Youth Work BA

Youth Work is a professional field dedicated to supporting, guiding and empowering young people. A Youth Work degree provides the knowledge, practical training and professional accreditation needed to work with young people in schools, charities, local authorities and community organisations. It is an ideal pathway for students who are empathetic, resilient and motivated to make a difference in the lives of young people.

Course Structure

Most Youth Work degrees last three years full time, with some universities offering part-time routes. Many courses are endorsed by the National Youth Agency (NYA), meaning they qualify you to practise as a professional youth worker upon graduation.

The course combines lectures, seminars and workshops with substantial time in supervised placements. Assessment methods typically include essays, reports, reflective journals, group projects, presentations and practice portfolios.

Typical Modules Might Include

Year 1 – Foundations of Youth Work

Introduction to Youth and Community Work

Human Development and Transitions in Adolescence

Values, Ethics and Professional Practice

Social Policy and Young People

Communication and Group Work Skills

First Practice Placement

Year 2 – Core Development

Youth Work Methods and Interventions

Safeguarding and Child Protection

Equality, Diversity and Anti-Oppressive Practice

Education and Informal Learning with Young People

Research Methods in Youth and Community Work

Second Practice Placement (often 150+ hours)

Year 3 – Advanced Practice and Leadership

Youth Justice and Risk

Mental Health and Young People

Managing and Leading in Youth and Community Settings

Partnership Working with Schools and Agencies

Dissertation or Applied Research Project

Final Extended Placement (often 200+ hours)

Placements are a key feature of the degree, giving students hands-on experience in youth centres, schools, charities, faith groups and social care services.

Useful A-Level or BTEC Subjects

Entry requirements vary, but helpful subjects include:

• A levels: Sociology, Psychology, Health and Social Care, Politics or English.

  
  

• BTECs: Health and Social Care, Applied Psychology or Public Services are widely accepted.

  
  

• International Baccalaureate: Social Sciences or related subjects are preferred.

  
  

• Strong communication skills and a genuine interest in working with young people are just as important as academic qualifications.

What Makes a Strong Application

Youth Work courses look for applicants who show empathy, resilience and commitment. A strong application should include:

• Relevant volunteering or work experience, such as mentoring, Scouts/Guides leadership, coaching, youth clubs or church groups.

  
  

• A personal statement showing motivation to support young people and awareness of the challenges they face.

  
  

• Good academic performance in relevant subjects.

  
  

• Evidence of interpersonal skills, teamwork and leadership in extracurricular activities.

Transferable Skills You Will Develop

A Youth Work degree builds both professional and transferable skills, including:

• Communication and empathy – engaging with young people from diverse backgrounds.

  
  

• Leadership and teamwork – running activities, projects and groups.

  
  

• Problem-solving – addressing the needs and challenges of young people.

  
  

• Advocacy and safeguarding – protecting and empowering vulnerable individuals.

  
  

• Organisation and resilience – managing placements and balancing responsibilities.

  
  

• Cultural awareness and ethics – working inclusively with different communities.

Wider Reading: Recommended Books for Aspiring Youth Work Students

Here are four accessible books to inspire and prepare you:

“Youth Work: Preparation for Practice” by Jason Wood, Jean Hine and Kaine Kelly – A comprehensive introduction to youth work theory and practice.

“Working with Young People” by Roger Harrison and Christine Wise – Explores the methods and challenges of supporting young people.

“Pedagogy of the Oppressed” by Paulo Freire – A classic text on education and empowerment, highly relevant to youth work values.

“Positive Youth Development: Theory, Research and Practice” by John Geldhof et al. – Looks at how young people can be supported to thrive.

Typical Pay After Graduation

Newly qualified youth workers typically earn between £23,000 and £28,000, depending on the setting. With experience, salaries rise to £30,000–£40,000. Senior youth work managers, local authority leads or specialists in areas such as youth justice or mental health can earn £40,000–£50,000+.