BA (Hons) Youth Work

A group of Youth Work students are huddling in a group, smiling.

Our BA (Hons) Youth Work programme is designed to offer a comprehensive and professionally recognised qualification, equipping you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to make a meaningful impact to young people’s lives.

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This programme is subject to validation / revalidation by UEA, ready to accept new entrants from September 2025. Therefore, for next year there may be some changes to this advertised course content following this process.

Level: 6
Entry Point: Sep 2025
Duration: Full Time, 3 years
Venue: Norfolk House campus
CCN Course Code: F0145

Reasons to study
this course

Aligned with the National Youth Agency's (NYA) standards and Occupational Standards for Youth Worker, the course has been co-designed with young people and stakeholder including young people, employers, local councils, charities and youth workers from across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex, ensuring it reflects current real-world needs and prepares you for the evolving future of youth work.

Throughout the programme, you will benefit from one day of learning each week (including lectures, seminars, and online study), tailored to fit around your work and life commitments. You will complete a minimum of 800 hours of professional practice in at least two different settings, supported by experienced practitioners who will mentor and assess you based on National Occupational Standards. In your final year, you will be fully prepared to submit your practice portfolio which provides you with the opportunity to showcase the knowledge, skills and behaviours you will have developed throughout the programme. The curriculum blends theory, policy, and practice, helping you critically engage with key issues in youth work while providing hands-on experience in areas such as safeguarding, multi-agency working, informal education, active citizenship, mentoring, group work, research, and project management. You will develop practical expertise in communication, anti-discriminatory practice, and evaluation, as well as the ability to drive positive change in organisations and communities.

We are seeking JNC recognition as a professional youth and community work qualification for this programme, though the validation process is not yet complete.

Alex Guy - Course Leader BA (Hons) Youth Work

My name is Alex and I am the course leader for BA (Hons) Youth Work. I started my academic journey completing a UEA validated degree at City College Norwich in Sport, Health and Exercise; in addition, I have completed my Diploma in Education in Training. More recently, I have been awarded Senior Fellowship by Advance HE; this is provided to individuals that have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding and effective practice that provides a basis from which they lead or influence the learning and teaching practices of others. My current role is a Higher Education Curriculum Lead, where I have responsibility for our staff and quality of provision across a range of programmes. I have overseen provision in Trainee Nursing Associates, Health Studies, Mental Health Practice, Social Work, Youth Work, Psychology with Sociology, English, Childhood and Youth Studies, Early Childhood Studies and Additional Needs and Disabilities.

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Where will this
course take you?

This course provides you with a wide range of rewarding career avenues that will see you making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.

Advice Worker

Average salary £29,000pa

Advice workers provide free, impartial and confidential advice to clients on a range of issues, such as debt, employment and housing. As an advice worker, you'll support your clients by providing quality, independent information and advice to help them address their problems and prevent them from getting worse. You could be based in a variety of settings including community centres, doctors' surgeries, and courts and prisons, as well as in dedicated advice or call centres.

Source: Prospects
Youth Worker

Average salary £25,000pa

As a youth worker, you support young people aged 11 to 25 in their personal, social, and educational development, helping them reach their potential. You’ll organise community programmes to build their confidence, life skills, and values, aiding their transition to adulthood. You may also conduct targeted street work with high-risk youth. Your success relies on voluntary engagement and trust-based relationships.

Source: Prospects
Counsellor

Average salary £30,000pa

Counsellors help people to identify problems in their lives, allowing them to reflect on what is happening to them and consider alternative ways of doing things. As a counsellor, you'll actively listen to clients, offering them time, empathy and respect to talk about issues and problems, with the aim of reducing confusion and increasing their ability to cope with challenges, or to make positive changes to their lives.

Source: Prospects
Probation Officer

Average salary £35,130pa

Probation officers help protect the public and reduce reoffending by guiding offenders towards better life choices. You’ll work with offenders in courts, custody, and the community, collaborating with victims, police, and agencies to ensure safer communities. Your role includes managing residential premises, enforcing community orders, and supporting reintegration after prison.

Source: Prospects

Course structure

This course is studied full time over three years. The programme is delivered over 2 days a week - 30 teaching weeks per year.