BA (Hons) Childhood and Family Studies and Sociology

Employability

• Graduates from this degree course are likely to be attracted to a wide range of careers in the public and voluntary sectors.

• There are a range of options in social and community care, family support, play work, youth work, nursery management, inclusion management, advocacy posts and charities.
• You may go into teaching, lecturing or research in the fields of Sociology or Childhood and Family Studies. 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 Postgraduate courses in Sociology, Social Work, Masters degrees in the Voluntary and Public Sectors, or gain further qualifications as a play therapist or youth counsellor.

Content

In Year 1 students are introduced to key concepts and methods that allow you to develop a 'sociological imagination'. You can then apply this to the study of social institutions such as the family, and social processes such as the development of children and young people. Consideration is given to issues around safeguarding and promoting well-being and you will explore key themes related to social inclusion.

Year 2 deepens your understanding of Sociological theories and research methods and explores theoretical approaches to learning. You will look at families and communities in context, issues of human security, gender and sexuality, 'race' and racism. You will also be challenged to think about the provision for disabled people in a variety of settings.

The final year enables you to specialise in subjects such as, Gender and 'Third World' Development, Globalisation, Work and Society, and Global Education Issues. You will analyse how inequalities can be tackled through inter-agency working and widen your perspective on children’s rights. Additionally you will analyse social and critical issues affecting the lives of disabled people, as well as having an opportunity to study specific learning difficulties.

You will have to opportunity to work with an academic supervisor on a research project tailored to your own personal or professional interest, or on a research project based in a community organisation.

At each level you will benefit from a work or community experience placement, giving you real-life experience in your chosen field.

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

A successful graduate from this course is expected to be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• a range of theoretical and methodological approaches in Sociology and comprehend the distinctive character of Sociological thought;
• the expected pattern of children’s development from birth and pedagogical approaches for working with children, young people and families;
• the importance and challenges of inter-agency working in order to meet the needs of children, young people and families.
• issues in relation to rights, diversity and equality and inclusion in relation to working with children, young people, families and wider communities.

You are also expected to:

• demonstrate an ability to critically review, analyse and evaluate a wide range of sociological evidence in relation to various disciplined-based theories, and to mobilise a reasoned sociological argument;
• conduct preliminary research and communicate findings to a range of audiences using appropriate technologies in digitally literate ways.

Why WLV?

• This course involves work and community placements at every level of study, allowing students to put their knowledge into practice thereby deepening appreciation of these two disciplines and enhancing employment opportunities.
• You can choose which age group you wish to focus on depending on your personal interests and career aspirations.
• This unique course offers both academic rigour and professional relevance.

Testimonials

The following comments are from Sociology and CAFS students:

‘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’.