Edinburgh College Banner

Health Professions & Social Services

Working With Communities PDA Youthwork

Campus Midlothian Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 6

Study mode Part time

Duration 27 weeks

Start date Oct 2024

Course enquiry form

Note your interest for this course.
Enter your full name
Enter your email address
This form collects your name and email address so we can contact you with pre-application information on future courses including application deadlines, campus open days and course information. Read our privacy notice to find out how we collect, store and use your data (and for information on withdrawing your consent).

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

  • 9 am - 4 pm Wednesday plus placement.

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

  • NC and HNC Working with Communities SCQF levels 6 & 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 Duration
Midlothian Campus Part time 22/10/24 27 Weeks

You may also be interested in these courses

Health Professions & Social Services

Routes to Communities

We are delivering this new course at our Granton Campus for people who are considering careers in working in the communi...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Part time

Duration
20 weeks

Health Professions & Social Services

Counselling HNC

Before applying to this course, you must already have undertaken our Level 5 Introduction to Counselling and our Level 6...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 7

Study mode
Full time

Duration
42 weeks

Health Professions & Social Services

Gateway to Healthcare: Phase 1

Gateway to Healthcare: Phase 1 (Formally Introduction to Health Services)  is your first step towards a rewarding career...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Full time

Duration
20 weeks

Health Professions & Social Services

Healthcare Practice HNC

HNC Healthcare Practice is an innovative course designed to equip you with essential clinical knowledge and understandin...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 7

Study mode
Full time

Duration
42 weeks

Health Professions & Social Services

Pharmacy Studies Level 4 An Introduction

This Introduction to Pharmacy course is designed for school leavers, young people, adults, mature applicants and those w...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 4

Study mode
Full time

Duration
20 weeks

Health Professions & Social Services

Preparation for University Access to Nursing

This fast-track course is designed for people with few or no qualifications looking to begin a rewarding career as a nur...

Read more and apply

Campus
Milton Road Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Full time

Duration
20 - 21 weeks

Health Professions & Social Services

Route to Health Professions SCQF Level 6

If you`re looking to pursue a career in a health profession which is both challenging and rewarding then this course is ...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Full time

Duration
42 weeks