Working with Children, Young People and Families - BA (Hons)
- UCAS Code: L590
- Level: Undergraduate
- Starting: September 2021
- Study mode: Full Time (3 years)
- Location: City South
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any arrangements put in place by the University for the 2021/22 academic year will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
Our BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People and Families course has at its heart a strong commitment to social justice and equality. We will provide you with a range of teaching and learning experiences to build on your existing skills and motivation so that you can contribute to a changing society, particularly with services who work with, or for, vulnerable children, young people and their families.
What's covered in the course?
With a focus on personal, as well as professional development, our degree will engage you in understand the complexities of working with children young people and their families, in theory and in practice. We want to support you so that you can develop to become effective agents of change, making a difference to vulnerable children and young people, and providing family support.
The rights of children and young people, and a commitment to social justice are at the centre of what we believe, teach and research.
As you progress through the programme you will become confident and competent advocates of children and young people; developing your personal and professional skills so that you can, in future careers, be influential in developing practice, provision and policy.
Through a supportive and nurturing learning environment, you will be encouraged to develop your communication skills, drawing on digital technologies and to take ‘risks’ as you explore and find out new things about working with children, young people and families, as well as yourself.
Experienced tutors on the programme come from a wide range of professional backgrounds and are research active, understanding the demands of study, work and family life. The programme draws on experienced professionals from the field of education, social work and health. They are committed to the same agenda of social justice, social mobility and social responsibility that forms the underpinning philosophy of the programme.
“The course has helped build my knowledge about children and health, law, education and social skills. It has also helped to build my confidence in working with others and delivering presentations.“
Kerry Mobbs
Why Choose Us?
- Strong commitment to social justice and children's rights
- Opens doors to a range of careers linked to vulnerable children and young people
- Commitment to employability - we will make sure that you are ready for employment when graduating and will support you to gain experience in the areas you are most passionate about. Nearly 99 per cent of the School's undergraduate students are in work or further study six months after graduation (DLHE 2016/17)
- Opportunities for placement, locally and internationally
- Practice led by research active tutors from a range of professional backgrounds
- Study at our recently extended state-of-the-art £71 million campus in Edgbaston
- Our course is broad enough for you to discover where your passion lies and provides an excellent background to go on to gain professional qualifications in teaching or social work, for example.
Open Days
Our Virtual Open Day for this course will take place on 22 November 2020. Book now and we will email you with a link to the Virtual Open Day for your subject area of choice.
Register your interest
This course is open to International students
Where our students go
Our students have gone on to work with companies such as:
- Action for Children
- Solihull Inclusion Service
- West Midlands Police Force
And in jobs such as:
- Family Support Worker
- Parent Partnership Project Manager
- Outreach Worker
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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96 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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| UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| GCSE |
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| City and Guilds Level 2 Certificates in Adult Numeracy/ Adult Literacy |
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| Functional Skills/ Essential Skills level 2 |
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| Key Skills level 2 |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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| Scottish Intermediate 2 |
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| Scottish Credit Standard Grade |
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| Scottish National 5 |
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| IELTS |
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| Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
| UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| A level and Advanced VCE |
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| AS and AS VCE |
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| Access to HE Diploma |
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| British bachelor's degree |
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children’s Care, Learning and Development (Wales and Northern Ireland) |
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
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T-Levels |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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| Other qualifications | ||
| If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Please note we will make offers on the following qualifications:
Please note we will not make offers on the following qualification:
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Extra Information for EU/International students
| EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | Requirements 2021/22 |
| IELTS | 6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands |
| International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). | 28 points overall Country-specific entry requirements and qualifications. |
International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
Those intending to apply for the PGCE Early Years or Primary course in the future as a route into teaching will need to have GCSE at grade C or above (or equivalent) in English language, maths and a science subject.
Successful candidates will be required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance via the Faculty.
Don’t meet our entry requirements?
You could apply for a foundation course or a course at our International College. These routes have lower entry requirements and act as the bridge to a full degree. To find out more, please select your status:
- UK students
- International students
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via UCAS
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £13,200 per year
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead. The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
Guidance for UK/EU students
UK and EU students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
Register with UCAS
Login to UCAS
Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee
Send UCAS your application
International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
Additional costs
We offer a wide range of professionally accredited and vocational courses that require the purchase of, among other things, uniforms, equipment, subscriptions, professional body memberships and DBS checks, and may require you to pay to attend conferences or participate in placements.
The link below provides our estimate of the possible costs associated with key activities on specific courses. Please bear in mind that these are only estimates of costs based on past student experience and feedback. The actual costs to you could vary considerably (either greater or lower than these estimates) depending on your choices as you progress through the course. We set out where we can, based on experience, where these indicative costs are for activities that are optional or compulsory.
All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.
Find additional costs for your course
Accommodation and living costs
The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.
What's included in your course fees
included in your course fees are a range of specialist and visiting lecturers and all mandatory field trips.
Work Experience
It is not a requirement to obtain work experience in a school or education setting before applying for a teacher training course, so if you are unable to obtain work experience, this will not affect your application. If you would like to gain some experience to help prepare you for your course, there are other options available. The UCAS website details a range of alternative activities that you might want to consider.
Year One
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits). |
Year Two
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits). |
Year Three
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits). |
Course Structure
You will experience a wide variety of learning and teaching approaches that are designed to develop your confidence, knowledge and skills as you progress through the programme. We will support you as you make the transition to university through carefully planned induction processes. This will include social and group work activities, confidence building activities and a scaffolded approach so you can understand the thinking behind how your modules and assessments are planned. Managing your transition to Higher Education is more than just a week of activities so we have generated a core module that goes through the whole of the first year to support your developing personal, professional and academic skills.
Some modules are shared with students on other programmes in the department. For example when thinking about safeguarding and child protection there are common themes and common professional skills required, regardless of the age range you are focussing on. This is one module that would be shared with students studying Early Childhood Studies. We believe that whilst it is good to have a focus on your particular field of study, sometimes your learning experience can be enhanced by working with others who are exploring different, but similar contexts. For this reason there are 40 credits of shared modules between your BA Hons Working with Children, Young People and Families and the BA Hons Early Childhood Studies in each year. Placement is an integral part of the programme, there will be chances in your first year to explore and find out information about a range of services that work with, or for, children, young people and families, and to visit and shadow professionals working in this field .
In the second year of the programme you will have the opportunity to undertake a placement in a related service that may focus on education, health or social care for children, young people and their families. We hope that the professional relationships you develop in the first year will enable you to identify a partner who is able to support you on your professional journey, or who may be willing to support one of your peers. We already have good links with a number of partners who can facilitate a placement experience where you can learn from practice.
In your third year your research module Researching Children and Young People’s Services will enable you to carry out a project that requires implementation of a negotiated idea, making change and evaluating the impact of change. All of which develop essential skills for leaders and managers of Children’s Services.
As well as learning through practice a variety of approaches to teaching are used. This will include:
- Workshops
- Virtual Learning Environment - Shareville
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Group projects
- Guest speakers –often professionals
- Visits to settings and services
Overseas Opportunities
The programme hosts students on the Erasmus and Study Abroad programmes from a number of partner Universities from around the world who will study alongside you and facilitate debate about different approaches education, health and social care. You also have the opportunity of studying in a number of European countries through the partnerships the School of Education & Social Work has already established.
Further Study
There are a range of post graduate programmes available across the school, faculty and university. Our graduates often go on to study education, social work and health course at post grad level.
Enhancing Employability Skills
A Birmingham City University Graduate is professional and work-ready, a creative problem solver, enterprising and has a global outlook. This expectation is realised through the BA Hons Working with Children, Young People and Families programme which provides you with the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of vulnerable children, young people and their families.
Transferable skills are considered very highly throughout the programme should you decide not to work directly with children and young people in the future. We have embraced the Graduate + scheme and there are opportunities throughout the programme for you to receive credit for developing your employability skills.
We have a commitment to learning for life and actively encourage you to develop your own research skills and to pursue your learning journey by building on your first degree to Masters level and beyond. From induction through to your final module your tutor team will support you in exploring career pathways linked to vulnerable children, young people and their families. Working closely with local services will enable you to network and find out what it is like to work in the field.
Placements
Placement is an integral part of the programme, there will be chances in your first year to explore and find out information about a range of services that work with, or for, children, young people and families, and to visit and shadow professionals working in this field – this is so you can not only develop professional skills but can also find out about the wide range of professional careers open to you.
It also about developing transferable skills so that after you have completed your degree you already have a strong CV that makes you really employable. Later on you will have the opportunity to undertake a placement in a related service that may focus on education, health or social care for children, young people and their families. In your final year you will be able to carry out an evaluative study that will be work based.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
BCU Graduate+
Through our courses we give you the skills and experience needed to get a head start when applying for jobs. But we offer something extra too – Graduate+.
Our unique programme gives you the chance to develop valuable skills outside of the more formal classroom learning. We award points for Graduate+ activities (including firewalking!) and these can be put towards a final Graduate+ award.
More about Graduate+
97%...of students are in work or full time study six months after graduating2016/17 DLHE Response
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations
The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations for international students.
The first-class experience offered by universities are reflected in the world’s largest survey of international students. International students are more likely to recommend the UK than any other leading English-language study destination.
Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC)
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.
BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £260 million on new learning facilities.
As part of these plans, the University's Education provision will join the rest of the Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences at our City South Campus in Edgbaston during 2018.
This is the third phase of the University's project to move all teaching and learning to two campuses, City Centre and City South. By moving our Education provision, we are creating a hub for the provision of public service contracts and professional development at City South Campus and improving the student experience with a stronger sense of community and more consistent support services and facilities.
Campus
In addition to classrooms, a lecture theatre, social learning spaces, an open access IT suite and cafe facilities, the new £41 million extension to our City South Campus offers a range of specialist teaching and learning facilities for specific subjects including science, design and technology, drama and physical education.
Departments
All our departmental facilities replicate the school learning environment.
- Art and Design
- Design and Technology
- History
- English
- Mathematics
- Religious Education
- Music
- Drama
Not only are we investing £41 million in a new building to house the laboratories and teaching spaces needed, but we also plan to open up these facilities to benefit all students and the wider community. This will complement our existing sports facilities, which already provide a base for students to compete in activities ranging from rugby to.
Mary Seacole Library
The Seacole library, based at City South Campus, is one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries. The facility offers an extensive range of range of information and reference materials set out in a relaxing environment, conducive to studying. There are comfortable seating areas, group study areas, a silent study area and private study rooms.
Computer Facilities
The Seacole building houses a large open access IT Suite which comprises of 96 PCs, printers, photocopiers and scanners. Our PCs utilise the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:
- Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
- Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD
- Microsoft Office software
- Research and statistical software
- Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home
Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.
The IT Suite offers extended opening hours and is supported by a specialist Open Access Assistant during term time. In addition to the open access PCs within the IT Suite, there are 12 networked student PCs available within Seacole library.
Sinead Joyce
Lecturer in Working with Children, Young People and Families
Sinead Joyce was born in Birmingham and gained her BA Honors in Early Childhood Studies in 2008 and her Masters in Higher Education in 2015 with Birmingham Cuty University. Sinead is a Senior Fellow accredited by the HEA and is continuing her research interests in a PHD looking at professional Identify within an Interdisciplinary Degree.
Sarah Wheeler
Lecturer
From college I went on to complete my Diploma in Nursing in 2006 in Liverpool, working at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. I then worked in Manchester for a school nursing team, providing lots of health promotion and education to children and families.
I then returned to Herefordshire to complete my Specialist Community Public Health Degree (SCPHN) in School Nursing in 2008 here at Birmingham City University, I remained working in Hereford and became Team Leader for the school nurse team where I worked and developed for six more years. In this time I also completed my PG Cert in Education.
I joined the team here in 2014.