The Foundation Degree Working with Children and Families is the second year of a traditional degree programme and generally requires a relevant Level 4 qualification (such as our Certificate of Higher Education Working with Children and Families Level 4) to meet entry requirements.
Applicants without the usual entry requirements but who have extensive professional experience and can evidence an ability to study at a higher level will be assessed on an individual basis.
An additional year of study can be undertaken upon completion of this programme to enable you to achieve a full BA (Hons) degree at Level 6 and is awarded by the University of Cumbria.
Study is on a part-time basis to enable flexibility in terms of work and personal commitments.
A Level 4 qualification in childcare or a similar subject is generally required to access the Foundation Degree, alongside GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C.
There is a potential for non-traditional students to access the programme without these if they have sufficient experience and are able to demonstrate an ability to work at Level 5.
This course is suject to successful interveiw.
| Study level | Cost | Additional fees |
|---|---|---|
| HE | Please enquire | Additional costs relate to stationery and travel costs. In addition, students may wish to purchase key texts. It is advised that students obtain a copy of Cite Them Right (12th edition) which can be found at a low cost on Amazon. |
Learning and Teaching:
The programme uses a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face sessions with online and practical work where appropriate. The learning and teaching methods typically used by tutors include lectures, seminars, guest speakers, workshops and tutorials.
A significant amount of personal study time is expected to be undertaken by the student, comprising of background reading, assignment work, preparation for seminars and practical case studies. A social learning community including a peer support programme will further enhance this.
Summative and Formative Assessment:
Assessment tasks are linked to the learning outcomes of each module and are normally completed at the end of the module.
Assessment typically consists of practical and theoretical work. Assessments can include: a portfolio, oral presentation, written work and project work.
You will have formative assessment to help you learn and develop your knowledge and skills and summative assessment on which you are graded.
Continuous assessment is utilised on the programme. Formative feedback is an ongoing process and is delivered via tutorials, group discussion and peer input.
Maths and English GCSE's are desirable, although this can be waived if the applicant has significant experience and/or can prove an ability to write at Level 5.
A placement is required consisting of a minimum of 70 hours across the year, although a minimum of one day per week is advised to maximise learning opportunities and professional development.
As a student on this Programme, there are a range of opportunities to link with industry such as guest speakers and field visits and activities.
In addition to the weekly session that runs from 5:00pm-9:00pm, students are expected to work independently for up to eight hours per week to maximise learning and progression.
The University of Cumbria validates, registers, quality assures and awards the Foundation Degree qualification.
To enable students to complete a full qualification in one year on a part time basis - which would usually take two years - extended academic years are applied. This results in the programme running for 38 weeks, from the first week in September through to mid-July.
Sessions run from 5:00pm-9:00pm one evening per week.
The aims of this course are to:
- Provide a supportive and responsive learning environment that will enable students with different experiences to develop a flexible and transferable skill set
- Engage students with a variety of learning experiences and build on their skills and knowledge at each of the three levels of the programme, in order to facilitate the development of a critical understanding of children’s social care settings
- Develop the skills, knowledge and understanding required to work in integrated practice settings across children’s social care settings
- Enable students to confidently engage with and support the development of children, young people, families and communities
- Plan, deliver and evaluate projects and interventions that support social action and social justice
- Understand their place within the local, national and global children’s workforce and social care settings
- Engage students in traditional and contemporary debates around children’s social care settings, with an emphasis on developing analytical skills that enable robust evidenced based theoretical challenge
Prepare students for Level 6 study in an allied field; or for employment.
Modules may include:
- Researching and Evaluating Practice
- Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-oppressive practice through
- The Internet, Media & Society
- Crime and Conflict
- Identity, Personality and Social Justice
- Innovative Approaches to Working with Children and Families
University of Cumbria
120 credits at Level 5
There is a possibility to progress onto further study with us to secure a Level 6 BA (Hons) Working with Children and Families, which is a year long top-up programme. It is also possible to enroll on a teacher training certificate (not PGCE) or to progress within the workplace to senior, management or specialist roles.
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