BA (Hons) Youth Work Degree Apprenticeship

Entry year:
2027/28
Start date:
May
Study mode:
Full-time
Course duration:
3 years
Campus:
Mount Pleasant

Why choose LJMU?

  • Qualify as a professional Youth Worker and gain a Level 6 degree while working in the field, offering you the perfect blend of academic learning and practical experience

  • The Youth Work Degree Apprenticeship is based in the Centre for Educational Leadership in the School of Education

  • Our up-to-date modules, designed in collaboration with industry experts, equip you with the knowledge and skills to thrive in contemporary youth work settings

  • Gain hands-on experience in real-world youth work environments, ensuring you are well-prepared for the diverse challenges and opportunities in the field

  • Benefit from personalised academic and professional support, ensuring you achieve your full potential while balancing work and study

  • The course is designed to meet the National Youth Agency's professional standards, ensuring that you qualify as a recognized and competent Youth Worker upon graduation

About this apprenticeship

Gain Practical Experience and Academic Excellence with a Youth Work Degree Apprenticeship at LJMU

Studying the Youth Work Degree Apprenticeship at Liverpool John Moores University offers a unique opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience while earning an academic qualification.

This apprenticeship allows you to enhance your work with young people through the development of essential skills and knowledge, while being supported by experienced academic staff and tutors. You will benefit from the teaching team's strong connections with local youth services and community organisations, providing you with invaluable networking opportunities and exposure to real-world youth work challenges.

The course is designed to give you the flexibility of learning while earning, ensuring you can apply theoretical knowledge directly to your professional practice. You'll also have access to a wide range of resources, including a dedicated support network, workshops, and expert guidance from experienced youth work practitioners.

Studying at LJMU means being part of a vibrant and inclusive community committed to social change, making it the ideal place to build your future in youth work.

Please note: Application deadline is 30th June 2027

Modules

What you will study on this apprenticeship

Further guidance on modules

Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.

Core modules

Introduction to Youth and Community Work
20 credits

The module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts, principles, and theories of youth work. It explores the historical context, ethical considerations, and the role of youth workers in contemporary society. Additionally, the module discusses the importance of effective communication, partnership working, and reflective practice in youth work, including strategies for building positive relationships with young people and stakeholders within communities. Through a combination of theoretical learning, practical case studies, and reflective exercises, students will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to engage effectively in youth work practice.

Developing Professional and Academic Awareness
20 credits

This module is designed to provide students with the essential skills necessary for success in their youth work course and future careers. The module covers a range of study skills, including academic writing, critical thinking, time management, and research skills. Additionally, students will learn about the importance of self-care and well-being in maintaining academic success. Through a combination of theoretical learning, practical exercises, and reflective activities, students will develop the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their studies and beyond.

Understanding Principles of Social Justice
20 credits

The module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of youth work in promoting social justice, fairness, equality, and inclusion for all young people. The module explores the historical context and development of youth work, analyses national and local plans and strategies relevant to youth work and young people, and examines theories and models for program planning, development, delivery, and evaluation. Students will also learn about project management tools and processes, cultural and community competency, and principles of anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice in youth work. Through a combination of theoretical learning, practical exercises, and case studies, students will develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to engage in youth work that is inclusive, equitable, and promotes social justice.

Engaging with Excluded Groups
20 credits

This module delves into the multifaceted issue of social exclusion among young people, exploring its root causes, manifestations, and the role of youth workers in addressing it. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, case studies, and practical exercises, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by excluded groups, including homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health issues. They will also examine various interventions aimed at fostering inclusion and empowerment, such as education and skills training programs, mental health support services, and community outreach initiatives. By the end of the module, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage with excluded groups effectively, promoting social justice and positive change within their communities.

Child and Adolescent Development
20 credits

This module examines the multifaceted journey of child and adolescent development, exploring the intricate interplay between biological, cognitive, and social factors. From the prenatal stages through adolescence, students will examine the critical milestones and challenges that shape young individuals' growth and well-being. Drawing from diverse theoretical perspectives, including psychoanalytic and neuroscientific frameworks, the module will illuminate the complexities of development and the role of cultural, environmental, and socioeconomic influences. Through engaging discussions, readings, and assessment, students will gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to variations in development and strategies for promoting positive outcomes across diverse contexts.

Policy and Practice in Youth Work
20 credits

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the policy frameworks that influence youth work practice. It will explore the roles and responsibilities of practitioners and politicians in addressing youth-related issues, and the ethical dilemmas and challenges that arise in the implementation of youth work policies. The module will also discuss differing perspectives on youth work policies and practices among practitioners and politicians, and the potential impacts of these perspectives on the provision of services and support for young people.

Core modules

Integrating Safeguarding Principles into Practice
20 credits

This module is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively integrate safeguarding principles (including statutory guidance) into their practice. It covers key concepts such as risk assessment, confidentiality, and multi-agency working, providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of how to safeguard vulnerable individuals in a variety of settings. Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical application, participants will develop the confidence and competence to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, ensuring the safety and well-being of those they work with.

Research in Practice
20 credits

This module links to the 'Professional Projects' enquiry where they apply skills into a work based environments and will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of action research in the context of youth work. It will explore the principles, methodologies, and ethical considerations of action research, and how it can be applied to address real-world challenges faced by young people. The module will also examine the role of reflective practice in action research, and how findings can be used to inform and improve youth work practice and policy. Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical application, students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct action research projects that contribute to positive change in the lives of young people.

Understanding Contemporary Issues for Young People
20 credits

This module will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the contemporary issues that impact young people's lives. It will explore topics such as mental health, social media, identity, and relationships, and examine the perspectives and experiences of young people in relation to these issues. The module will also focus on strategies for effectively engaging young people in discussions about these issues, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and understanding, and promoting dialogue and collaboration. Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical application, students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to address the complex challenges facing young people today.

Youth Participation and Empowerment
20 credits

This module is designed to equip youth workers with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to engage and empower young people in their communities. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, practical strategies, and real-world examples, participants will explore the importance of youth participation and empowerment in community development, understand the challenges faced by young people today, and learn how to create safe and inclusive spaces for youth to thrive. The module will also examine the ethical considerations in working with youth, the role of community engagement, and the impact of global perspectives on youth participation and empowerment.

Mental Health and Wellbeing
20 credits

This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of mental health and wellbeing in young people, focusing on the role of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) resources building on previous learning on child and adolescent development. Students will explore various aspects of mental health, including common disorders, risk factors, protective factors, and evidence-based interventions. They will also learn how to create a support pack for CAMHS resources, which can be used to promote mental health and wellbeing among young people.

Professional Project
20 credits

This module is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to undertake a professional research project. Building on their previous learning of research methods, students will apply this knowledge to their own research project, evaluating the effectiveness of different methods and approaches. The module will also cover ethical considerations in research and the importance of critical thinking and reflection.

Core modules

Youth Work Leadership and Management
20 credits

This module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of leadership and management principles within the context of youth work. It will explore various leadership theories and models, as well as practical strategies for effective management in youth work settings. Students will critically engage with key texts and case studies to develop their leadership and management skills, with a particular focus on ethical considerations and the promotion of positive youth development.

Reflective Practice and Professional Development
30 credits

This module aims to develop students' understanding of reflective practice and its importance in professional development. It will explore various models of reflection and their application in youth work practice. Students will be encouraged to critically reflect on their own practice and develop strategies for ongoing professional development.

Applied Education Strategies
20 credits

This module explores the multifaceted role of education within the realm of youth work, with a particular emphasis on the complementary nature of informal and non-formal education alongside formal education systems. It provides a critical examination of existing educational approaches, aiming to identify their strengths and limitations. Furthermore, it seeks to justify the pivotal role of informal and non-formal education in the holistic development of young individuals, emphasising their capacity to foster experiential learning, critical thinking, and socio-emotional skills. By the module's conclusion, students are expected to have acquired the skills necessary to craft tailored educational interventions, drawing upon theoretical frameworks and evidence-based practices. These interventions are designed to address the diverse learning needs of young people and to support their holistic development within the context of youth work settings.

Diversity in young people
20 credits

This module is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for effective youth work in diverse communities. This will prepare apprentices for their end point assessment by exploring the multifaceted nature of diversity, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and ability. It examines the historical and contemporary contexts of diversity in youth work, emphasising the importance of cultural competence, inclusivity, and social justice.

End Point Assessment
30 credits

Professional accreditation

Your learning experience

How the apprenticeship is taught

Teaching for the Youth Work Degree Apprenticeship at LJMU will be delivered through a hybrid model, combining both online and in-person learning. This flexible approach allows students to benefit from the convenience of online lectures and resources, while also participating in face-to-face workshops and activities that foster practical skills and peer interaction. The learning experience is designed to be dynamic, with a mix of lectures, workshops, role play activities, and other creative teaching materials that engage students in both theoretical and practical aspects of youth work. This varied approach ensures that students are not only equipped with academic knowledge but also the hands-on experience necessary to thrive in real-world youth work settings.

Course tutors

Funding this apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are funded courses, with learning costs paid to the university by the employer. This is done either through the Apprenticeship levy (for large companies) or with the help of the government’s co-investment model (for smaller companies).

If you aren’t already employed by a company that is willing to sponsor you through an apprenticeship, you’ll need to find one. You can do this by regularly checking the Government’s Find an apprenticeship website.

You can also approach an employer yourself to find out whether they would be interested in offering Apprenticeships and ask them to contact us. Our team will be able to explain how they can access the correct funding and the next steps.

Information for potential employers

If an employer has a wage bill of over £3 million, it would automatically pay the Government levy and would use this to fund learning via the company Apprenticeship Service Account.

Non-Levy companies can access funding via the Government co-investment model, whereby the Government will fund 95% of the learning costs and the company will fund the remaining 5%.

To access the Government funds, non-levy paying employers are required to set up an account on the Apprenticeship Service and reserve funding for apprentices, no earlier than three months before the course start date. Find out more information regarding setting up an apprenticeship service account. LJMU will still invoice non-levy paying companies for their contribution, but without this account LJMU will be unable to draw down the Government co-investment funding for the apprentices.

Next steps and onboarding

To begin the apprentice onboarding process, the employer must first be an LJMU-approved employer. To check whether your company is already a LJMU-approved employer please check the company drop down on the online application form.

If your company is not listed, please complete/ask your employer to complete the following application form to get started. Degree Apprenticeship Employer Form

Candidate submits application form: LJMU Learner online application form.

Employer to Reserve Funding via the Apprenticeship Service /or if a levy paying organisation, register your learner via the Apprenticeship Service

Employer and Candidate complete onboarding. Further information on the onboarding process can be found on our guide for onboarding apprentices page.


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Entry requirements

Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements

Qualification requirements

GCSEs and equivalents

Maths and English requirements

 

Apprentices for this programme are required to have achieved and provide evidence of a minimum of level 2 in both English and maths prior to starting the apprenticeship.

 

Level 2 means a:

GCSE grade 4-9 (or A-C)

Functional skills – Pass at level 2

 

There are other acceptable qualifications, but these must meet the Education and Skills Funding Agency requirements. The list of accepted qualifications for English and maths requirements can be viewedhere(check on the Level 3 apprenticeship tab within the document).

Find your country

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.

How to apply

Securing your place at LJMU

To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU Degree Apprenticeship form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.

To apply for this programme, you need to be in employment and are required to complete an LJMU Degree Apprenticeship form. For more information see our Degree Apprenticeship pages https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/degree-apprenticeships/learners/become-a-degree-apprentice

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