Master of Arts Youth Development
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Master of Arts

Youth Development

New Zealand’s population is changing and currently the youth population in this country is particularly large among minor ethnic groups. By the year 2020, the combined population of Màori, Pacific Islanders and Asian will be larger than the current major ethnic group – Pakeha. And they will be young.

Te Ara Poutama offers youth development as a post-graduate study option in the Master of Arts programme, covering all aspects of youth development including social, political and economic issues.

The Master of Arts is a programme of advanced study and research, which is normally undertaken over two years of full time study or part time over a maximum of five years. This qualification is structured to include both research methodology and coursework papers, followed by either a full year thesis or the option to pursue a site-based research project and dissertation. The programme has been designed with a clear focus on creating graduates who are both academically and practically grounded and who are capable of making a difference in their communities.

Students may choose to complete the programme full time in two years or part time over five years.

 

WHAT THIS PROGRAMME COVERS

Year One
Students are introduced to an interdisciplinary approach to youth development. The core paper is Youth Development Theories and Practice. Te Ara Poutama recommends the following papers: Master of Arts Reading Paper, Ta Te Ao Marama, Tangata Pasifika: The New Peoples of the Pacific, Te Ròpù Whakamatau: The Learning Organisation, Programme Management, and Development Theory and Practice. However, students may choose other papers from the selection available at the university. Students’ research skills are developed in preparation for the thesis in a research methodology paper.

Year Two
In the final year students write a thesis or complete a
site-based project and dissertation.

Compulsory Papers
Youth Development Theories and Practice paper and a 15 point research paper.

AND EITHER: Master of Arts Dissertation and Site Based Research Project
OR: Master of Arts Thesis

 

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Policy Analyst – central and local government, iwi authority, non-government organisation
  • Youth Development Worker – locally, nationally or internationally
  • Trainer