction with no separate application required.
Alumni Discount
20% tuition fee reductionLeeds Beckett graduates returning for postgraduate study may be eligible for a 20% alumni discount on their tuition fees. Contact Uni4Edu to confirm eligibility.
Commonwealth Master's Scholarships
Fully funded (tuition, living allowance, travel)Available to students from eligible Commonwealth countries, covering full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, and return airfare. Highly competitive with separate application requirements.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MA Youth Work and Community Development are professionally qualified youth and community workers, sought after by employers across the public, private, and voluntary sectors. By building trusting professional relationships and gaining proven experience in multi-agency settings, you will be well positioned for a wide range of rewarding career paths.
Potential Career Roles
Typical Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Leeds Beckett University is a well-established public university in the United Kingdom with a strong reputation in applied and professional disciplines. The university holds a QS Stars 5-star rating and is consistently ranked in national and global league tables, with particular strengths in health, education, and community-focused programs.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Education Studies | THE World University Rankings | #301-400 |
| Social Sciences | THE World University Rankings | Top 600 |
| Health Studies | Complete University Guide | Top 10 (UK) |
| Sports-Related Subjects | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 100 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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