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FdA Youth and Community Studies

Start Date: 7th September 2026

Length 2 years
Study Full-Time
Location Rye Hill Campus

Qualification Gained

Levels Explained

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More about the course

Do you want to get into social work? Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and their communities? Our Foundation Degree (FdA) in Youth and Community Studies is perfect for those looking to get into a career in social work and youth justice. You'll gain the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience needed to thrive in these rewarding fields.

Study the challenges faced by young people aged 11-25 and learn how to support them effectively. You'll explore fascinating topics such as youth sociology, health and wellbeing and cultural change, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the social, cultural and economic factors shaping today's communities.

You will be taught through a blend of classroom learning and real-world application through work based projects. This practical approach ensures you develop the confidence and skills necessary to tackle issues like inequality, social exclusion and evolving community needs head-on.

Explore diverse career paths upon graduation, including roles in youth social work, juvenile justice, community outreach and child welfare advocacy. These positions allow you to work closely with young people, helping them to navigate personal struggles while advocating for justice in their lives.

This course is ideal for those driven to make a positive impact. Whether you're starting your career, changing direction or looking to enhance your qualifications, our degree will empower you to create meaningful change in the lives of young people and their communities.

Entry requirements

You will need:

64 UCAS points (in a related Early Years and/or Health and Social Care subject).
a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (the application will be completed at enrolment and induction).

You may be invited to a discretionary interview.

If you are a current Newcastle College student and successfully meet the published Level 3 entry criteria in an appropriate subject(s), you will be guaranteed a place on this course.

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved grade 4 or higher in GCSE English and maths or the Level 2 equivalence (i.e. Functional Skills or Adult Literacy/Numeracy).

At Newcastle College University Centre, we welcome applications from students studying new T-Level qualifications.

Further details on our entry requirements can be found here.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve a Foundation Degree (FdA) in Youth and Community Studies and a Level 2 qualification in Safeguarding.

What will I learn?

Year One:

Developing Youth Community Work
Sociology of Youth and Community Studies - this includes a Level 2 Safeguarding qualification
Young People's Health
Wellbeing and Identity
Youth Culture and Evolving Communities
Academic Study Skills
Personal Development
Work Related Learning.

Year Two:

Research Methods in Youth and Community Work
Sociological Approaches to Inequality in the Youth Community
Young People's Health and Wellbeing in the Community
Global Perspectives on Youth and Culture
Professional Development
Work Based Learning.

How is the course taught?

Lectures
Seminars
Practical and group activities
Independent and guided research
Real-world work shadowing.

How am I assessed?

Presentations
Academic posters
Recorded group discussions
Live briefs.

Work Experience

As part of this course, you will complete 35 hours of placement per academic year. This will provide valuable practical experience that will enhance your learning, build sector-specific skills and support future employment opportunities within the youth and community field.

These placements must be undertaken within the youth and community sector and are an essential component of the programme.

This means you will need to hold a current Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (see entry requirements).

Where can I progress?

Upon successful completion of this course, you could progress onto study our Honours Degree (BA) in Youth and Community Studies (Top-Up), subject to validation.

You could also progress into industry in a variety of career paths in youth work, community development and social services. You could pursue a career as a youth worker, community development officer, faith-based youth worker, health and wellbeing coordinator, charity youth worker, social support worker, education liaison officer, youth justice worker, policy advisor or advocate.

Course costs and information

Tuition fees vary depending on the course and mode of study. Read more about tuition fees and financial support.

Fees for international students vary depending on the course. Find out more about international fees and payments.

It's important that you know what your tuition fee includes and what other costs you'll need to plan for. Read what your fee includes here.

Xania Prentice

BSc (Hons) Counselling Skills and Therapeutic Communication (Top-Up)

"As an older student, learning as a beginner meant I was able to bring all my life experience onto this course. I've studied modules ranging from trauma to gender to bereavement, and all of it fascinated me. But to me, this course wasn't just about qualifying in psychology - I've found my calling here, by discovering how people work and figuring out how I could help them."