Child and Family Studies

Run in association with the University of Bedfordshire, this degree-level course gives you a comprehensive understanding of child and family issues, drawing on knowledge and theory from the fields of psychology, childhood development, working with families and professional skills and practice. The course allows you to remain in your child and families employment whilst you continue to study allowing you to relate theory to practice and reflect on your learning throughout the course.

The course seeks to develop your’ personal, professional and study skills in areas such as multi-agency working and working in social or child care. Employability is also core to the Foundation Degree and is part of the teaching programme at every level in units such as the Level 4 unit Reflective Learning, the Level 5 unit Managing People and Career Development in the Human Services. As part of the Managing People and Career Development in the Human Services unit we have a student residential which consists of two days away including an overnight stay on a Friday and Saturday. You are advised to save around £100 for this.

This course will help you gain an in-depth understanding of the essential aspects of child development and welfare and equip you with the skills required to provide high-quality services for children, young people and families. Their rights, and the belief that they have equal access to services and life opportunities regardless of social difference, feature strongly throughout the course. You will apply knowledge to current practice.

Students to secure their own relevant placement in care, childcare or family work, support through the college is available if needed.
Trips vary from year to year but have included in the past trips to Parliament, the courts and the Freud museum – there are also a number of guest speakers that work in the sector.

On successful completion, you can progress straight on to the third year of a course delivered at Bedford College Group, to achieve a BA (Hons) Child & Adolescent Studies, BA (Hons)

Year 1

Introduction to Working with Children, Young People and Families in Practice (work integrated learning unit)
Introduction to Academic study and Work Based Learning (work based learning unit)
Understanding the Human Services
Law, Society and Controversy

Year 2

Perceptions and Discourses of Childhood
Researching Child and Family Practice (work based project)
Multi-Agency Working
Child welfare: Perspectives on and approaches to risk assessment
Management and applied experience within a Work based learning environment (work integrated activity)

A wide variety of study methods are used throughout the course and emphasis is on student centred inclusive learning. Teaching methods will include lectures, discussion, seminars, role play, group work, guided study and experiential classes. You will also be required to work independently using both College and University learning resources.

All units are assessed by a variety of methods, e.g. Written assignments, oral presentations, timed examinations and reflective logs. Students are expected to develop the skills of reflective practice and the writing of a reflective journal, and commitment to personal and professional development is a requirement of this Foundation Degree.