IARS Certificate in Youth Policy
IARS offers to all young people who register as interns the opportunity to have their activities and learning accredited at a university level. This is optional for everyone involved in IARS' projects on a voluntary basis.
In partnership with London Metropolitan University we have designed the work-based Certificate in Youth Policy which is the equivalent of 45 Certificate level Credits.
There are no pre-requisites to register for Module 1 although an assessment with the IARS tutor will determine whether you will first need to acquire Skills for Life courses (ESOL, literacy, numeracy). In that case we will work with you to find an appropriate college, community or training centre that can help. The IARS Certificate includes 2 core modules:
Module 1: Personal Development & Planning (15 academic credits)
Module 1 supports personal development and individual empowerment within the work based learning context. It provides opportunities for planning and reflection upon personal development and for peer supported learning. Students work on personal target setting, self-evaluation and review. Specific attention is given to diversity and the development of inter-personal and study skills that support the learning process. Students are also introduced to the concept and value of volunteering, higher education, civic engagement and participation and peer support.
Module 2: Work-based Project in Youth Policy (30 academic credits)
Module 2 provides the opportunity for students to identify and research as part of a team a key aspect of social policy relevant to the youth focus of the organisation, receive training and peer support. Students are encouraged to take into account diversity issues and reflect on their role as future citizens. The results from the students' research and social policy work are written up as a report, disseminated to policy makers and published in-house.
Progression & Employability
Apart from it’s a value as a stand alone Academic Certificate, successful completion of this course offers progression into named degrees within the Department of Applied Social Sciences of the London Metropolitan University. There is also the possibility of gaining credit recognition within the degrees (typically two modules). In particular, possible degree options: BSc Community Sector Management, Foundation Degree Individual & Community Empowerment (over 21), BA Criminology, BSc Sociology, Foundation Degree in Public Health & Social Care, BSc Youth Work / Youth Studies, BSc Digital Media. Details of courses can be found on http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/
The course is work-based and it is a requirement that students are registered with IARS as part time volunteers for a minimum of 6 months. The course has to be completed within 2 years. Admissions take place in Spring and Autumn.
Bursaries are available for young people from marginalised or disadvantaged communities.
Awards offered at IARS
1. Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme
IARS is a registered provider of the Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme. This is a flagship programme, running in over 2,000 schools, college and youth organisations across London and Essex. Award winners receive aframed certificate at the Award ceremony that is organised by the Jack Petchey Foundation in their locality, a A Jack Petchey Young Achiever badge and £200 to be spent on a school/club or community project of their choice
2. The YouthPass
As a provider of Youth in Action services, IARS can also offer to its young people the opportunity to receive the European-wide recognised Youthpass. Through the Youthpass certificate, the European Commission ensures that the learning experience gained through the Youth in Action Programme is recognised as an educational experience and a period of non-formal learning. With over 60,000 people participating directly each year, the programme has something to show for itself as it builds on nearly 20 years of experience since the original Youth for Europe Programme was established.
3. The Youth Achievement Awards
IARS is registered to award to young people who commit a certain amount of voluntary hours "The Youth Achievement Awards".
This is a peer education certificate that is acknowledged nationally and aims to recognise and accredit young people’s achievements. The awards are designed to encourage young people to take a more active role in the youth work activities that interest them, increase participation and encourage ownership over activities and projects.
Through IARS and the young people working towards an award can get involved in a variety of projects at various levels of responsibility.Depending on the hours invested by the young person and their achievements there are three levels: Gold, Bronze and copper.
