Teesside pioneers the study of youth

What does it mean to be young in the new millennium? Are some young people becoming excluded from mainstream society? Is drug use now normal for young people? Philip Robinson has explored these and many other issues at the University of Teesside, as part of his BSc (Hons) degree in Youth Studies. Philip is part of the first cohort of students to graduate from the degree, which combines several subjects, including criminology, psychology and sociology.

Philip, 29, from Redcar, left school at 16 and originally aimed for a career in the Royal Marines. Circumstances forced Philip to change his mind, and he gained a post as a sales assistant in an independent clothes shop. Following this, he trained as a carpet fitter, working in the trade for two years, before going back to retail.

He first returned to education at the age of 22, studying Psychology at night class, and later enrolled for an Access Course at Redcar and Cleveland College. Philip said: “I always felt I’d be suited for youth work, I’m interested in excluded youth and related issues. Originally I was aiming for a Diploma in social work, but then I saw a leaflet about the University’s Youth Studies degree, and thought ‘that’s what I want to do’.

“I’ve enjoyed the criminology aspects, looking at the criminal justice system and the way the courts work, the historical overview is interesting. We’ve also looked at young people’s views of drugs, which I explored in my final-year dissertation. For the dissertation I interviewed a random sample of six people aged 18-29, looking at their views about the normalisation of recreational drugs, such as cannabis and ecstasy. The results were interesting, for example the majority didn’t want ecstasy de-criminalized because of the health implications, there was a lot of concern.”

In July Philip started a new post, as a development worker with Coatham House, Redcar, a national-lottery funded project for teenage mothers. Philip added: “The degree helped me to get this job. Certain modules explored issues around teenage mothers, I now have a lot of knowledge in this area. Through the project we’ll be assessing the mothers’ needs and within six months acquire four two-bedroom properties for them.

“I’m looking forward to my new job. I didn’t really work at school but now I know what I want out of life. Going to University was the best decision I ever made.”

Philip is the son of Marina and Jeff Robinson and the first in his family to graduate from University.

Tracy Shildrick, Course Leader for the Youth Studies degree, said: “Working with young people is an expanding employment area and we have designed a programme which appeals to a wide range of people and prepares them for working in many different occupations. The course examines topical issues and draws upon the work of staff who are actively engaged in researching young people in the Teesside area.”

For more details on the BSc (Hons) Youth Studies degree please call 01642 342308, or check the University of Teesside’s web site at www.tees.ac.uk

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