Working with Children, Young People and Families - BA (Hons)
September 2021 — UCAS code L590
Our BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People and Families course has at its heart a strong commitment to social justice and equality....
88points required
Clearing 2021
There are places available on this course.
Got your results?
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Get your Clearing GuideStudying 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. Information about the arrangements the University has put in place for the 2021/22 academic year in response to Covid-19 and the emerging variants can be found here.
Should the impact of Covid-19 continue in subsequent years of your course, any additional and/or alternative arrangements put in place by the University in response 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.
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City South
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2021
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Education and Social Work
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
Clearing 2021
Got your results?
If you've already received your results and have enough points for this course you can apply online now.
Apply nowWaiting for results?
Download our guide to Clearing to prepare ahead of results day and find out the top four things you can do whilst you wait.
Get advicePlease note: the entry requirements listed below are relevant for main cycle applications and may not be applicable during Clearing.
Course overview
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 this 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.
Similar Courses
Entry Requirements
Got your results?
If you've already received your results and have enough points for this course you can apply online now.
Apply nowWaiting for results?
Download our guide to Clearing to prepare ahead of results day and find out the top four things you can do whilst you wait.
Get adviceWe 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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| Plus one of the following 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.
Fees & How to Apply
- UK students
- International students
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via Clearing
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.
Places available to start in September 2021
If you'd like to start this course full-time this September, you can apply through Clearing.
Got your results?
If you've already received your results and have enough points for this course you can apply online now.
Apply now
Waiting for results?
Download our guide to Clearing to prepare ahead of results day and get your results day 2021 questions answered.
Get adviceInternational and part-time students can apply online as normal using the links above.
Want to start in September 2022?
You can apply via UCAS from September 2021.
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.
Course in Depth
Year One
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
40 credits
This first module will explore the potential career pathways for your programme and the necessary skills, values and attributes to be a successful professional within a range of children services. Using this as the context, you will reflect on and identify your existing skills and identify the skills necessary to be a successful student of Higher Education as part of your journey through to professional employment.
20 credits
This module acts as an introduction to education in the UK. To this end, we start with a look at the structure of educational as a whole, the different paths of education, and the legislation governing education. From this initial overview we examine different understandings of how children and young people learn including some of the most common learning theories. This opens the way for us to consider some of the barriers children and young people face in education, including issues such as racism, gender, and disability. Finally, we explore the ways professionals, parents and others can support children and young people in education.
20 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the programme this module will explore the ways in which child health and wellbeing can be promoted across all agencies. You will be provided with the knowledge and skills to understand a range of contributory factors that influence children and young people’s health and wellbeing and the ways these may impact on their lives.
20 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the programme, this module provides you with an understanding of key theories, policy and legislation relating to social work with children, young people and families.
It is intended you will gain an overall understanding of the role of social workers and good safeguarding practice with children, young people and families. In more detail you will gain knowledge of assessment tools and their application in practice across in a variety of children and families settings. There will be opportunity to develop report writing skills based on case studies, which could be applied in practice.
20 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the programme, this module encourages you to become confident professionals and to recognise the value of interdisciplinary working with children, young people, families and professionals. It is intended that this module will support you to develop your intellectual capabilities by encouraging you to work together and identify benefits and challenges of an interdisciplinary approach.
Year Two
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
20 credits
This module will explore safeguarding and child protection including the necessary skills, values and attributes to be a successful professional working with a range of children’s services.
You will build on your previous learning by focusing on the roles and responsibilities of professionals in a safeguarding context. This will include key legislation, policy and evaluate processes that exist to support children who have or are likely to suffer significant harm. You will consider discrimination, which affects individual children, young people and families.
20 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the programme, this Level 5 module encourages and supports you to become a confident and reflective researcher and to recognise the value of conducting research within relevant children’s services. You will be given the opportunity to explore and experience what it feels like to work within small research cluster groups. During this process, the module will support you to engage in a critical analysis of contemporary issues and debates in research, policy and practice related to your field of study. You will work collaboratively to identify and then design a small scale study to explore one of these issues.
20 credits
The module will provide opportunities for you to explore issues of social justice and inclusion in diverse social and educational contexts from both the UK and International perspectives. You will be exploring theoretical perspectives of "social justice" in the development and delivery of children and family services; for example, Public Health initiatives, schools, education and care services. The theories of inclusion, social exclusion, discrimination and institutional discrimination, will be approached through a critical review of concepts and examination of local, national and international policy and practice.
40 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the programme, this module encourages you to become confident professionals and to recognise the value of effective collaborative practice when working with children, young people, families and professionals. It is intended that this module will support you to develop your intellectual capabilities by encouraging you to work together and identify benefits and challenges of an effective collaborative practice.
20 credits
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People and Families programme. It enables you to consolidate your experiences in placement. It provides you with the knowledge to understand the complexities of professional roles within the work place and the importance of adopting a professional stand at all times. It enables you to demonstrate the skills needed to work in a professional context and how your skills and attributes need to be developed for future employment. It develops further your knowledge, understanding and application of relevant, current legislation and policy frameworks. It provides the opportunity to work effectively with different service users and to understand their needs.
Year Three
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
20 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the programme, this module will respond to contemporary perspectives and issues affecting children, young people, families and communities. A strong commitment to inclusive values will be reinforced and will empower you to address issues of equality, disadvantage, diversity and social justice to optimise the life chances of children, young people and their families. In line with the learning, teaching and assessment strategy, the module will be interactive, engaging and challenging; designed to promote your independence and confidence to enable you to be an advocate for children, young people and families and an agent for change. The module is highly responsive to changes and developments, and will provide you with an in depth understanding of how issues may impact your work in your chosen field.
20 credits
This Level 6 module will further explore the potential career pathways and enable you to manage the next steps in your career. As you prepare to finish your programme it will enable you to practice and develop key skills necessary as you seek employment or post graduate study.
You will have the opportunity to identify, reflect on and develop a range of effective professional skills, practicing them through work based real life projects such as applying for jobs, interviewing, recruitment and selection processes. Using services for children and families as the context you will meet with a range of key stakeholders including recruitment companies, careers services, post graduate programme leaders and leaders and managers in services that work with and for children and their families.
20 credits
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of the BA (Hons) Working with Children Young People and Families Programme. It enables you promote the voice of children and young people, and to have a critical overview of the national and international legislative and policy framework that promotes their rights and identity.
20 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the programme, this module will focus on perspectives and issues affecting families and parenting. It will support you to examine confidently global perspectives with regard to families and parenting. This module will enable you to debate the ethical implications of families and parenting from a global perspective. You will engage in thought provoking debate. In line with the learning, teaching and assessment strategy, the module will be interactive, engaging and challenging, designed to promote your independence and confidence in considering challenging topics.
40 credits
In line with the philosophy and aims of the programme, this Level 6 module enables and supports you to conduct a small scale piece of individual (action) research that attends and adheres to key ethical principles. This module encourages you to engage in independent as well as collaborative critical analysis of contemporary issues and debates in policy and practice. You will be provided with an opportunity to clarify your understanding of key research terms, as well as to consider the link between epistemology, methodology and methods and the impact that your own personal philosophies have upon the design of your action research study.
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
Employability
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.
International Students
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.
Facilities and Staff
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.
Our staff
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.
More about SineadSarah 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.
More about Sarah