If you are already working (employed or volunteering) with children, young people and families for at least 14 hours per week, this course has been designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to provide a high-quality service as well as enhancing your employment opportunities.
Core to this is the belief that we all have rights, should have equal access to services and life opportunities, and that everybody’s qualities and potential are important and valuable.
Study the essential aspects of child development and welfare, legislation and policy as you develop your own capacity for independent thinking and creative approaches to working with children, young people and families.
This course will help you gain an in-depth understanding of the essential aspects of child development and welfare. It will further equip you with the skills required to provide high-quality services for children, young people and families. Their rights, and the belief that they have equal access to services and life opportunities regardless of social difference, feature strongly throughout the course. You will apply knowledge to current practice
Your studies will have a strong vocational orientation, with 'real' practice issues informing the curriculum and your work. You will be expected to be employed or volunteering with children or young people for a minimum of 14 hours per week. You will need a work based mentor to support you with your studies over the next two years. The course is set within the context of current events, research legislation and policy. You will also be given opportunities for undertaking research in preparation for your independent project, as well as enjoying the practical experience of working with children, young people and families.
Underpinning the course is the belief that children, young people and their families have rights and should have equal access to services and opportunities, regardless of social difference. Valuing the potential and the qualities of children and young people are also guiding principles.
This Foundation Degree has been designed to equip you with the up-to-date knowledge and skills you will need to be an effective and successful practitioner in the field of child and families studies.
The overall strategy of the Foundation Degree seeks to reflect the breadth of study possible, as well as ensuring that learners have the opportunity to build on areas of particular interest or relevance to themselves. Continuous assignment based assessment is seen as the most effective way to determine academic development and achievement. It is a suitable approach for learners returning to study who need immediate feedback for reassurance and to take remedial action if necessary at the earliest opportunity.
The assessment types will include:
Case study
Report
Presentations
Portfolio
Individual education plan
Curriculum plan
Continuous assignment based assessment Reflective log or integrated work based experiences
Project
Observations
Exam
Reflective journal
WIKI
These assessment methods have been chosen as they will assist learners to review their learning and capture naturally occurring situations within the setting.
This strategy informs the assessment methods in each individual unit in the course and has due regard to the level descriptors and course learning outcomes.
A Foundation Degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.
Foundation Degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.
UCAS introduced a new tariff for courses from September 2017. This means the points you will be asked for are different to previous years but the grades you receive have not changed.
As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 32-48 points, based on your level 3 studies.
Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don't have traditional academic qualifications.
We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
For more clarification about your qualifications in the new tariff see the UCAS tariff calculator
Being in employment (or voluntary work) is integral and essential to this Foundation degree. A letter of support is required from employers. Each learner must have a work-based mentor for the length of the course. We have an excellent relationship with local Employers, and regularly hold meetings and visit to their organisations.
The course allows you to remain in your childcare employment whilst you continue to study allowing you to relate theory to practice and reflect on your learning throughout the course.
The timetable runs over 1 afternoon and 1 evening allowing for a minimum time taken from work. The course seeks to develop your personal, professional and study skills in areas such as multi-agency working and working in social or child care. Employability is also core to the Foundation Degree and is part of the teaching programme at every level in units such as the Level 4 unit Reflective Learning, the Level 5 unit Managing People and Career Development in the Human Services. As part of the Managing People and Career Development in the Human Services unit we have a student residential which consists of two days away including an overnight stay on a Friday and Saturday. We work in groups to prepare a presentation for formative assessment. This also provides an excellent opportunity for team building and group work ready for the second year.
Students attending the course come from a diverse range of employment and have a wealth of experience to share. There are various assessment methods to meet individual needs including the standard essays and presentations to seminars, Wikis and case studies.
As per the QAA Quality Code for Higher Education, Chapter B10 this course requires you to be in either paid or voluntary work for a minimum of 2 days per week working with children, young people and families.
The Foundation Degree Qualification Benchmark 2010 states that integrate academic and work-based learning through close collaboration between employers and programme providers is a distinct feature of this course and it is designed to appeal to learners wishing to enter a profession as well as those seeking Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
The full-time standard fee for a Foundation Degree for the Academic Year 2018/19 is £6,165 per year.
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a Foundation Degree for the Academic Year 2018/19 is £6,165 per year.
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
International students cannot apply for Foundation Degrees.
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
Bedfordshire is a small county with lots to offer.
However you enjoy spending your free time, you won’t have to look far in Bedfordshire to find somewhere to relax, socialise or explore the great outdoors.
We are also conveniently located around 30 minutes by train from London, offering you the city experience with a homely feel.
We also have campuses in Aylesbury and Milton Keynes
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student