Program Overview

BA (Honours) Working with Children, Young People and Families (1 year top-up)

Course summary

This one-year full-time BA (Hons) top-up degree builds on the knowledge gained from a relevant foundation degree, graduating with a full degree and increasing employability. The course explores key contemporary topics while further developing skills, preparing students to drive social change and empowerment for children, young people, and families.

How you learn

The course promotes both active and independent study, deepening skills, knowledge, and understanding of inter-agency collaboration. Students learn through:

• Seminars, workshops, and tutorials
• Academic adviser meetings
• Problem-based activities
• Skills development sessions
• Scenario-based learning and library support
• Guest lectures and online international events
• Collaborative and self-directed learning
• Group work
• Employer-led learning
• Peer support and critical reflective supervision
• Written and oral assessments
• Creative research project

Modules

Final year

Compulsory modules

• Becoming A Cypf Practitioner (20 credits)
  • Develops a critical understanding of the children, young people, and families professional landscape and the skills to navigate it.
• Creative Research Skills Cypf (40 credits)
  • Allows students to undertake a sustained, in-depth, topic-based project relevant to working with children, young people, and families.
• Safeguarding Cypf Through A Strength Based Lens (40 credits)
  • Examines complex and contemporary safeguarding practice within a framework of strengths-based, person-focused approaches.
• Supporting Families With Multiple And Complex Needs (20 credits)
  • Develops skills and knowledge in working with families experiencing multiple and complex needs.

Future careers

Graduates have gone on to work in:

• Family support and early intervention (local authority and voluntary sector)
• Educational settings in schools, colleges, and pupil referral units (PRUs)
• Social work/social care and health settings (local authority and voluntary sector)
• Community development and outreach
• Probation, police, and legal settings

Equipment and facilities

The course is based at the Collegiate Crescent campus, which includes:

• The £13 million purpose-built Robert Winston Building
• Specialist facilities, including a courtroom and simulated spaces
• A 24-hour library and learning centre
• Virtual learning environments
• Online databases and search tools
• Online apps and platforms that support collaborative learning
• Electronic tools and platforms for academic and professional work
• Employment-based databases and client-record systems

Where will I study?

Students study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions, as well as access to digital and online resources to support learning.

Entry requirements

• Foundation Degree Working with Children, Young People and Families from Sheffield Hallam University
• Foundation degree in a relevant discipline or 240 credits in health or social care related studies
• At least 400 hours of relevant experience of working with children, young people, or families in a paid, voluntary, or caring capacity
• A reference from a current or recent employer or educational institution
• IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2026/27 are not yet confirmed. The tuition fee for UK students studying full-time in 2025/26 is £9,535 for the course. Additional course costs and financial support information are available.