Objectives-Focus on health, welfare and well-being -Specifically designed for qualified practitioners in the field -Flexible, yet coherent, programme of study -Professionally validated by the National Youth Agency (NYA) and recognised by the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC).
Entry requirementsThere is no formal requirement but students need to demonstrate that they can work at Masters level. This can be done through the student having a first degree or having a range of academic and work experience that enables them to handle academic material at this level and use their practice in a thoughtful and reflective manner. Applicants may be required to undertake pre-registration modules prior to commencement or complete an agreed portfolio of learning. Students are normally expected to have a professional qualification in an area related to youth and community work.
Academic titleMA/PGDip/PGCert Health and Community Studies
Course descriptionProgramme
Students take a programme consisting of one core module, and up to six other modules depending on their chosen pathway. The MA is completed with a dissertation of 60 or 90 credits. Students will be expected to complete a dissertation in a health related area. The programme offers four pathways: research, management, advanced skills, and generic. The generic pathway offers the greatest flexibility for colleagues wishing to pursue a wide variety of modules. The research pathway includes taught modules in research methods and advanced research methods, as well as requiring students to complete a 90 credit dissertation.
Students consider practice-based, evaluative and academic modes of research. Students on the management pathway are required to take at least three management modules and complete a management focused dissertation. The advanced skills pathway focuses on the development of individual practice, as well as the ability to support and enable good practice from colleagues. All core modules and most option modules are launched during one of two block teaching weeks held each year (usually in September and January). Attendance at launch days is compulsory. These are supported by a wide variety of written material, individual and corporate tasks. Students are required to engage in a number of online seminars in each module.
Teaching/assessment
Assessment is usually by written assignment of 4000 words per 15 credit module. Contributions to online seminars are also an attendance requirement.
Career opportunities
Students completing the course follow a wide range of senior posts in youth work and community development work in both the statutory and voluntary sector. MA qualification is a recommended qualification for workers to hold senior positions in recent workforce development proposals.