A classroom scene with adult students collaborating on child studies, simulating an interactive primary school classroom.

Children, Young People and Families - Certificate of Higher Education

Summary

The Cert HE in Children, Young People and Families is validated by Lancaster University and is aimed specifically at individuals who wish to work in a variety of settings with children, young people and/ or families. The course content matches that of the first year of the Foundation Degree in Children, Young People and Families with the potential to progress onto this qualification.  The Cert HE intends to develop your knowledge of the theoretical principles which underpin child development, youth work and family studies in a variety of contexts. You will examine a range of subjects which relate to working with individuals in children, youth and family services.

  • Course code SM1HE121
  • UCAS code L515
  • Duration 1 Year
  • Day/s of week Monday
  • Time 09:15 - 16:45

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
08 Sep 2025
University Centre
1 Year
  • 86,694 Annual job openings in the North West
  • £25,650 Average annual salary
  • Well-resourced onsite training equipment

What Uni Reviews

Really enjoyed my time at uni, the tutors have unconditional support for all students. *****
- Jessica Halliwell
Amazing course. Learnt so much, tutors are fantastic. *****
- Kelly Broadbent
Tutors and HELMs are fantastic! *****
- Bethany Daniels

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Student case study - Shirley Khan

Why did you choose B&FC?
I looked at different courses but realised I needed to start from scratch with my GCSEs to build the right entry qualifications. Going to B&FC meant I could study all the qualifications I needed in one place. It just made sense.

What have been the benefits of studying here?
Smaller class sizes which means everyone gets one-to-one help and a really friendly, supportive atmosphere which makes going back into education so much easier.

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

The key benefit of completing the Cert HE is the opportunity to enhance your professional practice and to apply your learning to practice. A robust understanding of working with children, young people and families is a highly sought-after attribute by employers and will enable you to develop confidence as a practitioner. There is also the potential to transfer onto the Foundation Degree in Children, Young People and Families.

Key information

Entry Requirements

A prerequisite for acceptance onto this programme is a GCSE English at grade 4 or C or functional skills at level 2. It is also desirable that students have achieved a grade C or 4 in GCSE Maths or functional skills level 2. In addition, a minimum of 48 UCAS points from a relevant level 3 qualification relating to work with children, young people and/ or families such as:

  • BTEC Extended Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce, or Early Year’s Workforce, or Health and Social Care, or Supporting Teaching and Learning, or related subject 
  • A Level or NVQ level 3 qualifications in a related subject
  • Access to HE in Health, Nursing or Social Science

You will be required to have a professional discussion with one of the delivery team prior to an offer, this is assessed against prescribed criteria available on request, and secure an enhanced DBS for voluntary work if you are not in paid employment within the sector (this will be the responsibility of the student to pay for unless provided by the employing organisation). All students are expected to undertake a minimum of 4 hours per week in either paid or voluntary employment, working with children, young people or families and must have been in practice at least 6 weeks prior to the programme commencing. Employment hours must be maintained throughout the duration of the course as requirement and prospective students will be required to provide written evidence of their employment prior to enrolment onto the course. 

If you are a non-standard student, who has not followed the traditional routes to higher education, we can consider your application on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who are able to demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge will also be considered on an individual basis with a minimum level 2 equivalent qualification in a related subject. 

 

Qualification obtained

Cert HE Children, Young People and Families

Fees and funding

Please click here to find out more about tuition fees for this course.

Extra costs and equipment

No special equipment is required as a full range of IT is available within the Learning Resource Centre for enrolled students. Students may wish to purchase a computer (desktop or laptop) as all assessments are submitted electronically and the relevant software can be provided by the College free of charge.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Lancaster University

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

The Cert HE has a mandatory work experience element, which can be achieved through either paid or voluntary employment. However, should a DBS be required for employment, this will be the responsibility of the student to obtain.

The work experience element provides you with the opportunity to learn and apply the skills and knowledge that you have acquired from your academic studies. You must be in paid or voluntary employment within the sector for a minimum of 4 hours per week throughout the duration of each academic year, however concessions will be made to accommodate special circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

Your paid or voluntary employment should have commenced at least 6 weeks to the course commencing and you are required to provide evidence of your employer supporting your attendance on the course.

  • Modules at level 4

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Constructions of Childhood Youth and Families SM4MD168 20 No
    Creativitiy and Adaptation SM4MD169 20 No
    Services and Interventions SM4MD170 20 No
    Safeguarding SM4MD171 20 No
    Risk and Resilience SM4MD172 20 No
    Professional and Academic Skills Health and Education SM4MD201 20 No

Study Support - at a glance

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group study support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT Support
Discover available Study Support

Programme Specification

Download our Programme Specification for this course.

Tutor Profile - Francoise Peill

Area of Expertise:
Early Years, Children and Families, Safeguarding and Multi-disciplinary Working, Child Health and Wellbeing, Third Sector Strategic Management.

Enjoys teaching at B&FC because:
Education has the power to change lives and transform local communities and it's amazing when you encounter this life-changing effect within your own classroom.

A young girl engrossed in reading a book, highlighting a positive and enriching learning environment.
In a classroom, a woman facilitates playtime with children using toys during an early childhood study session.
A woman and a young boy smile together in a vibrant early childhood playroom filled with toys and learning materials.
A young girl engrossed in reading a book, highlighting a positive and enriching learning environment. In a classroom, a woman facilitates playtime with children using toys during an early childhood study session. A woman and a young boy smile together in a vibrant early childhood playroom filled with toys and learning materials.
A young girl engrossed in reading a book, highlighting a positive and enriching learning environment.
In a classroom, a woman facilitates playtime with children using toys during an early childhood study session.
A woman and a young boy smile together in a vibrant early childhood playroom filled with toys and learning materials.

How will I learn?

Scheduled Learning

Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.

Independent Study

Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Learning Methods

Learning Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Scheduled 285 0 0
Independent 885 0 0
Placement 30 0 0
Total 1200 0 0
Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey.

Not the course for you?

Take a look at some of our other degree-level study options and see what sparks your imagination.

  • Children, Young People and Families - Foundation Degree

    View course

  • Adult Health & Social Care - Certificate of Higher Education

    View course

  • Mental Health and Resilience - Certificate of Higher Education

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How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 69% 0% 0%
Exam 0% 0% 0%
Practical 31% 0% 0%