UWTSD welcomes first cohort of Professional Doctorate and MA in Children’s, Young People’s, and Community Services

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Childhood, Youth and Education teams were delighted to welcome the inaugural cohort of the Professional Doctorate and MA in Children’s, Young People’s, and Community Services to its campus in Swansea to deliver their first seminar.

This session was the start of their postgraduate journey, and students had the opportunity to explore their own career and research aspirations and how these influences could impact their development. Lecturers also had an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the range of careers and personal contexts of the different students that attended.

The Childhood, Youth and Education teams Programme Directors noted how important these opportunities for students and staff were to reflect and consider their own viewpoints as first steps in understanding the issues that their own postgraduate research will explore. It is hoped the research will support the communities and sectors that they are working to enable and empower.

UWTSD Acting Academic Director Dr Nichola Welton said:

“It was a privilege to listen to the students’ first seminar presentation on our new programme. It was our aspiration that students can develop their critical reflection skills, to recognise the essential role many of them play in promoting positive outcomes for children, young people, and communities. We look forward to seeing future work and research that will make an impact on their practice as their personal learning journeys progress.”

UWTSD Early Years Lecturer, Natalie Macdonald said:

“We were impressed and inspired by our students, their presentations showcased their interests, passion, and motivation for personal and professional development. We are excited to see the direction our students will take on their postgraduate journey.”

Postgraduate study in Children’s, Young People’s and Community Services is innovative and demonstrates how UWTSD continues to incorporate its values linked to inclusion, community partnership and widening access to the fore when developing its curriculum.

Delivered flexibly through a mix of face-to-face and blended learning, students can study while working or balancing other commitments and therefore the students represent a diverse range of contexts, all starting their postgraduate journey together. The focus on collaborative learning sessions and discussion means students get to share their different experiences and backgrounds and students and staff alike are learning from each other.

If you would like to be part of our next cohort please get in touch with natalie.macdonald@uwtsd.ac.uk or visit Children’s, Young People’s and Community Services (MA). 

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476