Applied Anthropology & Community and Youth Work (with Professional Validation) MA – (M.A.)

This MA was the first of its kind in the country, combining academic and professional qualifications. By bringing together community and youth work practice with the research methods and theoretical preoccupations of anthropology, it offers a stimulating synthesis of theory and practice. The programme provides advanced professional qualifications in community and youth work as well as vocational openings for graduates.
The MA reflects the common concerns of social anthropology and community and youth work, and offers a stimulating synthesis of theory and practice. It consists of an academic programme of lectures, seminars and tutorial assignments, and practical experience.
The Research Methods in Anthropology course covers the research methods of anthropology, the collection of different types of data including surveys, in-depth interviews, participant observation and participatory research, its uses by subjects, and conflicts of interest. It combines weekly lectures and seminar-based work with the completion of a small individual project in the second term. Assessment is by essay, combining project material with theoretical literature.
The Contemporary Social Issues course consists of four themes of first/third world anthropological perspectives; gender, race and class; community studies and social problems; and youth cultures, crime and drug use. It is taught through lectures/seminars, and assessment is by one three-hour examination paper.
Two supervised community and youth work fieldwork placements (totaling 47 days). These are supported by seminars, lectures, workshops and tutorials. Both fieldwork assignments are assessed by your 5,000 word report on each and your agency supervisor's reports. Overall, at least 50% of all fieldwork must be face-to-face with the 13-19 year age group.
Block fieldwork. For all students there is a six-week block fieldwork assignment (30 working days) focused on any aspect of management in a community and youth work agency, negotiable with your tutor. Assessment is based on your agency supervisor's report and a 5,000 word report on the placement submitted by you.
Full-time students attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.00am to 4.00pm and spend the rest of the week on fieldwork placements and library studies. Part-time students attend on Thursdays in one year and Tuesdays in the other.
Assessment: Essay; individual project; three-hour examination; fieldwork evaluation and reports; dissertation.
Careers: The MA is professionally validated by the National Youth Agency.