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Working With Communities PDA Youthwork

Campus Midlothian Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 6

Study mode Part time

Start date Oct 2024

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Course overview

The Professional Development Award (PDA) in Youth Work at SCQF Level 6 is a qualification that has been designed for those who provide support, advice and guidance for young people in a Community Learning and Development (CLD) context, and who, through this work, help develop the knowledge and skills of young people.

Also aimed at staff currently working within the CLD sector who have no formal qualifications, but are looking to improve their professional practice, and develop best practices within their working environment may also be interested.

This course will be delivered at our Midlothian Campus.

What you will learn

The award is comprised of three SQA National Units:

  • Youth Work: Understanding and Exploring Youth Work
  • Youth Work: Engaging with Young People
  • Youth Work: Delivering Youth Work

The PDA in Youth Work offers a range of benefits:

  • Skills, knowledge and capabilities needed for employment in youth work-related areas
  • Practical experience
  • Progression to further and higher education
  • Enhanced career prospects
  • Achievement is certified and nationally recognised

Placement information

  • Candidates should be involved currently in paid or voluntary youth work within a community setting, or be prepared to undertake a voluntary placement, in an appropriate setting providing services to young people.

How the course is assessed

Methods of assessment may include:

  • Assignments
  • Reflective accounts of practice
  • Case studies
  • Structured questions
  • Observation with appropriate checklists
  • Witness statements

The third Unit, Youth Work: Delivering Youth Work, has a practical element. Most candidates will be able to undertake this through naturally occurring work in an appropriate youth-work setting. However, where candidates are not in paid or volunteer work, an appropriate work experience opportunity should be negotiated. 

Number of days per week

One evening per week plus work placement - Tuesdays @ 16:30 - 20:30 

Entry requirements

  • You must be able to demonstrate the ability to work at SCQF level 6. 
  • Other life and employment experiences will also be taken into consideration.
  • You should have good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral. These could be evidenced either by the achievement of nationally recognised qualifications or by other evidenced methods.

Progression and Articulation Routes

  • HNC Working with Communities SCQF level 7.
  • Other Vocational PDA Awards.
  • You can also gain access to full and part-time vocational college courses.

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Midlothian Campus Part time 22/10/24

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