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Home » Courses » FdSc Youth, Social and Community Studies

FdSc Youth, Social and Community Studies

Suiting a range of careers, this dynamic and diverse FdSc aims to develop students who have the intellectual, effective and practical skills needed to work with communities, young people and their families and associated services.

Why choose this course?

Demand is growing for qualified practitioners working in children’s and young people’s services and within youth and community capacity; this course will boost employability as students will gain specialist knowledge and professional skills to progress into practice. The FdSc Youth, Social and Community Studies course offers a contemporary, employer-focused programme which combines core academic disciplines with practical, work-based learning.

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Start date: 22/09/2025

Course code
HEYOUTH25T
Level
Level 5
Location
Truro College
Duration
2 years
Qualification
Foundation Degree
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top course highlights

compressed timetable

small class sizes

authentic assessment

broad career options

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practical & academic balance

A balance between practical and academic assessment is a key feature of the programme, recognising the importance of nurturing student’s abilities in linking theory to practice, while developing practical, work-based skills, vital for employment

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work based learning

Work based learning is embedded throughout this course, this is underpinned by academic face to face lectures, guest lecturers, seminars, tutorials and some independent study. The programme is  delivered in an interactive and supportive manner with clear emphasis on learning, teaching and assessment strategy whilst encouraging independent reading/research and learning

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employer focus

The applied nature of this course leads to the development of an enterprise, employability and employer focus. The compressed timetable model enables students who would otherwise not be able to engage in higher education the opportunity to attend college and work part-time to support their studies.

what will i learn?

Students completing the programme will be able to identify and evaluate key concepts in understanding human and social needs in multi-cultural Britain, distinguish, describe and illustrate core social policy issues and be able to demonstrate the intellectual, effective and practical skills used in working with, communities young people and their families and associated services.

Overall students will be able to critically evaluate professional, cultural and ethical aspects of leadership in relation to theoretical models, frameworks, and contemporary research.

Programme Quality Handbook 2024-25

Modules

  • Professional Skills & Digital Literacy
  • Understanding Communities & Society
  • Working in Partnership to Support the Foundations of Mental Health
  • Introducing Issues in Social Policy
  • Developmental Perspectives and Youth
  • Professional Practice (Work Placement)
  • Applied Research Practice
  • Developing Wellbeing in the Community
  • Leadership in Youth, Social & Community Organisations
  • Contemporary Social Problems & Social Policy
  • Culture & Identity in a Knowledge Economy
  • Critical Professional Practice (Work Placement)

Methods of Study

The course will be assessed through coursework and practical elements which will include:

  • Written assignments, including essays and reports,
  • Presentations
  • Professional development portfolios
  • A research project

A balance between practical and academic assessment is a key feature of the programme, recognising the importance of nurturing student’s abilities in linking theory to practice, while developing practical, work-based skills, vital for employment.

Employability

100% coursework/practical model which includes authentic, and real-world assessment, with no exams. This is supported by employer and staff feedback, to increase practical and employment related skills.

Work-based learning has been placed as a fundamental component of the course.  It underpins all modules, enabling theory to practice and practice to theory.

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Where will it take me?

This course will boost employability as students will gain specialist knowledge and professional skills to progress into practice. Suitable career progressions are:

  • Youth Offending Teams
  • Probation Services
  • Family Services
  • Advice work
  • Community Work
  • Social Care (Youth & Adult)
  • Family Support Work
  • Voluntary Sector
  • Drug & Alcohol Services (Including Rehabilitation)
  • Further Education & Student Services
  • Social Enterprise Companies

Typical progression routes are:

  • BSc (Hons) Applied Social Science
  • BA (Hons) Human Behavioural Studies
  • BA Education and Training
  • BSc (Hons) Sociology at the University of Plymouth
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Assessment Information

The course is assessed through coursework (78%) and Practical assessment (22%).

Entry Requirements

48 UCAS points from relevant Level 3 qualifications and English and Maths at 4/C or above.

Additional Information

UCAS Course Code: L530

Awarding body: University of Plymouth

Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.

What you could earn

  • Counsellors
  • Paramedics
  • Social Workers
  • Youth and Community Workers
  • Social Services Managers and Directors
  • Nursing Auxiliaries and Assistants
  • Senior Care Workers
  • Care Workers and Home Carers
Potential Salary

£26,166

Entry Level Salary

£7,435

Average Salary

£18,388

Annual openings in Cornwall

7

Potential Salary

£68,038

Entry Level Salary

£27,302

Average Salary

£46,606

Annual openings in Cornwall

16

Potential Salary

£49,275

Entry Level Salary

£18,578

Average Salary

£34,237

Annual openings in Cornwall

16

Potential Salary

£32,071

Entry Level Salary

£7,969

Average Salary

£22,537

Annual openings in Cornwall

37

Potential Salary

£78,747

Entry Level Salary

£13,453

Average Salary

£33,979

Annual openings in Cornwall

7

Potential Salary

£30,261

Entry Level Salary

£7,031

Average Salary

£19,931

Annual openings in Cornwall

190

Potential Salary

£35,402

Entry Level Salary

£11,392

Average Salary

£21,973

Annual openings in Cornwall

27

Potential Salary

£28,834

Entry Level Salary

£5,919

Average Salary

£16,778

Annual openings in Cornwall

261

Truro College

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Penwith College

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Cornwall, TR18 2SA
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STEM & Health Skills Centre

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STEM & Health Skills Centre,
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University Centre

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University Centre Truro & Penwith,
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Future Skills Institute

Tel: 01872 308000
Email: futureskills@truro-penwith.ac.uk

Truro & Penwith College,
College Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3XX
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