About the course
Make a real difference to the lives of children and young people, families and communities, on a course that equips you to have an impact locally, nationally and globally.
This course combines practical experience and research-informed theory to provide you with a thorough, current understanding of the needs of children and young people. You explore child development and child welfare as well as social policies and legislative frameworks. This includes the right to equal access to services and life opportunities regardless of social difference.
In your second and third years, you can choose from a range of optional units in areas such as mental health, disability and youth violence. In your final year, you also undertake an independent research project, supported by our Social Sciences team, all of whom are actively involved in research themselves.
Why choose this course?
- It has a student satisfaction rate of 95% for our teaching (NSS 2022). Our Childhood and Youth courses also ranked 7th for overall student satisfaction and 2nd for Graduate Outcomes (Prospects and On-Track), out of 49 HE institutes offering the subject (Complete University Guide 2023)
- Gain the practical skills and knowledge you need for a career working with children, young people and families
- Learn from staff with professional practice experience in youth work, counselling, teaching and working with looked-after children
- Study with academics who have research expertise in areas such as child protection, alternative education and school exclusion, mentoring and coaching, safeguarding, and sexual exploitation
- Benefit from opportunities offered by the University of Bedfordshire’s new Health & Social Care Academy, run in partnership with local councils and NHS Trusts, to recruit, train and develop health and social care workers
- Be able to recognise and challenge discrimination, oppression and inequality across a range of services
- There’s the option to take the course over four years and include a year’s placement in industry (see below), allowing you to gain practical skills, build your CV and make contacts
- If you need to step up into higher education, start with a Foundation Year (see below) which guarantees entry to the undergraduate degree
- The course can lead into careers in education, social work and welfare, youth and community work or postgraduate study
This course has the option to be taken over four years which includes a year placement in industry. Undertaking a year in industry has many benefits. You gain practical experience and build your CV, as well as being a great opportunity to sample a profession and network with potential future employers.
There is no tuition fee for the placement year enabling you to gain an extra year of experience for free.
*Only available to UK/EU students.
A Degree with a Foundation Year gives you guaranteed entry to an Undergraduate course.
Whether you’re returning to learning and require additional help and support to up-skill, or if you didn’t quite meet the grades to pursue an Undergraduate course, our Degrees with Foundation Year provide a fantastic entry route for you to work towards a degree level qualification.
With our guidance and support you’ll get up to speed within one year, and will be ready to seamlessly progress on to undergraduate study at Bedfordshire.
The Foundation Year provides an opportunity to build up your academic writing skills and numeracy, and will also cover a range of subject specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree.
This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will need to successfully complete the Foundation Year to progress on to the first year of your bachelor’s degree.
Why study a degree with a Foundation Year?
- Broad-based yet enough depth to give you credible vocational skills
- Coverage of a variety of areas typically delivered by an expert in this area
- Gain an understanding of a subject before choosing which route you wish to specialise in
- Great introduction to further study, and guaranteed progression on to one of our Undergraduate degrees
The degrees offering a Foundation Year provide excellent preparation for your future studies.
During your Foundation Year you will get the opportunity to talk to tutors about your degree study and future career aspirations, and receive guidance on the most appropriate Undergraduate course to help you achieve this; providing you meet the entry requirements and pass the Foundation Year.
Units
- Career Planning For Social Scientists (ASS102-1) Compulsory
- Developing Academic Skills (ASS086-1) Compulsory
- Human Growth And Development Across The Lifespan (ASS087-1) Compulsory
- Introduction To Research And Social Enquiry (ASS100-1) Compulsory
- Narratives Of Childhood And Youth (ASS105-1) Compulsory
- Working With People (ASS088-1) Compulsory
- Digital Childhoods (ASS118-2) Compulsory
- Perceptions And Discourses Of Childhood (ASS119-2) Compulsory
- Research 1: Collecting Data (ASS110-2) Compulsory
- Research 2: Exploring Data (ASS113-2) Compulsory
- The Social Sciences At Work (ASS099-2) Compulsory
- Working Together: Multi-Agency Approaches To Risk And Assessment In Child Welfare (ASS115-2) Compulsory
- Addictions And Society (ASS106-2) Optional
- Disability In Society (ASS062-2) Optional
- Gangs And Serious Youth Violence (ASS067-2) Optional
- Identity Inequality And Difference (ASS059-2) Optional
- Mental Health And Society (ASS091-2) Optional
- Child Protection And Safeguarding: The Contexts Of Vulnerability (ASS009-3) Compulsory
- Sass Change Maker Project Dissertation (ASS139-3) Compulsory
- Sass Change Maker Research Dissertation (ASS142-3) Compulsory
- Childhoods In Global Context (ASS023-3) Optional
- Special Educational Needs And Challenging Behaviour In Schooling (ASS133-3) Optional
- The Lived Experiences Of Children And Young People In Diverse Family And Social Circumstances (ASS135-3) Optional
- Violence In Modern Society (ASS148-3) Optional
- Youth Justice: Models And Approaches (ASS137-3) Optional
A range of appropriate and effective assessments will enable you to demonstrate your acquisition of knowledge and skills. Assessment is designed to support students learning journeys so that assessments promote reflection and sharing of knowledge and are therefore assessments for learning as well as assessments of learning. 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 for which we will prepare you. During your three years there will be in-class tests allowing you to apply and use the theory and knowledge that you have gained through your studies. This will include multiple choice tests. 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 skills of research and communication in a group, it will help you to develop your skills for collaborative and multi-agency working and group management. Although you work in a group you will be assessed on an individual basis and will receive an individual grade. The final year Dissertation provides two pathways; you will undertake either a project or a research dissertation This allows you to undertake project in a community-based organisation or undertake research (primary or secondary). Both options will require you to demonstrate your ability to develop and deliver a self -directed, complex and solution focused task drawing on the skills and knowledge gained in your Degree course 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 and six assessment will allow you to demonstrate your understanding and the application of relevant and up to date knowledge to the field of children and young people's services.
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
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 96 points with 80 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 96 points with Merit Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction Distinction in the BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
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
The University of Bedfordshire warmly welcomes students from all over the world.
To ensure a smooth application process, we have dedicated pages with detailed information about country-specific requirements. You can find information on our generic entry requirements too, if your county is not listed.
International Foundation Year
For those who do not have a qualification that allows for direct entry to an undergraduate degree, we offer our own International Foundation Year program to enhance your English language and study skills and help you bridge any knowledge gaps before starting your degree. The program is taught on our campus by University of Bedfordshire staff and offers pathways into nearly all of our undergraduate degrees.
English Language
The English Language requirement for this course is 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in any subtest) in IELTS, or an equivalent SELT. Have a look at our webpage for a list of English language qualifications we accept. If you do not have the required level of English for your chosen degree, we offer pre-sessional courses to enhance your language skills before commencing your studies.
We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, so please do not hesitate to reach out to our international admissions team for further assistance. We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant academic community.
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 96 points with 80 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 96 points with Merit Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction Distinction in the BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
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
The University of Bedfordshire warmly welcomes students from all over the world.
To ensure a smooth application process, we have dedicated pages with detailed information about country-specific requirements. You can find information on our generic entry requirements too, if your county is not listed.
International Foundation Year
For those who do not have a qualification that allows for direct entry to an undergraduate degree, we offer our own International Foundation Year program to enhance your English language and study skills and help you bridge any knowledge gaps before starting your degree. The program is taught on our campus by University of Bedfordshire staff and offers pathways into nearly all of our undergraduate degrees.
English Language
The English Language requirement for this course is 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in any subtest) in IELTS, or an equivalent SELT. Have a look at our webpage for a list of English language qualifications we accept. If you do not have the required level of English for your chosen degree, we offer pre-sessional courses to enhance your language skills before commencing your studies.
We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, so please do not hesitate to reach out to our international admissions team for further assistance. We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant academic community.
How will this course improve my career prospects?
Our focus on employability throughout the degree course means that we support you in developing a portfolio of practical skills that will enhance your career prospects. Our graduates are equipped to understand and apply their knowledge of key theories, debates and the latest research to inform practice.
The course equips you for roles and career progression in education; social work and social welfare; family and youth services; and community work. Graduates from this course can move on to professional accreditation courses to become a teacher, social worker or a JNC-accredited youth worker. You may also like to undertake further academic study at Master’s level, with related degrees such as our MA Childhood, Youth and Family Studies.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Extra Costs
Campus Library
The Bedford Campus Library set over four storeys offers students access to our extensive range of physical and digital resources with 300,000+ books & 80,000+ ebooks.
PCs are provided on each level for students to use offering access to a wide range of applications as well as access to group-work areas and presentation-practice rooms and a dedicated silent study floor.
BedsSU - The Hub
The Hub is home to BedsSU providing a great space for socialising with friends, catching up on some coursework or taking a well-deserved break.
The Hub is the place to go to take a break from your studies, play table tennis, socialise and watch live sport on the big screen.By night the venue becomes the place to be, with a variety of student events such as pub quizzes, live music and various themed club nights. Evening food includes delicious freshly made pizzas as well as a range of other beverages and snacks.
Bedford Gym
The Aspire Gyms offer a range of affordable membership options giving students exclusive use of a convenient campus-based fitness facility.
The Bedford gym facilitates state of the art cardiovascular equipment with smartphone compatibility as well as an extensive range of fixed resistance machines and a small free weights area. Changing rooms with showers and lockers are available for members to use.
Dance Studios
At the centre of our campus is four fully sprung dance studios equipped with ballet barres, mirrored walls, audio playback and projection for our dance and performing arts students.
Our two campus theatres also provide the ideal performance space for students with regular events held that are open audiences of students, staff and the wider community.
Campus Theatres
Set within the Campus Centre is a 260 seat professional theatre on the ground floor with industry-standard lighting, media desk, roll-down screen, full backstage comms system and large dressing rooms with en suite showers. On the first floor there's also a well-equipped 80 seat studio theatre.
Our theatres welcome new and existing audiences to see a range of student work including contemporary dance, theatre and performing arts; holding regular events that are open to students, staff and the wider community.
Sports Science Labs
Our specialist sports science labs give students a fantastic environment to develop their research skills and expertise, where a student can explore the biology of an elite athlete who could be performing simultaneously within the sports hall.
The state-of-the-art laboratories are purpose built for research and teaching in the fields of exercise and nutrition science. This includes specialised equipment and facilities for assessing human health risk and delivering exercise and diet interventions for health promotion.
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
