Diploma in Youth and Community Studies

Summary

Graduates of this qualification will have an understanding of the youth work agency structures, youth issues, historical perspectives of youth work; human development and health; law; safety management; professional supervision; relationships with tangata whenua; community and other networks; relevant mission theology, and development and management of youth projects.
They will be able to reflect on their spiritual journey and personal development, integrate theory and practice in youth work in various cultural contexts and practice in accordance with legislative boundaries, meet the expectations of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi, youth work codes of ethics, and the Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa. They will also be able to work with a considerable degree of autonomy and accountability for achieving outcomes as a youth work professional.
Those who have chosen appropriate electives will be able to facilitate strategies for economic development/crisis management and/or recognise, respond to, and report a range of personal and social risk factors.
Graduates holding this qualification could seek employment in a variety of youth work settings such as church groups and recreation programmes for young people and/or undertake further studies in areas such as community work, Iwi/Maori social services, social work, and counselling.