Youth and Community Leadership

University of Northampton has opted into the TEF and received a Gold award.

The MA Youth and Community Leadership programme equips students with the skills to become resilient, innovative and socially responsible practitioners, leaders and managers.With a strong emphasis on evidence based best practice and learning through reflecting on practice the programme is suited to both to those embarking on a youth and community work career as well as those wishing to progress within statutory, private, voluntary or independent sector organisations.The programme is professionally validated by the National Youth Agency (NYA) and recognised by the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC).The full-time course runs over a 12 month period from early September until the end of August. Students study 7 modules, all of which are mandatory and aimed at meeting the contemporary challenges of youth and community leadership, topics studied:◾Investigating Contemporary Issues theories and concepts◾Practice Placements (250 and 150 hours)◾Leadership and Management- People and Organisations; Resources and Projects◾Tackling Contemporary Issues theories into practice◾Research Skills◾Professional Project.

There are an average of 100 countries represented at the university with some 1000 students studying from outside the UK. As well as their studies, students will get help with their English language skills to develop this alongside their chosen area. There is also plenty of help and advice to adjust to life in the UK. This starts with collection from the airport and continues with the International Orientation Programme that runs for the week before studies begin. This helps with everything from where to get a bank account, register with a doctor and also find social programs that appeal to their interests. The Student Union has a presence on both the campuses. Central Park is a bar and food outlet with other features found on the Park Campus along with the upstairs nightclub. There is another bar on the Avenue Campus as well as the home of the student run newspaper and radio station. It also serves as a venue for live music and comedy nights. Societies number around 30 to occupy students outside the classroom and range from interests such as Anime to faith and culture groups such as the Christian Union and the Islamic Society. There are also media outlets including the radio station, newspaper and video productions. There are 26 different sports clubs within the university with the rugby league being the most popular and the most to produce professional sportsmen. There is also a very competitive club for trampolining with members competing nationally and internationally. The university also operates The Enterprise Club with a range of benefits for members such as mentoring, learning business skills and entrepreneur networking to help establish their skills for a future career after studies.