BA (Hons) Childhood and Family Studies and Education Studies

UCAS code: XXH3

BA (Hons) Childhood and Family Studies and Education Studies

When and where can I study this course?

Location Study mode Duration Start date Apply
Walsall Campus Part-Time 5/6 year(s) 17/09/2012 APPLY DIRECTLY
Walsall Campus Full-time 3 year(s) 17/09/2012 APPLY VIA UCAS
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Aims

The Childhood and Family Studies and Education Studies degree will develop the skills and knowledge required for a range of careers working with children, their families and the services that support them, in both education and social contexts.

The Childhood and Family Studies and Education Studies degree aims to provide invaluable insights into learning, teaching and education systems. Although it does not lead to qualified teacher status, it introduces students to a variety of educational concepts and fields of enquiry.

Students will actively engage in investigating the cultural, sociological, psychological, political and linguistic dimensions of teaching and learning.

The course is suitable for people new to this area or experienced staff searching for career development.

Work experience placements are an integral part of the course and can be negotiated in a variety of settings such as schools, nurseries, community care centres, hospitals, social services, libraries and other relevant settings.

Teaching and learning is designed to support digital literacy and students are encouraged to share knowledge and be enterprising with their ideas. An international perspective is taken to the degree and students will also have the opportunity to learn about how other countries support children and their families.

Employability

  • You may go into teaching, lecturing or research in the field of Childhood and Family Studies
  • There are a range of options in community care, family support, play work, youth work, nursery management, children’s charities or work within initiatives such as Sure Start.
  • If you want to become a teacher you will need to undertake a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
  • You could also choose to apply for a Master’s Degree in Social Work or gain further qualifications as a play therapist or youth counsellor.

Content

In Year 1, your study will explore how children and young people develop and consider issues around safeguarding and promoting well-being. In addition to this you will be introduced to current educational themes and debates and key theoretical questions underpinning the subject of Education Studies.

During your second year you will look at families and communities in context and explore theoretical approaches to learning. You will be asked to apply the knowledge you have gained to lead discussions, presenting and carrying out educational research.

The final year will allow you to analyse how inequality can be tackled through inter-agency working and will widen your perspective on children’s rights.

Entry

2012 entry

Applicants must have GCSE English at grade C level or above (or equivalent)

AND

  • 200 UCAS points from ‘A’ levels or equivalent
  • BTEC National Diploma grade MMP, BTEC National Certificate DM
  • Access to HE Diploma full award (Pass of 60 credits - of which a minimum of 45 credits must be at level 3 including 18 at Merit or Distinction).

If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience please consult the UCAS tariff tables or contact us before applying.

International student language requirements and application guidance can be found at http://www.wlv.ac.uk/international/apply

Other Requirements

Students must have studied a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, it is expected that some applicants will be mature students with work experience, who wish to further their career development. These applicants will be processed through standard procedures, which may involve an interview as part of the process.

Those who do not meet the entry requirements may be offered an alternative course.

Outcomes

As a graduate of this course you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the importance and challenges of inter-agency working in order to meet the needs of children, young people and families.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the expected pattern of children’s development from birth, pedagogical approaches for working with children, young people and families and methods of researching these.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of issues in relation to rights, diversity, equity and inclusion in relation to working with children, young people and families both in the UK and abroad.
  • Review, consolidate, apply and communicate (using a variety of vocal/ written/ multi-modal formats): the subject knowledge, underlying theories, values and principles of Education Studies;
  • Understand the different contexts in which learning can take place and the range of different participants, and issues in the learning process;
  • Understand personal value systems, developments and practices with reference to concepts and theories encountered in Education Studies; particularly social justice, inclusion and globalisation.

Why WLV?

  • This course involves work placements at every level of study.
  • The teaching team are from a range of professional backgrounds including education, social work and youth work and are all actively involved in research.
  • Student support is a priority with systems of pastoral and academic support provided from the start by personal and module tutors.
  • This is a unique course which offers both academic rigour and professional relevance.

Testimonials

"Very friendly, approachable and helpful lecturers have helped to make the learning experience more enjoyable and accessible and this has helped to build my confidence."

"Tutors have been fantastic, I have also met some really great people."