MA Youth and Community Work at University of East London

This established course opens the door for you to step straight into youth work. Only one other provider in London offers a postgraduate JNC qualification as part of a master's course. With 400 mandatory hours of practice learning to add to UEL-based learning, it is a demanding, but rewarding, commitment.

Faculty: School of Childhood and Social Care  |  Department: Department of Social Work Counselling & Social Care  |  Duration: 1 year full-time  |  Study mode: full-time, part-time  |  Intake: September 2026  |  Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Our MA Youth and Community Work programme offers a powerful mix of theory and hands-on experience in informal youth education. You'll start by looking at the core policies and theories of youth work, getting a critical understanding of the field. Modules include Policy, Theory and Practice in Youth Work, Field Work Practice 1, Field Work Practice 2, Community Development, Theory and Practice, Applied Research Project.

Career pathways

The traditional model of youth work, where you work in and later manage a youth club as the focal point of the community, is becoming less common. The range of roles open to you now is as rewarding as it is wide.

Official programme page