Program Overview

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Working with Children, Young People and Families

Overview

Gain the skills you need for a career working with children and families in this four-year, full-time BA (Hons) programme, with a placement year working in the sector.

You’ll develop a firm understanding of policy and legislative issues, and get the hands-on practical experience you need to be an effective practitioner.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Legislation relating to education, child protection and health
• Roles and responsibilities of agencies
• Multi-agency working
• Communicating with children through play, art and role play

This programme gives you the opportunity to explore different aspects of working with children and families, in a variety of environments. Upon graduation, you’ll be able to pursue careers in areas such as family support, community development, education, and mentorship.

You may choose to pursue further study after graduation, such as the MA in Social Work, giving you the qualification you need to be a social worker.

This degree also gives students the option to incorporate the Level 3 Diploma for The Children and Young Person's Workforce qualification as part of one of the option modules. This qualification is the Ofsted recognised, required qualification for many areas of the children and young people's workforce and is often a prerequisite for those making application to work in this sector.

Entry Requirements

At Bradford, we take into consideration a number of factors when assessing your application.

Below outlines the typical entry requirements for this course. If you’re not sure and want to check if your qualifications would be suitable, fill in an enquiry form at the bottom of this page.

Typical offer - 104 UCAS tariff points.

• A levels: BCC - there are no subject specific requirements.
• T levels: Merit - there are no specific subject requirements.
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM - there are no subject specific requirements.
• Applicants on Access Programmes: Meet UCAS tariff of 104 - there are no subject specific requirements.
• International Baccalaureate Requirements: 104 UCAS tariff points plus Higher Level grade 3 or Standard Level grade 4 in English.
• Plus minimum of GCSE English at grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted).
• English language requirements: Minimum IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent.

Foundation Year Entry

If you are a UK student and do not meet the entry requirements for this course, our Foundation Year in Management, Law and Social Sciences has a route to Working with Children, Young People and Families BA (Hons)

• Foundation Year entry requirements: 64 UCAS points or equivalent plus an English Language qualification equivalent to GCSE Grade 4.
• Study and progression requirements: Pass each module and achieve a programme average of at least 40%.

Transferring from Another University

If you are currently studying at another university and would like to transfer to the University of Bradford, this course accepts students into the second or third year. This is called advanced entry.

Applications for advanced entry will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must include an official transcript (not a screenshot of a portal), all module descriptors, and relevant qualifications. Module descriptors must include learning outcomes.

Applications must be submitted through UCAS and the required documents emailed along with your UCAS Personal ID no later than 31 August prior to the course starting in September.

Your Learning Journey

All module information is for 2025 entry, and is subject to change.

First Year

• Academic, Personal and Professional Development
• Engaging and Communicating with Children, Young People and Families
• Transition and Development in Children and Young People
• Attachment Theory in Practice
• Ideology, Politics and Social Policy
• Values and Ethics

Second Year

• Direct Work with Children
• Effective Interventions with Families
• Research in Practice
• Working together to Safeguard Children
• Working with Children in Educational Contexts
• Optional:
  • Learning from Practice
  • Sociology of the Family

Third Year

Study abroad or placement year.

Final Year

• Mental distress, recovery, resilience and wellbeing
• Final Year Project
• Childcare Law
• Children, Disability and Inclusive Practice
• Optional:
  • Health in Society: Community Care Perspectives
  • Service Users’ and Carers’ Perspectives in Social Work and Social Care
  • Managing Projects in Social Care

Professional Placement

A placement year allows you to apply your academic learning within a wide range of industries, including private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. You will gain hands-on experience, develop skills such as communication, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship, and build a professional network that will benefit your future career.

We will support you throughout the process, offering:

• Access to a wide range of placement opportunities with top employers.
• Assistance with CV writing, applications, and interview preparation.
• Guidance on making the most of your placement experience.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

You will explore the theoretical underpinnings of work with children and families, with a focus on synthesizing theory and practice. You will study communication, childcare law, modules in Sociology and Psychology, and will have the opportunity to develop practical skills in an optional Learning from Practice module in year 2.

You will undertake modules that explore the social policy and legislative backdrop in relation to children and families. You will explore issues around confidentiality, information sharing and interagency working. You will gain an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of agencies working with children and families including children’s centres, children’s social care, schools, the police and the health services.

Professionals in this field are encouraged to develop skills in direct work with children and families and you will be introduced to a range of practice skills and learn hands-on techniques to work with children including the use of play, art and role play. Throughout the three years of the degree, you will be encouraged to develop into a reflective practitioner.

This degree pathway is suitable for anyone already working with children and families, or for anyone leaving secondary education and wanting to start a career in working with children, young people and families.

Official Programme Specification

For further details about the course:

View the official programme specification

If you require this information in an alternative format, please contact our team. You can also read our Website Accessibility Statement.

Our Facilities

Students have access to the Communal area of the ground floor of the Pembertron building and can also book meeting rooms in the library for collaborative learning and groupwork.

Fees, Finance and Scholarships

Tuition Fee

• UK: £9,535 (Sandwich year: £954)
• International: £20,538 (Sandwich year: £2,054)

Additional Course Costs

While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Funding Your Studies

It can be hard to know what financial help is available to you as a student.

Further information about the variety of options that can help fund your studies and maximise the money available to you is available on our funding your studies section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Career Prospects

Career Opportunities

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Study Abroad

A study abroad year is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons, build connections with people from different backgrounds and cultures, and strengthen your skills and experience to make you stand out in the job market.

We have opportunities for students to study, work or volunteer in more than 150 countries across the world and will support you every step of the way.

Support for Your Studies

At Bradford, we’re committed to supporting your success, well-being and future ambitions.

We’re here to provide everything you need to make the most of your time with us, ensuring you not only excel in your studies, but also step confidently into the world of graduate employment.

In addition to the support you receive from your academic tutors, our Student Support Services are here for you throughout your journey - before, during, and after your studies.

75% say staff value students views and opinions about the course

Data for courses in Childhood and youth studies at The University of Bradford

79% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.

Data for courses in Childhood and youth studies at The University of Bradford

80% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.

Data for courses in Health and social care at The University of Bradford

For more official course information visit Discover Uni

See course data

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Got a Question?

Make an enquiry about this course, and sign up for news updates about studying at Bradford.

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Terms and Conditions of Study

The University has a set of terms and conditions for all students accepting an offer to study on a course here at Bradford. This is called The Student Contract. This document sets out the Terms and Conditions which apply when you accept an offer of a place on a programme of study at the University of Bradford.

View our Student Contract for further details.

Transparency Statement

Information about this programme and its modules has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication, but changes may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of teaching. Any change which impacts the terms and conditions of an applicant’s offer will be communicated to them.

How to Apply

Applications for courses starting in September 2025 are not yet open.

You can begin to apply for this course with UCAS from 14 May 2024.

• Learn about how to apply, UCAS and the application process
• See key dates on the UCAS website