About the Course
This Foundation degree equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to work effectively and successfully in the field of child and family services, opening doors to a range of careers.
Built around the most current legislation, policy and events and offering a wide area of study, this course gives you an in-depth understanding of the essential aspects of child development and welfare. 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.
Your studies have a strong vocational element, with real-life practice informing the curriculum and your work. You are expected to be employed or volunteering with children or young people for a minimum of 14 hours per week and need a work-based mentor to support you with your studies.
You will also research and complete a work-based project, supported by the academic team, all of whom are actively involved in research themselves.
Why choose this course?
- Benefit from the University of Bedfordshire’s new Health & Social Care Academy, run in partnership with local councils and NHS Trusts to recruit and train the next generation of health and social care workers
- Flexible timetabling (over one afternoon and evening) means minimum disruption to the working week
- Learning while working in childcare (with the support of your employer and a mentor) allows you to relate theory to practice
- Completing the course allows you to enter the final year of our BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies
- It opens doors to careers in outreach and community work; educational welfare; family support; youth remand centres; residential social work; special or statutory schools; or children’s rights
Course Leader - Dr Sandra Roper
I have been teaching in higher education in the social sciences for many years including several years as an Associate Lecturer within Applied Social Studies at the University of Bedfordshire. I joined the department on a permanent basis in July 2017.
My doctoral research, undertaken at the Open University, was a feminist informed narrative-discursive exploration of step-mothering and identity.
Units
- Introduction To Academic Study And Work-Based Learning (Work Based Learning Activity) (ASS074-1) Compulsory
- Introduction To Working With Children, Young People And Families In Practice (ASS075-1) Compulsory
- Law, Society And Controversy (ASS071-1) Compulsory
- Narratives Of Childhood And Youth (ASS105-1) Compulsory
- Managing And Applied Experience Within A Work Based Learning Environment (ASS083-2) Compulsory
- Perceptions And Discourses Of Childhood (ASS033-2) Compulsory
- Researching Children And Family Practice (Work Based Project) (ASS086-2) Compulsory
- Working Together: Inter-Agency Approaches To Child Welfare Assessment And Intervention (ASS107-2) Compulsory
The overall strategy of the Foundation degree seeks to reflect the breadth of study possible, as well as ensuring that you have the opportunity to build on areas of particular interest or relevance to themselves. A range of appropriate and effective assessments will enable you to demonstrate your acquisition of knowledge and skills. The assessment methods used across the course include: Written assignments - these will vary in style and will include essays, reports, reflective accounts as well as other written tasks that we will prepare you for. Examinations: These will be a range of multiple choice computer examinations Throughout your two years (three years if you decide to take the `top up option at level 6) there will also be several in-class tests allowing you to apply and use the theory and knowledge that you have gained through your studies. Oral and Poster presentations that demonstrate verbal and presentation skills through sharing information and knowledge with others in innovative ways. Group work will allow you to demonstrate your skills of research in a group; it will develop your skills in collaborative and multiagency working and group management. Even though you will be working in a group you will be assessed on an individual basis and will receive an individual grade based on your input and performance. The assessments will develop across the course and will allow you to gain skills and acquire knowledge, receive feedback on your progress that will allow you to implement knowledge and feedback into further assessments. For example, at level four the learning of the skill of report/essay writing will take place before you write your first essay or report. At level five assessments will allow you to demonstrate your understanding and the application of relevant and up to date knowledge to the field of children, young people and family services. Working in groups is an important attribute that underpins the ethos of multi agency and multi disciplinary working and collaborative practice and as part of the assessment process you will work in groups with peers and colleagues. However, your contribution will be individually graded and you will receive a grade based on your contribution to the assessed group work. Assessment will be a part of the learning process to develop your knowledge and skills in order to become a highly effective practitioner by the end of your studies.
Why Study in the School of Applied Social Sciences?
- Courses developed in partnership with practice agencies
- Our research involving robots, shows that they can improve mental health and loneliness in the elderly
- Part of the SASS change makers initiative
Entry Requirements
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.
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.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
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
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 two years.
How will this course improve my career prospects?
On completion of this course, you will have developed the skills and knowledge required to support your career prospects within the sector. You are likely to progress into the following areas:
- Educational welfare
- Family support/family centres
- Youth remand centres/prisons
- Residential social work
- Special schools
- Statutory schools
- Children’s rights/complaints
- Outreach and community-based project work
- Early years provision
If you would like to continue with your studies, completion of the Foundation degree allows you to enter the final year of the University of Bedfordshire's BA (Hons) in Childhood and Youth Studies.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard fee for a Foundation Degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £6,165. These are the full course fees covering the full period of tuition, not the fees payable each year.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
International students cannot apply for Foundation Degrees.
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 2023/24 is £9,250. These are the full course fees covering the full period of tuition, not the fees payable each year.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard fee for a Foundation Degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £6,165. These are the full course fees covering the full period of tuition, not the fees payable each year.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
International students cannot apply for Foundation Degrees.
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 2023/24 is £9,250. These are the full course fees covering the full period of tuition, not the fees payable each year.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
Extra Costs
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.
Bedfordshire offers:
- A range of pubs, clubs and restaurants
- High street and independent shopping
- Museums, galleries and theatres - and our own University Theatre
- Entertainment centres
- Stunning countryside
- Professional sport and world-class facilities
- Headquarters of a number of notable UK and international companies
- Luton International Carnival and Bedford River Festival
Campuses in Buckinghamshire
We also have campuses in Aylesbury and Milton Keynes
How to Apply
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
How to Apply
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
