ObjectivesThis programme offers a high-quality, postgraduate-level qualification relevant to both existing professionals, and to recent social science undergraduates who intend to make a career in this field. At a time when major change is occurring in the position of young people in contemporary Britain, policy responses are offering mixed messages, with increased controls on the one hand and greater empowerment on the other. This exciting new course offers those working with, or concerned about, young people the opportunity to explore relevant theory, research and policy developments and apply these to youth participation practices. The programme covers related but separate discourses about youth volunteering, participation and citizenship education and young peoples’ engagement in both civil and civic society. It develops conceptual knowledge, understanding and critical reflection through a multidisciplinary approach, and will enable you to analyse practice based on a wider appreciation of political, sociological and psychological theory. It also provides opportunities to develop innovative models in research and project-based assignments relevant to individual interests, the sector and the field of study. It is supported by a vibrant centre of research and teaching expertise in youth, voluntary and community studies, policy, governance, citizenship, diversity and management in the Faculty of Lifelong Learning. The independent Institute for Voluntary Action Research, a key UK research centre in this field, is now located in the Faculty, and Birkbeck has joined with the Institute of Education to support an International Centre for Education in Democratic Citizenship. The Faculty has strong partnerships with related bodies such as the Citizenship Foundation, Participation Works and the National Foundation for Educational Research. Leading professionals contribute to the course.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements Good first degree or other relevant qualifications. Appropriate professional training and experience of the sector.
Course descriptionFor the MSc, you must achieve 180 credits – completing two core modules, two modules from a number of options, and a dissertation or work-related learning project. Each module is worth 30 credits and the dissertation 60 credits. Among modules studied, MSc students normally take a research methods programme to support study for dissertation work or work-related study. For the PgDip, you must complete four modules, and for the PgCert, two modules.
All students take the core modules Youth Participation: Theoretical Base and Policy Context in the UK and Youth Participation: Utilising Research and Evidence-Based Practice.
Pathways are then possible through option modules, such as Organisational Analysis and Change; Key Issues in Voluntary Sector Development and Management; Diversity and Inclusion; Education for Citizenship; Project Development and Practice, a group work project, drawing on case studies; Community Development (based in Stratford); Ethnicity, Migration, Policy; or Management Studies. These may vary annually, but will support specialist subject interests which students wish to pursue.
The programme integrates research-led teaching, learning from recent and contemporary empirical study, and students’ knowledge and experience as practitioners. You will be expected to participate through discussion, seminar presentations and group work where appropriate.
Teaching
Seminars, lectures, workshops and presentations; external professionals will contribute to specific sessions.
Assessment
Assessment formats may vary, depending on option modules selected. One written assignment per module. MSc dissertation or work-related learning project.