Course information

Entry requirements

UCAS code

L530

Entry requirements

A-level: CC
BTEC: MPP
IB: Successful completion

Length

3 years full-time

Course overview

This programme is ideal if you have some experience of community and youth work. Challenging, dynamic and interactive, it presents opportunities for critical reflection and exploration of recent developments in the field.

The degree is professionally recognised by the National Youth Agency (NYA) and endorsed by the Endorsement and Quality Standards Board for Community Development Learning.

  • The BA Social Science, Community Development and Youth Work enables students to examine practice with young people and communities through the lens of the main social science perspectives.
  • Combining academic study in the social sciences with fieldwork placements in community development and youth work, the programme will enable you to develop as a youth and community development worker equipped for the particular contexts and challenges of the twenty-first century.
  • The programme is underpinned by a commitment to social justice and equalities and provides opportunities to specialise in areas such as youth offending, community arts, faith-based practice, conflict transformation, international development and community enterprise.

Why study BA Social Science, Community Development & Youth Work at Goldsmiths

  • You'll undertake placements in several community and youth work settings, and will gain invaluable experience that will enhance your employability
  • The degree can lead to careers in the broad community development, community and youth work field in statutory, voluntary and independent sectors
  • Our lecturers have extensive experience in the community and youth work sector, and work closely with you to maximise your potential
  • You'll learn how to analyse relevant theoretical concepts and social policies, and how to link them to practical situations and your personal practice
  • You'll attend a three-day residential module in the January of the first year, where you'll get to know other students and staff, while participating in programmed activities
  • Teaching methods encourage student participation and include lectures, seminars, group and individual tutorials, group work training meetings, workshops and practical exercises

Our graduates

Former students have gone on to work as community development workers, substance misuse workers, and youth workers in a range of settings, including schools and youth offending teams.

Read about one of our graduates, Nequela Whittaker, who talked to Woman's Hour about how her experiences led her to become a youth worker.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact David Woodger.

What you'll study

Note about optional modules (if available): The below is indicative of the typical modules offered, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. The module content and availability is subject to change.

Residential

The residential at the beginning of the second term in the first year provides the opportunity for you get to know other students and staff, while participating in student-programmed activities. The module takes place at a residential centre and there is no extra cost.

Year 1 (credit level 4)

In your first year you will study the following compulsory modules:

Module title Credits
Introduction to Community Development & Youth Work 15 credits
Introduction to Applied Research Methods I 15 credits
Fieldwork Practice I 30 credits
Race, Racism and Professional Practice 15 credits
Introduction to Group Work 15 credits
Introduction to Applied Social Science 15 credits
Identity, Agency & Environment 2 15 credits

Year 2 (credit level 5)

In the second year, you take the following compulsory modules.

Module title Credits
Group Work in Theory 15 credits
Group Work in Practice 15 credits
Fieldwork Practice 2 30 credits
Theory, Policy and Politics 15 credits
Applied Research Methods 2 15 credits
Community Development and Youth Work in Context 15 credits

There are 6 compulsory modules – plus one option from the other 4.

Module title Credits
Arts in the Community 15 credits
Global Youth Work and International Development 15 credits
Youth Justice 15 credits
Religion, Belief and Spirituality in Professional Practice 15 credits
The Goldsmiths Elective 15 credits

Year 3 (credit level 6)

In the third year you take the following compulsory modules:

Module title Credits
Fieldwork Practice 3 30 credits
Social Justice in Community Development and Youth Work 15 credits
Management and Leadership 15 credits
Critical Engagement with Social Policy 15 credits
Dissertation 30 credits

You then choose one option from the following list:

Module title Credits
Faith-Based Youth Work 15 credits
Conflict Transformation 15 credits
Enterprise in Communities 15 credits

Teaching style

This programme is taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work.

The following information gives an indication of the typical proportions of learning and teaching for each year of this programme*:

Year 1 - 10% scheduled learning, 76% independent learning, 14% placement hours
Year 2 - 10% scheduled learning, 82% independent learning, 8% placement hours
Year 3 - 10% scheduled learning, 79% independent learning, 10% placement hours

How you’ll be assessed

You’ll be assessed through a combination of coursework, assignment, presentation, dissertation, self-reflection reports and portfolio.

The following information gives an indication of how you can typically expect to be assessed on each year of this programme*:

  • Year 1 - 81% coursework, 19% practical
  • Year 2 - 100% coursework
  • Year 3 - 94% coursework, 6% practical

*Please note that these are averages are based on enrolments for 2022/23. Each student’s time in teaching, learning and assessment activities will differ based on individual module choices. Find out more about how this information is calculated.

Credits and levels of learning

An undergraduate honours degree is made up of 360 credits – 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 120 at Level 6. If you are a full-time student, you will usually take Level 4 modules in the first year, Level 5 in the second, and Level 6 modules in your final year. A standard module is worth 30 credits. Some programmes also contain 15-credit half modules or can be made up of higher-value parts, such as a dissertation or a Major Project.

Download the programme specification.

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

What our students say

Matthew

There will be challenges but you will be supported every step of the way. Have an open mind and use all the support to your advantage.

Supported every step of the way

Goldsmiths has made a positive impact on me personally. It’s allowed me to exercise my voice, express myself, learn from many people from all walks of life, show me that I am capable of achieving challenging goals and gain leadership skills that I often doubted. I believe Goldsmiths has created a positive shift in my life, which has given me opportunities to move in the direction to enable me to fulfil my purpose.

There will be challenges but you will be supported every step of the way. Have an open mind and use all the support to your advantage.

Positive challenges

I enjoy that the degree is able to challenge me in a positive way that enables me to develop my character e.g. my communication skills, leadership skills, awareness and thinking outside of the box to name a few.

Another enjoyable aspect is that my fellow students have experience within the field and are able to support me directly and indirectly. My tutors are very supportive, they acknowledge the challenges I have and are able to work with me to achieve my specific goals. A surprising aspect is the amazing guest lecturers who have expertise in specific areas.

Entry requirements

We accept the following qualifications:

A-level: CC
BTEC: MPP
International Baccalaureate: Successful completion
Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including a number of distinctions/merits in subject specific modules
Scottish qualifications: CCCCC (Higher) or CC (Advanced Higher)
European Baccalaureate: 60%

Additional requirements

You'll also need

  • one year's full-time (or two years' part-time) work experience (paid or voluntary) in a related field
  • evidence of academic achievement at Level 3 (A-level) standard; preferably two A-level passes or equivalent and three GCSE passes or equivalent.
  • to fulfil our fitness to train requirements

In some cases, it may be possible to admit applicants on the basis of practical experience alone, provided that evidence of this experience is presented at interview.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 with a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

Alternative qualifications

See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.

Fees & funding

Annual tuition fees

These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.

From August 2021 EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for 'Home' fee status. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will be classified as 'International' for fee purposes, more information can be found on our fees page.

  • Home - full-time: £9250
  • International - full-time: £19640

If your fees are not listed here, please check our undergraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.

If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.

Funding opportunities

We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, and our careers service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies. Find out more about funding your studies with us.

Careers

Skills

The programme will give you practical experience in several community and youth work settings – having this real-world experience will set you apart in the job market. In addition you will develop the following transferable skills:

  • Critical analysis of theoretical concepts
  • critical reflection
  • teamwork
  • organisational skills
  • motivation
  • research methods

Careers

On successful completion of the programme you will be awarded a BA (Hons) degree in Applied Social Science, Community Development and Youth Work; a professional qualification recognised by the National Youth Agency (NYA) and the Joint Negotiating Committee for Youth and Community Workers (JNC).

The programme can lead to careers in the broad community development, community and youth work field in statutory, voluntary and independent sectors. Former students have gone on to work as:

  • managers and staff in community projects
  • youth officers
  • community development workers
  • substance misuse workers
  • youth workers in a range of settings, including schools and youth offending teams
  • learning mentors

They have also worked in the following areas:

  • international development projects
  • setting up their own projects and organisations
  • community cohesion projects
  • multi faith work
  • community work
  • innovative projects within schools
  • community arts projects
  • youth offending teams
  • field of conflict transformation

Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths. You can also find out more about specific career paths open to you after you graduate in our Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies careers page.