Youth Work and Social Education with Foundation Year (ETS Endorsed)

The Youth Work and Social Education with Foundation Year (BA) degree is a perfect start for those looking to make a real difference in the lives of young people. This foundation year is designed to build your confidence and skills, preparing you for the rest of the degree, which is ETS endorsed and gives you a professional qualification in youth work. The course addresses the serious challenges young people face today, from trauma and adverse childhood experiences to issues like substance misuse and County Lines. You’ll explore these topics through a social science lens, building skills to support young people through complex situations in a positive way.

Youth work is often called the “best-kept secret” because of its powerful impact. Unlike many other professions, youth work focuses on building strong, positive relationships, with the goal of empowering young people to develop resilience and resourcefulness. The programme centres on this relationship-building as a way to create lasting change, and teaches students how to support youth through a range of issues. With a blend of theory, policy, and practice, students learn how these foundations intersect in the real world, ensuring they are equipped not only as knowledgeable academics but also as skilled practitioners who can work effectively with young people.

Students will be immersed in youth mentoring and advocacy, learning how to help young people reach their potential while addressing essential issues such as health and well-being and children’s rights. Through structured placements and fieldwork, they gain hands-on experience that is invaluable in the workplace, enhancing both their understanding of youth work and their employability in youth and community roles. This practical experience is vital preparation for future community work, where graduates will be able to contribute positively to social justice and community development in a range of environments, from schools and youth centres to social services.

This course offers comprehensive youth and community worker training, which is essential for a career supporting children, teenagers, and their communities. With its deep emphasis on education and social inclusion, the programme ensures that students graduate with a balanced understanding of the needs of young people from diverse backgrounds. They leave prepared for meaningful careers, whether in direct youth support roles or in broader community-focused positions. Many professions view the youth work degree as a highly desirable qualification because of the expertise it imparts and its unique focus on the challenges facing today’s youth.

Graduates are ready to work in dynamic roles that demand empathy, resilience, and a commitment to positive change. For anyone who wants to create an impact, this degree offers the tools to become an influential and compassionate youth worker, capable of leading in the field of youth work and social education.