Course specification and structure
Undergraduate Course Structures Postgraduate Course Structures

UDYTHSFY - BSc (Hons) Youth Studies (including foundation year)

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Science Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Science, Preparatory Diploma, Preparatory Certificate
Total credits for course 480
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Social Professions
Subject Area Social Work, Community and Youth
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Part-time 6 YEARS 8 YEARS
Full-time 4 YEARS 8 YEARS
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The preparatory year of the four-year extended degree programme helps prepare students with non-traditional qualifications, lower UCAS points and mature students wanting to return to education, for level 4 study at undergraduate level. It teaches students the academic study skills, digital skills, research techniques and critical thinking that they will need for undergraduate study as well as introducing them to basic ideas, approaches and themes in social sciences and their pathway choice. The foundation year also aims to develop their independent learning, supporting them to become confident and proactive students, able to operate effectively at undergraduate level within a large university.

The BSc (Hons) Youth Studies has been designed to provide an understanding of youth in its social, cultural and political context. It is an integrated and inter-disciplinary programme of study, which comprises of both theoretical and practice-based elements. The course draws on the insights and methodologies of youth and community work, cultural studies, criminology, media studies and sociology and aims to develop graduate attributes of self-awareness, performance in a variety of idioms and contexts, and ethical and creative considerations.

Students undertake a series of taught modules in the key areas of youth studies. The teaching and learning strategies applied throughout modules within the course aim to develop the student’s skills and knowledge and understanding of youth studies. The teaching programme provides the underpinning basis for learning. Student’s thinking and practical skills are developed through complementary activities including lectures, seminars, workshops, on-line educational resources, tutorials and assignments.

The teaching team comprises experienced university staff, who will be able to guide and direct both in-class and independent study. In addition, students are expected to complement formal teaching with guided VLE learning resources and self directed learning and completion of specified assignments. Students are encouraged to use all open spaces of study available to them within North campus.

The course will also promote the student’s self management and a reflective approach to their learning with a view to enhancing their personal and professional development. Students will be encouraged to develop a personal development plan in preparation for employment through reflecting on their learning from the modules.

Course aims

The BSc Youth Studies with Foundation Year programme aims to engage students in learning that integrates subject knowledge, professional practice and theory. It aims to develop students who are socially mobile, socially aware and driven by values, such as social justice and equality. Students will be able to apply knowledge related to youth studies and will develop transferable and employability skills. The course aims to develop individuals who will embody community spirit, authentic leadership and resilience, using professional skills to transform their own lives, and the prospects of young people, as well as marginalised communities and individuals.

Moreover, the aims of the BSc Youth Studies with Foundation Year course are:
• to provide students with a programme of study that is both intellectually stimulating and offers opportunities to explore and examine local, national and global issues and developments that shape young people's lives and life experiences;
• to equip students with practical and transferable skills necessary for employment and further education and research studies;
• to develop intellectual and practical skills in the collection, examination, interpretation and understanding of qualitative and quantitative sources relevant to the analysis of the ways young people experience and engage with contemporary society;
• to equip students with tools and knowledge grounded in principles and values of anti-oppressive and -discriminatory practice to minimise power hierarchies while facilitate an environment that builds the power of those who hold a marginalised identity; and,
• to develop skills of self-evaluation and reflection, critical thinking and communication for the interpretation and analysis of social and cultural issues and problems.

Course learning outcomes

By the end of the preparatory year the student is expected to be able to:

1. Communicate ideas about their subject and other related disciplines orally and in writing at a level appropriate for undergraduate study.
2. Be prepared for undergraduate study, working both individually and in groups in a higher education institution.
3. Develop and use independent learning, study skills and digital skills needed to make the transition to the next year of study.
4. Record and reflect on their own learning and use this to evaluate their achievement and formulate realistic plans to reach clear goals.


The following learning outcomes incorporate and depend on systematic understanding of the key aspects of the knowledge base of Youth Studies, including a coherent and detailed knowledge of some specialist areas in depth.

On successful completion of this 3-year degree course students will be able to:

1. deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within Youth Studies;

2. devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of Youth Studies;

3. describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in Youth Studies, recognising the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge;

4. manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to Youth Studies);

5. apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects;

6. critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions - to a problem;

7. communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;

8. exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts;

9. undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature

Principle QAA benchmark statements

National Occupational Standards for Youth Work

Assessment strategy

The purpose of the assessments is to reinforce students learning through a structured and time-bound process of reflection, presentation and writing. Students understanding of each of the module aims and learning outcomes will be assessed throughout each module. A range of assessment methods will be used for formative and summative assessment. The forms of assessment have been designed to test students’ knowledge of each of the modules.

Assessment is the responsibility of the academic staff delivering the modules and the teaching team will be responsible for marking.

Students are assessed through a variety of methods including poster and oral presentations, reports, examinations, practical reports and reviews, case studies, mind-maps, seminar presentations and essays. Transferable skills have been embedded in the learning outcomes of the core modules.

In line with the Faculty’s assessment strategy, the course will provide feedback on finished work and redirect that work into providing feedback on draft submissions. Students will be given clear deadlines for handing in drafts and, if they meet these deadlines, will be guaranteed to receive feedback in time to allow them to improve their final submission.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

There will be opportunities for students to study for part of their degree in another European country. ERASMUS is part of the European Union SOCRATES programme for cooperation in the field of education. Under ERASMUS the University has student exchange agreements with 16 different European countries.

Modules required for interim awards

Certificate in Higher Education
4 core modules at level 4

Diploma in Higher Education
4 core modules at level 4 (120 credits) plus:
4 core modules at level 5 (90 credits) plus any option (30 credits)

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

Students develop reflective learning skills within each of the taught modules and across the different levels of the course. At Level 4 students will be introduced to a broad range of learning models of reflective learning and will be encouraged to develop their personal development portfolio (PDP) to critically review their learning experiences, set their future personal and academic goals and evaluate their progress towards these goals.

During Level 5 studies students will build on their understanding of Level 4 core modules and be encouraged to reflect more analytically on their learning of the inter-relationship between theory and practice through a critical engagement with the module content and more challenging resource materials. The assessment and feedback process will further develop their analytical and self-evaluation skills. Students will also continue to build their PDP.

During Level 6 studies students will consolidate their reflective learning particularly through the research-based module, which enables students to develop specialism in a negotiated key area of youth studies. Supervisors will initially assist with the clarifying the terms of the research project, establishing a timetable for the research and subsequent meetings. Supervisors will also direct in regards to background reading as well as advise on report formats, writing and statistical analysis. Students will review their personal development plan in the context of preparing for employment / further research.

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

Successful completion of the course offers improved career opportunities within commercial, public and voluntary sector bodies. Fields of particular relevance include youth & community work, youth justice, housing, education, welfare rights, social policy and social research. The programme is also excellent preparation for further research or study.

Career opportunities

On graduation from the full four-year degree, you’ll have a wide choice of careers within an array of commercial, public and voluntary sector bodies. In particular, the degree will allow you to go into fields of community and youth work, social research, housing, education and drug services.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard requirements, you should have:

  • at least one A level (or a minimum of 32 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma)
  • English Language GCSE at grade C (grade 4) or above (or equivalent)

If you are a mature student with significant work experience, you are invited to apply for this course on the basis of the knowledge and skills you have developed through your work.

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2019/20 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 20 Dec 2019 Last validation date 20 Dec 2019  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes
Route code YTHSFY

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 03 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
IF3050 Critical Thinking Core 15 NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH AUT TUE AM
          NORTH AUT MON PM
          NORTH AUT THU AM
IF3058 Reflecting on Self and Society Core 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH AUT THU PM
          NORTH AUT MON AM
          NORTH AUT TUE AM
IF3059 Social Issues in Context: Text to Essay Core 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH SPR TUE PM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR MON PM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
IF3060 Researching Discrimination Core 15 NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH AUT MON PM
          NORTH AUT MON AM
          NORTH AUT THU PM
IF3061 Researching Inequality Core 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
          NORTH SPR THU PM
IF3063 Media, Crime and 'Race' Core 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH AUT TUE AM
          NORTH AUT MON PM
          NORTH AUT THU PM
          NORTH AUT MON AM
IF3067 Introduction to Community and Society Core 15 NORTH SPR FRI AM
IF3073 Interventions for Change Core 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR TUE PM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR MON PM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
          NORTH SPR THU PM

Stage 1 Level 03 January start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
IF3050 Critical Thinking Core 15        
IF3058 Reflecting on Self and Society Core 15        
IF3059 Social Issues in Context: Text to Essay Core 15 NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH SPR TUE PM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR MON PM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
IF3060 Researching Discrimination Core 15        
IF3061 Researching Inequality Core 15 NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
IF3063 Media, Crime and 'Race' Core 15        
IF3067 Introduction to Community and Society Core 15 NORTH SPR FRI AM
IF3073 Interventions for Change Core 15 NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR TUE PM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR MON PM
          NORTH SPR MON AM

Stage 2 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SC4000 Introduction to Criminological Theory Core 30        
SS4011 Principles of Community Work Core 30        
SS4039 Introduction to social problems Core 30        
SW4005 Introduction to Working with Young People Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR+SUM TUE AM

Stage 3 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SS5036 Principles and Practice of Youth Work Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON AM
SS5083 Youth Resistance and Social Control Core 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
SS5087 Sociological Perspectives on Youth Transitions Core 15        
SS5090 The reflexive and reflective practitioner Core 15 NORTH AUT MON PM
SS5094 Researching Youth and Community Issues Core 15 NORTH SPR MON PM
GI5071 Sustainability and Environmental Justice Option 15 NORTH SPR WED PM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
SC5051 Youth, Crime and Violence Option 15 NORTH SPR FRI PM
SM5051 Crime and the Media Option 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
SM5052 Youth Culture and the Media Option 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
SS5068 Disability and Inclusion Option 15 NORTH AUT WED PM
SS5085 Resistance, Creativity and Joy in the Capital Option 15 NORTH SPR WED PM
SS5089 Decolonisation and globalisation Option 15        
SS5091 Counselling in youth and community settings Option 15 NORTH SPR WED PM
SS5095 Transnational communities Option 15 NORTH AUT WED PM
SW5057 Creative, critical reflective approaches to pra... Option 15 NORTH SPR WED PM

Stage 4 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SS6009 Management and Supervision in Youth and Communi... Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE PM
SS6P07 Community and youth dissertation Core 45 NORTH AUT+SPR THU PM
SC6004 Social Control, Drugs and Organised Crime Option 30 NORTH AUT+SPR FRI AM
SS6057 Homelessness and Housing Policy Option 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH SUM MON AM
SS6058 Housing Issues and Housing Solutions Option 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
SS6083 Counselling in groups Option 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
SS6084 Community activism and digital campaigning Option 15        
SS6W02 Work Placement for professional development Option 45 NORTH AUT+SPR THU PM
SW6055 International relationship-based practice for s... Option 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
XK0002 Extension of Knowledge Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
XK0000 Extension of Knowledge Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA