University of Canterbury Youth and Community Leadership

Qualifications

Overview

Youth and Community Leadership explores national and global challenges that impact youth and other communities, and ways to create meaningful change.



UC students have earned international reputation for their efforts in social activism and volunteering, and our campus is renowned for giving students the opportunity to engage in meaningful work in the community. The Youth and Community Leadership programmes offer real-world development in leadership skills and experience producing social action through UC’s networks and expertise.

Students will examine a range of issues, social movements, and communities that motivate them in this highly inspirational area of study.

Why study Youth and Community Leadership at UC?

  • UC has a worldwide reputation for its student activism and engagement in youth-led movements. Our students have founded efforts in natural disaster relief, anti-terrorism, sustainability, and cultural diversity, and our campus has hosted visitors such as Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Dr Jane Goodall.
  • UC hosts a number of research and specialist centres focused around leadership, volunteerism, and innovative teaching, such as Te Pokapū Pāhekoheko Hapori | UC Community Engagement Hub, Te Puna i-Ako | e-Learning Lab, the Professional and Community Engagement programme, Te Pokapū Rakahinonga | UC Centre for Entrepreneurship, and the UCSA’s Te Hunga Tūao | Student Volunteer Army.
  • Many of our graduates have become social entrepreneurs, political activists, and industry innovators, and have been recognised with awards for their contribution to local and global issues.

Recommended preparation

The programme is open to students from a range of interests or experience in leadership roles. No particular background study is required. A passion for social change, community work, and volunteering is the best preparation.

Strong written and verbal communication skills will be especially useful.

Courses

UC offers a Certificate in Youth and Community Leadership and a Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership.



UC also offers a minor in Youth and Community Leadership within the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Sport Coaching.

Certificate and Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership

See the Certificate in Youth and Community Leadership and the Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership for the compulsory courses in the degrees.

Youth and Community Leadership minor

For the Youth and Community Leadership minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Sport Coaching, you will need to take the following courses throughout your chosen degree:

  • YACL 101 Introduction to Youth Leadership: Leading the Self
  • CHCH 101 Strengthening Communities through Social Innovation
  • YACL 201 Social Leadership: Leading With Others

Plus 30 points chosen from:

  • EDUC 206 Education and Society: Ideals and Realities
  • CULT 202 Cultural Politics/Cultural Activism
  • INOV 290 Enterprise in Practice (Project)
  • EDUC 339 Globalisation, Social Justice and Education (30 points)
  • YACL 301 Civic Leadership: Leading for Change
  • YACL 302 Leadership Project: Implementing Change

Career opportunities

Youth and Community Leadership creates graduates who are both passionate about and have the skills to challenge global issues. Their experience in creating practical solutions for change will prepare them for a wide variety of industries looking for strong leaders.

Graduates from this subject area will be well-suited to managerial positions, work in charities and non-profit organisations, politics, teaching and training, communications, media, iwi and Māori development, and may even become social entrepreneurs.

Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.

Contact us

College of Education, Health and Human Development | Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora

Phone +64 3 369 3333
Email [email protected]

Location
Rehua building – see the College’s website for up-to-date location details.



Postal address
College of Education, Health and Human Development | Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand