The community, children and families are at the heart of this course. With academic study and work experience in a variety of community-based settings, you will gain an excellent understanding of issues relating to children, young people and families and their holistic development.

Drawing upon a wide range of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, philosophy, education, public health and human rights, the course investigates the changing dynamics within childhood, families and communities, equipping critically informed graduates with transferrable skills for employment in a range of sectors. It also offers an alternative route into teaching.

Based on a combination of academic study and work experience, the course is designed to build upon your knowledge, skills and experience of working with children, young people and families.

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)

The Education foundation year will introduce students to the theories of Child Development and how they can be applied and evidenced in practice. Students will be given an overview of the concept of health and wellbeing in the early years and the importance of providing a healthy, safe and secure environment for children. You will gain a theoretical and experiental basis of the necessary skills to work with children, young people and families.

MODULES 

• Introduction to Child Development
• Introduction to Health and Well-being
• Introduction to Counselling
• Introduction to Childhood and Youth Studies
• Working with Children, Young People and Families

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)

The first year offers students a broad understanding of some of the main issues involving work with children, young people and families. Key to the philosophy of the programme are family well-being, multi-agency working and policy development/implementation.

MODULES 

• Development of Children and Young People
• Working with Children, Young People and Families
• Introduction to ALN/SEN
• Protecting Children and Young People
• Development of Literacy and Numeracy
• Academic Development and Reflective Practice 

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)

Builds upon the modules studied at level 4, considering more complex factors significant to the rights, participation and well-being of children, young people and families.

MODULES 

• Inclusion and Diversity
• Skills for the Workplace
• Child and Adolescent Health and Well-Being
• Risk, Resilience and Recovery
• Children’s Rights in Practice
• Research Methods

YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6)

The final year builds upon prior learning, requires more independent study and involves students selecting a child/family topic of their choice to undertake a small-scale research project within a family/community setting.

MODULES 

• Promoting Positive Behaviour
• Youth and Society
• Supporting Families with Young Children
• Multi-Agency Practice with Children, Young People and Families with Complex Needs
• Research Article