Foundation Degree Children's and Young People's Services

Foundation Degree Children's and Young People's Services Overview

The demand for highly-qualified practitioners to work with children, young people and their families is rapidly increasing. The need to utilise and develop the skills of current practitioners is vital to the growth and improvement of this rewarding and demanding sector.

The Foundation Degree in Children’s and Young People’s Services has two pathways: Early Years or Teaching Assistant. You will study modules that relate to both areas alongside pathway specific modules.

This programme is validated by the University of Derby.

Entry requirements

All applicants will be invited to an interview to discuss qualifications appropriate to the full and part-time pathways, experience and other related issues. For the part-time pathway, applicants need to be employed within the early years sector or as a teaching assistant.

To start this course you will normally be expected to have successfully completed at least one of the following:

• At least 160 UCAS points at A Level in appropriate subjects.
• CACHE Diploma in a related subject at grade C or above.
• Appropriate BTEC National Extended Diploma with MMM profile or above.
• Other relevant Level 3 qualification (normally at merit grade).
• Alternatively, we will consider substantive experience in a relevant field.

We also require five GCSEs, including English language at grade C (negotiable depending upon your experience).

Please note that maths at Level 2 is required for progression onto the BA (Hons) Education Studies (top-up) award or other programme beyond a Foundation Degree.

You will also be required to undertake a self-funded Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check prior to undertaking this course.

Start dates and fees

Course fees are payable for each year of all university-level courses. To identify your course fees and the financial support available to you, please see the HE section of the website or contact a member of the HE team at the college.

Provisional timetables will be discussed at interview, and confirmed in the final joining instructions which all students will receive in July.

The table below shows you when the course starts. You may be charged a fee for your course depending on your age and circumstances.

Start DateDay/TimeWksDurationCodeAnnual FeeActions 12/09/2016Mon, Tue
TBC - TBC302 yr(s)1011D1072£5950.00Apply online 17/01/2017Wed
TBC - TBC303 yr(s)1011D1117£3150.00Apply online How long is the course?

This programme lasts for two years full-time. You will also need to dedicate a substantial amount of time to research and work outside of the classroom.

Full-time students will have two days in college, a study day and two work placement days per week (you will be responsible for finding this placement but we will support you if you experience difficulties in this).

Location

• Derby Road

How will I be assessed?

Assessment methods are varied and may include written reports, presentations, case studies, essays and reflective statements. Where modules are work-related, assessment will relate to your own organisation (where appropriate) and/or vocational setting.

What does the course lead to?

This course will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and professional skills to take into your career or current role.

What will I study?

The foundation degree consists of 12 modules which include:

• Starting to Study
• Work-Based Reflective Practice 1 and 2
• Equality and Diversity
• The Curriculum 0-19
• Integrated Services
• Research Methods and Practice
• Understanding Behaviour
• Children, Young People and Family Rights
• Children's Health and Well-Being
• Secondary Research

Pathway modules include:

• Early Years Provision and Practice or
• Supporting Teaching and Learning

Module titles subject to change.

What can I go on to study?

On successful completion of the foundation degree, possible routes to further study include the following:

• BA (Hons) Education Studies (top-up) (available at the college)
• BA (Hons) Child and Youth Studies at the University of Derby
• BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies at the University of Derby
• A relevant programme at another institution.

All progression routes will be subject to entry requirements.

Alternatively, if you are seeking employment, the children and young people's workforce includes a wide range of workers, jobs and professional occupations, including:

• Early years and childcare - early years/nursery teachers, nursery nurses/workers, portage workers, nannies.
• Children and young people's social care - children and family court advisory and support service officers, foster carers, residential childcare workers, children and family social workers.

How do I apply?

Please complete our online application form, paying particular attention to previous qualifications and the personal statement. If you experience any difficulty, please contact the HE team on 01623 627191 ext 8092, or email us at heteam@wnc.ac.uk

Apply online Related courses

• BA (Hons) Education Studies (Top-up)