FdA Working with Children, Young People and Families

We consider a variety of qualifications and relevant experience, and each application is assessed on its own merit.

To enrol on this course, you will usually be required to have minimum of 48 UCAS points, from at least one of the following: A Levels, T Levels, BTEC Nationals, Access to Higher Education Diploma, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualifications in addition to GCSEs in English and maths at grade 4 or above. All students will be required to attend a short interview in line with our safer recruitment policy. All students will also need to hold an Enhanced DBS certificate prior to enrolling on the course. A DBS application can be completed through UCSD.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking or an equivalent English Language qualification).

Each module is worth a specified number of credits, enabling you to cover key subject knowledge while developing your own interests. For full time students a total of 120 credits will be studied in each academic year. In the majority of cases this will consist of 6 modules. For part time students it will depend on the intensity of your studies.

Year 1 Modules

• Professional Practice – 20 credits
• Safeguarding Children and Young People – 20 credits
• Multi-agency Working – 20 credits
• Equality, Rights, Diversity and Cultural Differences – 20 credits
• Lifespan Development – 20 credits
• Assessment, Policy and Parenting – 20 credits

Year 2 Modules

• Research Methods – 20 credits
• Professional Investigation – 20 credits
• Social Pedagogy – 20 credits
• Social Policy and Practice – 20 credits
• Supporting Social and Emotional Wellbeing – 20 credits
• Professional and Personal Development – 20 credits

Timetables are normally available one month before the commencement of your studies. As a guide, last year the first and second year of this programme were timetabled on: Wednesday and Friday.

When studied part-time, the duration of the course depends on the speed at which you wish to progress through it. This is called the ‘intensity of study’. As part-time study will mean attendance of some modules that are on the full-time timetable, it may mean that you will be required to attend modules timetabled over five days of the week. You may be able to change the intensity of study during your course.  Not all intensities of study are available for all programmes.

Work-based learning has been included within the foundation degree with the Level 4 Professional Practice module where students are required to undertake work experience and complete a competency document with a minimum of 100 hours at Level 4.

This module requires students to create a portfolio of evidence linked to their practice. The patchwork assessment includes evidence of academic writing for case studies, reports, a reflective diary and an action plan for improvement. Students will monitor their placement hours as required by the course.

Within all modules there will be opportunities to explore employability within the context of the sector. Individual requirements for progression will be discussed with students throughout the tutorial programme.

There are two formal or summative assessed pieces of work for each module. Assessment methods include a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and projects. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. In addition to formal assessments throughout modules of study there will be developmental (formative) assessments to support you with developing greater understanding of your progress.

The balance of assessment by coursework and practical varies between modules. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is as follows:

Year 1: 92% coursework, 8% practical
Year 2: 92% coursework, 8% practical

We recognise feedback as an essential component of your learning and progression. We adopt a feed-forward approach whereby feedback is given in a developmental manner to support your continued progression. You will receive feedback on all assessments within 20 working days.

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes academic staff and professional practitioners with industry experience. Trainee teachers may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry experience to provide you with the most up to date and relevant learning opportunities.

When not attending lectures, seminars or practicals you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, and preparing coursework assignments and presentations. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library and the UCSD Research Centre.

Your overall workload at Level 4 consists of contact hours, of approximately 10 hours per week (classroom and online lessons), plus independent learning (including your work-based learning), and assessment activity. Together, this equates to approximately 36 hours per week. The following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Level 4: 43% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity. 57% is spent on independent learning and assessment related activity.
Level 5: 43% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity. 57% is spent on independent learning and assessment related activity.

A key feature of our university level programmes is the exceptional support we provide for students. We are passionate about providing dedicated and bespoke support services to help you make the most of your time here and to maximise your potential. We have an experienced team who offer a range of services, and regular 1:1 contact time with your personal tutor guarantees your professional and personal development. We can provide help with study skills, written English, academic writing, research skills, critical thinking, and revision. We hold the principles of equality and opportunity for all in the highest regard. That’s why our degrees are designed to be accessible for anyone, regardless of your personal circumstances. We endeavour to make reasonable adjustments and remove any barriers to your learning. We also offer more flexible timetables than other institutions to minimise the impact studying has on your personal life and responsibilities.

Once you qualify at foundation degree level, you could apply to progress onto our BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies or BA (Hons) Social and Therapeutic Interventions programmes to complete your undergraduate studies at University Centre South Devon. Alternatively you could apply to transfer to study other programmes at the University of Plymouth.

The areas you could work in include; community work, pastoral care, youth work, psychology, training and facilitating, family support work, family homes, youth centres, early years, youth justice, children’s centres and education and community settings.

Potential Job Roles

Social worker (with further study), Pastoral Support, Youth Worker, Family support worker

Funding is available to help you with living costs during your studies via Student Finance England. We are committed to supporting our students with a number of bursary packages, which you will receive if you meet particular criteria, and does not need to be repaid. Bursaries are awarded in addition to any funding received from Student Finance England.

Course Related Costs Included

• Equipment to support practical sessions related to your programme of learning
• Compulsory visits related to your programme of learning
• Annual £10 printing allowance
• Access to e-books and e-journals relating to your programme of study

Course Related Costs Not Included

• Additional printing over the initial allowance
• Optional overseas and UK based field trips
• The cost of books you may wish to purchase
• An annual parking fee or bus pass for travel to UCSD