BA (Hons) Education Studies (Youth and Community Work)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Hull

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Education Studies (Youth and Community Work) at the University of Hull combines academic study with professional training to prepare you for a career working with young people and communities. It’s designed for those who want to create positive social change, empower others, and build inclusive, supportive environments for youth and community development.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
Your first year introduces you to the foundations of education, social justice, and youth work. Through modules such as Education, Power and Knowledge, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Learning Across the Lifespan, you’ll explore how education and community engagement can drive change. You’ll also begin developing key communication and reflective skills essential for effective youth and community practice.

Year 2:
You’ll deepen your understanding of working directly with young people and communities. Modules like Participation, Engagement and Applied Professional Ethics with Young People and Communities and Issues and Interventions in Youth and Community Work focus on ethical practice, youth participation, and social action. You’ll also complete a professional placement in a real community or youth setting, applying what you learn to real-life challenges.

Year 3:
Your final year brings everything together with advanced study and practical experience. Modules such as Communities of Practice allow you to collaborate with professionals and explore complex social issues, while your final project focuses on leadership and advocacy within youth and community work. You’ll graduate ready to take on professional roles that make a real impact in people’s lives.

Focus areas:
Youth empowerment, community engagement, social inclusion, professional practice, leadership, and advocacy.

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to design and lead youth and community projects, apply ethical and inclusive principles, support personal and social development, and use reflective practice to improve professional effectiveness.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This degree includes the nationally recognised Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) qualification in Youth and Community Work, enabling graduates to enter professional roles across the UK and beyond.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Around 90% of graduates from this program are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. The course is known for its strong community partnerships, practical placements, and high-quality teaching that connects academic theory with real-world impact.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA (Hons) Education Studies (Youth and Community Work) program at the University of Hull is all about learning through action. From your first year, you’ll step outside the classroom and into real communities — working directly with young people, organisations, and local groups to understand how education, social justice, and youth engagement come together in practice. This program combines theory with hands-on experience, helping you develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills that make a difference in people’s lives.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience throughout your degree:

Three professional placements in youth and community settings, giving you first-hand experience in areas like youth justice, mental health support, community development, and education outreach.
The opportunity to earn the JNC professional qualification in Youth Work alongside your degree, a nationally recognised certification that prepares you for professional practice.
Applied modules such as “Issues and Interventions in Youth and Community Work” and “Participation, Engagement and Applied Professional Ethics,” where you’ll work on real challenges faced by communities.
Field visits and community projects that take learning beyond the classroom and allow you to engage directly with local youth initiatives and social organisations.
A “Communities of Practice” module, where you’ll collaborate with classmates and practitioners to research and implement real-world youth and community work strategies.
Access to the University’s Education, Teaching and Childhood Studies department, which includes modern learning spaces, collaborative classrooms, and digital tools that support applied learning.
Guidance from lecturers with real industry experience, ensuring you learn from professionals who’ve worked in youth work, community outreach, and education leadership.
Opportunities to connect with local and regional partners, giving you insight into how community programs are developed and managed across different sectors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BA (Hons) Education Studies (Youth and Community Work) at the University of Hull are ready to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people and within their communities. The course blends theory, professional training, and real-world placements, preparing you for impactful roles that promote inclusion, empowerment, and social change. Typical job roles include:

Youth and Community Worker
Youth Justice Officer or Outreach Practitioner
Community Engagement Coordinator
Programme Manager or Specialist Support Worker

Here’s how Hull helps students build successful careers:

Career Support: The University’s Careers and Employability Service provides practical guidance on CVs, interview preparation, and networking. You’ll also complete three substantial professional placements in varied settings — from schools and youth centres to justice and community projects — gaining hands-on experience before you graduate.
Employment Outcomes: Around 90% of graduates in this field are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation. Average earnings for education and youth work graduates from Hull are approximately £30,000 at this stage, reflecting strong demand for these skills.
University–Industry Partnerships: The degree includes professional training that leads to the JNC Professional Youth Work qualification — a nationally recognised accreditation that adds significant value to your degree and is essential for professional youth work roles in the UK. You’ll gain experience through partnerships with youth organisations, schools, charities, and local authorities.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The JNC qualification enhances your employability and provides access to a wide range of roles across statutory, voluntary, and community sectors. The degree’s focus on social justice, inclusion, and youth empowerment ensures your skills remain relevant globally.
Graduate Outcomes: With both academic and practical training, you’ll graduate ready to lead youth programmes, develop community initiatives, or manage projects that support and inspire young people — in the UK or internationally.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you can advance to a Master’s in Social Justice and Community Engagement, Youth and Community Work, or a PGCE if you wish to qualify as a teacher. You may also pursue research-based study such as an MRes or PhD in Youth Studies or Community Education, opening pathways into leadership, policy development, or academic careers.