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BA Single Honours Working with Children, Young People & Families (Top-Up)

Foundation

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Working With Young People and Children students in class

BA Single Honours Working with Children, Young People & Families (Top-Up)

Course Description

In the current economic climate, there are many challenges facing children, young people and families. Supporting children, young people and families requires informed and educated professionals who are able to understand the social, economic, educational, political and cultural issues and barriers in order to respond to, and challenge the issues facing families and communities today.

This top up course will enable you to build on the learning from your foundation degree or HND (or equivalent) in order to complete a full BA (Hons) degree which will enable you to build a career within the field of working with children, young people and families.

Why study this course

The course provides an opportunity to cover a range of multi-disciplinary issues
You will be encouraged to develop an area of particular expertise, in line with your own interests and career aspirations.
The course is up to date, keeping pace with changes in society.
You have options within the capstone project, so that you can undertake a traditional research project (dissertation) if you wish, or alternatively or could complete a work-based learning research project, or undertake a more creative, taught capstone. This is tailored to offer you more choice and to meet your needs as a future practitioner.

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Entry Requirements UK home students entry requirements, for UK home students, for September 2025 entry: All applicants will need to have 120 credits at level 4 and 120 credits at level 5 in a relevant Foundation Degree or HND. Contact admissions for the suitability of your qualification(s).

The full-time course fee, for UK home students, for September 2025 is: £9,535

Additional Costs

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Developing anti-oppressive practice
20 Credits (Compulsory)

At levels 4 and 5 students will have been introduced to notions of inclusive practice, the effects of discrimination and the need for practitioners to understand what lies behind the concept of social justice when it comes to working with children, young people and families. This module offers students at level 6 the chance to develop their thinking about how they can best work with children and families to alleviate or overcome barriers to equality and justice in service design and delivery. The context for this will be an exploration of the concept of ?anti-oppressiveÊ practice and will include an examination of the skills needed to work in this way.

Working creatively with children, young people and families
20 Credits (Compulsory)

This module will explore the role of creativity and play in how children and adults make sense of their lives and worlds, and the role of practitioners in facilitating this process. Working with children, young people and families is a holistic and participatory discipline. Good practice should seek to develop a social pedagogy which treats children’s, young people’s and families’ cultures as inherently valuable, and practitioners should support, in a person-centred way, those they work with to optimise their dignity, choice and wellbeing in their own lives. Creativity is foundational in this process. The module will seek to give students a broad foundation in the theory and practice of creative working current in the field. Drawing on concrete examples of children and young people’s cultures and making use of arts, crafts, life skills, sports, games, religion and the natural world, it will help students to build their confidence in this mode of working. The key threshold concept will be an awareness of the tension between valuing children’s activities as developmental or therapeutic and valuing them for their own sake. It will encourage students to hold this tension through a reflective remembering of their own childhood lifeworld.

Capstone projects – professional practice route
40 Credits

This module provides students with the opportunity to explore an area of particular interest through undertaking an evaluation of a particular policy or practice areas related to “professional practice” Related to working with children, young people or families.

Children, young people and adults with care experience
20 Credits (Compulsory)

This module will provide students with the opportunity to explore current legislation and its implications for practice for all those working with children, young people and adults with care experience. The module will seek to examine the rhetoric within policy and initiatives concerning children who are in Care and the underlying political ideologies around the role of the state in caring for children. Students will investigate the range of provision for people with care experience including models popular in other countries. A wide view of the diverse needs of children, young people and adults with care experience will be presented, underlining the challenges in balancing protection and support with learning and development and the associated importance of partnership and collaborative working.

Safeguarding and child/adult protection in policy and practice
20 Credits (Compulsory)

This module will provide students with the opportunity to explore historical and contemporary concerns that have served to shape policy and practice. Students will explore current legislation and its implications for practice for all those working with the young and vulnerable adults. A clearer understanding will be gained of the different roles and responsibilities of those working in the area of safeguarding. Consideration will be given to the impact that abuse can have on the lives of victims and their families.

Capstone projects – dissertation
40 Credits

This module provides students with the opportunity to explore an area of particular interest through undertaking a small scale research project supported by a member of staff from the subject area (or elsewhere) with appropriate specialist knowledge.

Our Careers team provides tailored advice, placements and workshops to help you build confidence and prepare for life after university.

Studying and Living in Birmingham

At Birmingham Newman University, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: a peaceful, green campus that creates the ideal setting for focused study and personal reflection, yet remains just eight miles from the vibrant city centre. As the UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham is also one of the youngest and most diverse in Europe, offering a dynamic blend of culture, innovation and opportunity. From world-renowned museums and music venues to a thriving food scene alongside a growing business and tech sector, it’s a place where creativity and ambition naturally thrive.

Experience Birmingham: A City Full of Possibilities

Whether you're discovering the Midlands for the first time or already know the area well, Birmingham provides a lively and inclusive environment for students. As one of the most energetic and multicultural cities in the UK, it’s a place where you can grow academically while developing personally. Its rich cultural heritage, creative energy and broad range of opportunities make it an inspiring backdrop for your university journey.

A City That Loves Great Food

Birmingham is a brilliant place to explore diverse culinary experiences. You might wander through the famous Balti Triangle, sample global street food at Digbeth Dining Club or enjoy a relaxed meal by the canals in Brindleyplace. The city is also home to independent cafés, vegan-friendly eateries and countless hidden gems. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between lectures or planning an evening out, there’s always something new to discover.

Arts, Culture and Entertainment

The city pulses with creativity. You could catch live music at the O2 Academy, experience a world-class performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome or browse exhibitions at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Creative spaces like the Custard Factory showcase local talent while hosting events that celebrate innovation. With festivals, sporting fixtures and cultural celebrations taking place year-round, there’s never a shortage of things to enjoy.

Simple & Convenient Travel

Getting around Birmingham is straightforward thanks to its well-connected public transport system. Buses, trams and trains make it easy to reach campus, explore the city or travel further afield. Whether you're commuting daily or heading off for a weekend adventure, transport is both accessible and affordable.

Life Beyond the Lecture Hall

Your time at Birmingham Newman University extends far beyond academic study. You’ll have the chance to join student societies, contribute to community projects or try something entirely new. The university’s supportive atmosphere encourages you to build confidence, develop practical skills and feel genuinely at home throughout your studies.

The skills and knowledge gained from undertaking this course provide an excellent preparation for a wide range of occupations including careers in pastoral roles in education, family support work, social care, community support roles, employment within local authorities, health or charity sectors, culture, heritage or recreation.

It is intended that graduates from this course will develop into managers and leadership roles capable of dealing with multi-agency working with a range of knowledge and inter-personal skills.

Graduates can also progress onto a wide range of postgraduate degree programmes including social work, or teacher training or Psychology conversion.

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