Bedford College Group has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Run in association with the University of Bedfordshire, this degree-level course gives you a comprehensive understanding of child and family issues, drawing on knowledge and theory from the fields of psychology, childhood development, working with families and professional skills and practice. The course allows you to remain in your child and families employment whilst you continue to study allowing you to relate theory to practice and reflect on your learning throughout the course. 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. You are advised to save around £100 for this. This course will help you gain an in-depth understanding of the essential aspects of child development and welfare and 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. Students to secure their own relevant placement in care, childcare or family work, support through the college is available if needed. Trips vary from year to year but have included in the past trips to Parliament, the courts and the Freud museum – there are also a number of guest speakers that work in the sector. On successful completion, you can progress straight on to the third year of a course delivered at Bedford College Group, to achieve a BA (Hons) Child & Adolescent Studies, BA (Hons)
Modules
Year 1 Introduction to Working with Children, Young People and Families in Practice (work integrated learning unit) Introduction to Academic study and Work Based Learning (work based learning unit) Understanding the Human Services Law, Society and Controversy Year 2 Perceptions and Discourses of Childhood Researching Child and Family Practice (work based project) Multi-Agency Working Child welfare: Perspectives on and approaches to risk assessment Management and applied experience within a Work based learning environment (work integrated activity)
Assessment method
A wide variety of study methods are used throughout the course and emphasis is on student centred inclusive learning. Teaching methods will include lectures, discussion, seminars, role play, group work, guided study and experiential classes. You will also be required to work independently using both College and University learning resources. All units are assessed by a variety of methods, e.g. Written assignments, oral presentations, timed examinations and reflective logs. Students are expected to develop the skills of reflective practice and the writing of a reflective journal, and commitment to personal and professional development is a requirement of this Foundation Degree.
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
We are unable to accept international students due to UKVI regulations
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 32 points
A level - EE - A*A*A*A*
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP - D*D*D*
T Level - P - D*
You will need: 48 UCAS tariff points with 32 points from one A-Level qualification OR 48 UCAS tariff points from Early Years BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma OR Childcare CACHE Level 3 Diploma OR Early Years Care & Education NVQ Level 3 OR An equivalent Level 3 qualification OR Relevant work experience with young people under 18 years old, or families, children and babies. You will also need to undertake a paid or voluntary placement in a relevant setting for the duration of the course, two days (14 hours) a week. You will be responsible for arranging your own placement and this is an essential part of any offer made. We welcome applications from mature students who will be considered individually on experience rather than qualifications.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £6165* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6165* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £6165* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6165* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fees subject to change.
You will require a Laptop PC or MAC.
Provider information
Bedford College
Cauldwell Street
Bedford
MK42 9AH