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The ���Ҵ�ý (UWTSD) is pleased to celebrate a hugely successful ETS Endorsement accreditation event, which took place on the Carmarthen campus recently.

The event marked a significant milestone for the institution’s . Representatives from ETS Cymru visited the campus as part of the scheduled five-year re-endorsement process, following the recent successful revalidation of the Youth Work programmes. During this rigorous review, both the undergraduate and postgraduate Youth Work programmes were thoroughly assessed and officially re-endorsed. 

Following this process, the University will launch revitalised versions of its Youth Work qualifications from September 2025 under the following new titles:

• – Initial Qualifying Route
• Young People, Communities and Youth Work: Post Qualifying Route  – Post Qualifying Route

These refreshed programmes reflect UWTSD’s continued commitment to excellence, relevance, and innovation in Youth Work education. They have been developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders across the field including employers, students, graduates, and placement providers, and are designed to meet the evolving needs of the Youth Work sector in Wales and beyond.

Natalie MacDonald, Academic Director for Childhood, Youth and Education said:

“These new programme titles and curriculum pathways represent a bold and forward-thinking response to the changing needs of young people and the Youth Work profession. They reflect the University’s mission to deliver impactful, community-focused education that supports the development of confident and skilled practitioners across Wales and beyond.”

The BA programme will offer maximum flexibility, with both full-time and part-time study routes. For those in employment, a part-time evening route continues to be available, featuring weekly alternating sessions delivered in-person on the Carmarthen campus and online via MS Teams which provides an accessible option for working professionals.

The MA programme will also be available full-time and part-time, with the addition of a new post-qualifying route designed for experienced, professionally qualified Youth Workers who wish to pursue advanced study. This new pathway complements the existing MA provision, which will continue to offer a Youth Work professional qualification for graduates from other academic backgrounds.

Youth Work education has been a cornerstone of UWTSD’s provision for over two decades, with the first cohort of Youth Work students beginning their studies in 2004. The University is proud of its strong track record in the field and of the vibrant community of students, practitioners, and partners that continue to shape and support its programmes.

The ETS Cymru panel’s visit included a series of meaningful engagements, beginning with meetings with senior university staff and extending to programme leaders, employers, placement supervisors, learning mentors, current students, and recent graduates. The high level of participation from stakeholders highlights the strong relationships and collaborative ethos at the heart of the Youth Work programmes at UWTSD.

Angharad Lewis, Young People, Communities and Youth Work Programme Manager at UWTSD, said:

“It was an absolute privilege to be part of the ETS Endorsement event - a resoundingly positive day filled with enthusiasm and encouragement from students, graduates, and stakeholders alike. The inspiring atmosphere highlighted the collective commitment to advancing Youth Work education at UWTSD. This next phase is an exciting opportunity to build on our successes and continue empowering students to make a real and lasting difference in communities across Wales and beyond.”

This successful accreditation outcome marks an exciting new chapter for Youth Work education at UWTSD, reinforcing the University’s role as a leading provider of professional Youth Work training in Wales.

Further Information

Arwel Lloyd

Principal PR and Communications Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email:  arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467076