IARS offers to all young people who volunteer with the organisation the opportunity to have their activities accredited at a university level. 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.
The certificate includes 2 core modules:
Module 1: Personal Development & Planning (15 academic credits)
The module 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)
The module 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.
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:
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BSc (Hons) Community Sector Management
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Foundation degree Individual & Community Empowerment (over 21)
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BA (Hons) Criminology
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BSc (Hons) Sociology
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Foundation Degree in Public health &Social Care
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BSc (Hons) Youth Work /Youth Studies (planned for 2010)
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BSc (Hons) 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 and scholarships are available for young people from marginalised or disadvantaged communities. For more information on how to get involved please contact us. 
