Why study this course
Earn while you learn on this work-based programme
National Student Survey for 2020 showed 91% overall satisfaction with the Professional Studies programme
Study with the support from a research active academic team who have relevant practice experience
Progressing into Teaching? FREE pre-teaching course and guaranteed interview for PGCE
Course summary
If you have completed a Foundation Degree or diploma in Childhood & Youth or similar, and you are ready to take the logical next step towards gaining a full honours degree whilst continuing in employment, then this course is designed for you. The learning opportunities you’ll receive will be unique as you study alongside others working or volunteering in a variety of children’s services.
Key facts
|
Award |
BA (Hons) |
|---|---|
|
UCAS code |
L591 |
|
Duration |
1 year |
|
Mode of study |
Full-time |
|
Start date |
September |
|
Awarding institution |
Bishop Grosseteste University |
|
Institution code |
B38 |
About this course
Whilst studying on this course you will have the opportunity to critically evaluate practice through a detailed analysis of the systems, procedures and changes that contribute to your field of study. The course will promote your professional formation as a reflective practitioner, and modules will cover topics such as leading people and teams, promoting quality, new models of practice, and contemporary issues (such as current political and social trends). In addition, the undertaking of an independent research study will support your continuing development toward becoming a leading practitioner within the children and young people’s workforce.
Our BA (Hons) Professional Studies in Childhood & Youth is a flexible qualification covering the broad range of settings and contexts in which services are provided for 9– 24-year-olds. Whilst studying for this course you’ll remain in employment, or as a volunteer, throughout the duration of the course. This course is suitable for staff in local authorities, schools, the NHS, voluntary and third sector who use group work, informal learning and activity, outreach and community work as part of their role; particularly those working with children, young people and adults often identified as hard to reach.
The course also has professional validation by the National Youth Agency (NYA) and recognition by the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC); ensuring the degree is quality checked and meets a specific standard. The course and pathway for the achievement of the JNC professional qualification will only apply if you have successfully completed the FdA Professional Studies Childhood and Youth (Youth Work pathway).
What will you study
Students on this course currently study some or all of the following modules
This module provides the opportunity to focus in some depth on professional practice including leadership and management. It will allow students the opportunity to demonstrate that they understand the level of autonomous accountable practices required of a professional practitioner.
The Independent Study builds on earlier inquiry-based studies and acts as a culmination of studies. This module provides an opportunity for students to carry out a small-scale research project related to their work supporting children and/or young people demonstrating the ability to manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources.
This module will ensure the students study current and future developments within their sector. The module will build upon multiple aspects of previous studies, ensuring students’ learning is current and continuing. The depth and currency of knowledge explored and debated within the module will extend their effectiveness in their role and contribute to their employability.
The module explores the historical and socio-economic contexts of childhood and youth and outlines how the changing social and cultural constructions of childhood and youth impact on lived realities in diverse and differing contexts.
Entry requirements
Applicants will typically have 240 HE credits from a Foundation degree or an HE Diploma in a relevant field of study.
Applicants are expected to have a current (or prospective) voluntary or a paid role in a relevant setting for a minimum of 12 hours per week accumulating to 360 hours per year of study.
Applicants are expected to have three years of experience in a voluntary or paid role working with children, young people and/or families.
Written support from the head teacher/workplace manager in which the applicant works or volunteers
Applicants with alternative qualifications can contact our Admissions team for advice as BGU is committed to widening access and participation and adheres to a strict policy of non-discrimination.
Further information
In accordance with University conditions, students are entitled to apply for Accredited Prior Learning, AP(C)L, based on relevant credit at another HE institution or credit awarded for experiential learning, (AP(E)L). If you’ve recently completed or studied a particular module as part of a previous qualification, this may mean that you’re not required to undertake a particular module of your BGU course. However, this must be agreed in writing and you must apply for this.
How you will be taught
Please note that due to COVID-19 our delivery methods may be subject to change in 2021. You will be informed of any changes at the earliest opportunity.
This course allows you to study and continue to work. It is a flexible qualification covering the broad range of settings and contexts in which services are provided for 9 – 24-year-olds. Students undertaking the course remain in employment, or as volunteers, over the academic year in the same manner as the Foundation Degree.
The Progression Route offers opportunities to critically evaluate practice through a detailed analysis of the systems, procedures and changes that contribute to your field of study. This course will promote your professional formation as a reflective practitioner and modules will cover topics such as leading people and teams, promoting quality, new models of practice and contemporary issues such as current political and social trends.
In addition, the undertaking of an independent research study will support your continuing development as a leading practitioner within the children’s workforce.
Academic staff
Assessment
There is a variety of assessment methods which are spread out throughout the academic year. These include a peer-led seminar, essay, a group discussion, portfolio and research report. All assessments allow you to reflect on your practice and theory as you evidence your learning.
Careers & Further study
Many of our graduates take on higher level roles specialising in areas such as family liaison, special education needs, managing settings in youth work, mentoring or roles in the wider community and with local authorities.
Support
Studying at BGU is a student-centred experience. Staff and students work together in a friendly and supportive atmosphere as part of an intimate campus community. You will know every member of staff personally and feel confident approaching them for help and advice, and staff members will recognise you, not just by sight, but as an individual with unique talents and interests.
We will be there to support you, personally and academically, from induction to graduation.
Fees & Finance
A lot of student finance information is available from numerous sources, but it is sometimes confusing and contradictory. That’s why at BGU we try to give you all the information and support we can to help to throughout the process. Our Student Advice team are experts in helping you sort out the funding arrangements for your studies, offering a range of services to guide you through all aspects of student finance step by step.
Undergraduate course applicants must apply via UCAS using the relevant UCAS code. For 2021 entry, the application fee is £20 for a single choice, or £26 for more than one choice. For all applicants, there are full instructions at UCAS to make it as easy as possible for you to fill in your online application, plus help text where appropriate.
