Youth & Community Work
Youth and community work is a practice-based profession rooted in informal education, working with young people and communities to support their development, voice, and agency. Unlike formal classroom teaching, youth and community work meets people where they are, whether in youth clubs, community centres, street-based projects, or outreach settings, and works from a foundation of voluntary engagement, building relationships and creating the conditions for people to reflect, learn, and take action. It draws on values of participation, empowerment, equality, and partnership, and is underpinned by a commitment to social justice.
Wrexham University's three-year full-time Youth and Community Work degree is a Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) recognised programme, as the course describes, which is the professional qualification required for recognised youth work roles in local authorities and many third-sector organisations. The typical entry tariff is 120 points. You will examine youth and community theory and develop your practice in working with young people and communities through participation, empowerment, and partnership working.
The programme combines academic study of sociology, psychology, politics, and educational theory with substantial supervised practice placements in youth and community settings, where you will develop the skills, values, and professional identity of a qualified youth worker.
JNC qualification opens the door to professional youth work roles in local authorities, voluntary organisations, schools, youth justice services, health organisations, and community development projects. Graduates also work in related roles in community development, social work, housing, equalities, and public health. Many develop careers in management and leadership within the youth and community sector, or move into policy and advocacy roles.
Postgraduate study in community development, social policy, or education is an option for those wishing to develop deeper expertise or move into research or leadership roles.