Children, Young People and Families - Foundation Degree

A pre-requisite for acceptance onto this programme is that students have 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 tutors prior to an offer being made which 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. 

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.

Placement

Many of the degree programmes at B&FC incorporate opportunities for work placements to provide you with the opportunity to link your studies to relevant professional practice in a real work environment. Our programme teams are able to offer support in securing an appropriate work placement where it forms part of your programme, and will work closely with you during the placement to ensure that the opportunity allows you to develop personally, professionally and academically.

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.

The key benefit of completing the Foundation Degree is the opportunity to enhance your professional practice, apply your learning to practice, and to achieve a graduate level qualification, which can lead to a variety of further graduate career and study pathways. 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 are several employment prospects that students can transition into upon achievement of the Foundation Degree, these include:

• Family Practitioners and Senior Family Support Workers 
• Youth Justice Health and Wellbeing Worker
• Youth Residential Team Leader 
• Community Connectors
• Children, Young People and Families Project Worker