Case Study

I chose to come to university to improve my knowledge and understanding, allowing me to become a more informed practitioner in my line of work. I currently work as a manager of a youth work organisation, teaching part-time, so I wanted to expand my scope and future possibilities by exploring the teaching element of my work further.

The University of Sunderland has a fantastic reputation with regards to youth work and the department is renowned for their contributions to the field. As a youth work practitioner, I believed that the knowledge and teaching content would be beneficial to my practice and allow me to develop my skills.

I’m really enjoying being back in an academic environment. The teaching and guidance from the University staff is complex and challenging, encouraging me to broaden my reading. Sunderland is so supportive of students and they’re enabling in terms of both personal and educational development. Returning to Higher Education, you realise how much you’ve forgotten about being part of a class and what it brings to your life. Every time I attend a lecture or seminar, I have the most wonderful experience and it’s brilliant having the chance to engage in dialogue and debate with such a diverse group of people.

Once I graduate from my master's, I hope to spend more of my time teaching others and sharing my passion for youth work.”

Published 15 March 2022