Applied Social Science, Community Development and Youth Work

Applied social science, community development, and youth work is a programme concerned with the practical application of social science knowledge in the service of communities and young people. Social science provides the theoretical frameworks: understanding how inequality is produced and maintained, how communities function, and what research tells us about effective intervention. Community development and youth work provide the practice: working alongside people in their communities and in their everyday environments to support positive change, build capacity, and ensure that those who are most marginalised are heard and served.

At Goldsmiths, which has a long and distinctive tradition in social science and community-engaged education, this three-year full-time degree develops your understanding of society and your practical skills as a professional worker alongside each other. You will study social theory, community development theory, youth work ethics and practice, group work, safeguarding, and the social policy context in which community and youth workers operate. Goldsmiths' location in south London and its commitment to social justice mean that the intellectual environment is shaped by genuine engagement with questions of inequality, diversity, and power.

Graduates of this programme are qualified to work as community development workers and youth workers in local authorities, voluntary sector organisations, faith communities, schools, and community centres. With experience, progression into management, project leadership, policy development, and training roles is available. The applied social science dimension also opens doors in social research, community health, and the broader charitable sector.

Postgraduate study in community development, youth work, social policy, social work, or a related field is a natural route for those who want to qualify further or pursue academic or senior practice roles.