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Natalie Dowling

Dr Natalie Dowling

Senior Lecturer in Childhood Studies and Academic Sessional

School of Teacher Education and Computing, Digital Forensics and Cyber Security

I joint CCCU in 2019 and am now Senior Lecturer in Childhood Studies. I am Level 5 lead for the Foundation Degree in Childhood Studies.

I have been working at CCCU since 2019. Have previously completed my BSc (hons) Applied Criminology and Social Science here before studying for my MA in Youth and Community Work (JNC accredited) at the University of East London. My PhD 'Detached Youth Work. A critical analysis of theory and practice' was completed at the University of Gloucestershire where I taught on Youth and Health and Social Care programmes.

My practice experience have included youth work for local authorities and 3rd sector organistions, where I have managed detached, centre based and school based work. I continue to work part time for my local authority within the youth council, in youth centres, and detached projects. Having previous experience working in students support services, substance misuse, homeless/housing support, and for a training provider.

Within Criminology I was employability lead providing advice and guidance in this area alongside running meet employers/career events.

I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and convene, teach, and mark across a range of modules at different levels and across the Childhood studies.  I am level 5 lead for the Foundation Degree in in Childhood studies.   I was previously module lead for Crime: Narratives and Explanations (L4) and Contemporary Issues in Criminology (L6) and previously lead the foundation (L3) criminology module.

Research interests in work with young people including early intervention and risk taking behaviours. Research projects: Erasmus+ RIDE (Resources for Inclusion, Diversity and Equality) project working with Italy, Slovakia, Turkey, and Croatia. https://rideproject.eu/   ‘Surveying the Landscape’ research for the Federation for Detached Youth Work conference presentation 2016

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy - July 2014

Guest lecturer Captiva Learning on the JNC accredited Youth Work Degree Apprenticeship, module lead level 4 Communication and Relationships.

Justice of the Peace, December 2019 - November 2023 

Executive Committee Member, Federation of Detached Youth Work, November 2013 –November 2016.