Modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Full-time

The first year of your studies explores the understandings that underpin the programme. This year focuses on the significance of theory, international definitions and perspectives of youth.

 

The second year deepens your knowledge by focusing on research and practice. It also develops employability skills within the Youth related sector, with the possibility of an industrial placement.

 

The third and final year supports your understanding of leadership and professionalisation and includes a research project within Youth studies.

 

Every year, you will critically examine tensions and knowledge of global and local interpretations of youth. You will also undertake practice-based modules to engage with professional values and develop leadership skills. This includes, problem-solving, teamwork and decision-making.

 

Year 2 Compulsory Modules

Youth and Consumerism

This module considers the global ideological and economic systems that shape young people’s behaviours as consumers and emerging trends in young people’s consumptive behaviours in relations to sustainability. The module examines the effect of social movements on young people’s consumption while considering the influence of the beauty and fashion industry, social media and YouTube influencers on youth as a consumer category. The module covers sustainable design and sustainability in the age of fast fashion and the attention to sustainable practices (packaging, labelling, recycling, etc.) as well as young people’s activism in relation to consumption and its effects on sustainable futures.

Working with Young People

This module prepares students for working with young people through introducing students to work in youth settings and the professional and ethical principles and practices required for performing these jobs effectively, ethically, safely and sustainably. There is a focus on knowledge, skills, and attitude development as well as understanding the codes of practice and standards required for work in a variety of youth settings. This is a pre-requisite module for the placement module.

Young People and Determinants of Health

This module covers the various determinants of health, with a focus on young people. It reflects the positive mental and physical benefits of being in nature and the impacts of our health and lifestyle choices on nature and the environment. The module considers critically varied definitions and examines factors that may help or hinder young people from living healthy and sustainable lifestyles. Young people’s mental and physical health concerns such diet, sedentary lifestyles, substance misuse and addictions, sexual health and sexuality, and relationships between health and the environment are examined with examples drawn from many countries and regions.

Youth and the Green Economy

This module introduces young people to the principles underlying the green economy (and the blue economy) as a sustainable employment sector for youth and examines careers in the “green and clean sector”. It covers aspects of youth employment, entrepreneurship and investment in these sectors and why these are important for securing current and future youth employment while reducing environmental harm and supporting more flourishing and sustainable lives. The module also considers how the green and caring sectors can intersect to provide healthier and more sustainable lives while reducing youth poverty.

Researching with Young People

This module examines issues and practices pertaining to researching and doing research with young people as participants and partners including ethics, protection, vulnerability, power relations, modes of partnership, etc. It introduces students to what is meant by research, what are the aims of social research and what are research paradigms. It considers issues of methodology and methods, data collection and analysis, and best practices in writing and presenting research.

Year 3 Compulsory Modules

Youth Leadership and Participation

This module considers issues of youth participation and leadership in society and the international and national frameworks supporting such endeavours. It also examines how economic, political and cultural factors can affect youth representation, participation and leadership, especially in relation to gender, and considers critically the rise of young people’s voice through young advocates and activists such as Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg and social movements.

Youth, Education Arenas and Transition

This module considers youth and their education settings, issues of transitions between phases and stages, and the adaptations and mitigations that may support successful transition. The module considers issues arising from national examinations, support for young NEETS, support for moving to college and university and the transition to work. Relevant policies and practices are examined to support young people at crucial stages of their life trajectories.

Dissertation module

The dissertation is a research inquiry module which develops students’ academic research and communication skills and enacts the learning acquired in the “researching with young people module”. This module is based on research undertaken by students, including within their own placements to produce a 6000words dissertation. Students are encouraged to present their work in a format suitable for publishing.

Strongly recommended Optional Module:

Year 2 Placement:

This is an industrial placement module undertaken off site where students choose their own youth setting placement supported by information from tutors and admin staff. This module helps students develop industrial links, employability skills and practical work experience at a youth setting of their own choosing. Students will apply previous learning from the “working with young people” module into a work setting while developing further their practical communication skills. A variety of youth settings are included in the placement such as youth charities, local and international NGOs, youth leisure schemes, forest schools, etc. The placement module is optional but strongly recommended.

Your learning

The programme will involve lectures, seminars, visits, guest speakers, group projects, production of artefacts (e.g. posters, podcasts, blogs. film), creative problem-solving activities based on real-world scenarios, an optional placement and industry links and interdisciplinary practices. No compulsory fieldwork although students may go on self-directed or other planned visits.

Typical contact hours vary between 8-12 hours a week, depending on the year of study and module choice. They include lectures, seminars, practice-based activities and e-learning activities. You will also display a level of independent study (25-30 hours per week). For example, by engaging with key topics and required readings in preparation for the discussions promoted in the programme.

Assessment

Assessments will take various forms such as: 

• Multi-modal presentations
• Technical reports
• Case studies
• Posters
• Podcasts
• Blogs
• Exams
• Films
• Project proposals with logframe
• Group work
• Essays
• A placement report (optional placement module)
• A dissertation

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.