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Child & Family Studies Foundation Degree (FdA) (Full time)

Psychology & Crime HE Bedford

Overview

Child & Family Studies Foundation Degree (FdA) (Full time)

Built around the most current legislation, policy and events, this course will provide you with an in-depth understanding of child and adolescent development, welfare as well as current child and family practice. Underpinning the course is the belief that children, young people and their families have rights and should have equal access to services and opportunities regardless of social differences.

Your studies will have a strong vocational element with real-life practice informing the curriculum and your work. You will be expected to be employed or volunteering with children or young people for a minimum of 14 hours per week and you will need a work-based mentor to support you with your studies.

As part of your studies, you will also complete a work-based research project that will help you develop your research and application skills.

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Important information

No. of contact hours

9 hours per week

Expected self-study

30 hours per week

Regulatory body

University of Bedfordshire

UCAS code

L990

Student Loans Company code

903869

Partner university

University of Bedfordshire

Course information

Entry requirements

Level 3 qualification and Maths and English GCSE at 4 or above or equivalent.

Course content

This course is delivered in person at the Bedford College site and involves both scheduled teaching and guided and independent study. You will attend the college one day a week (9:00-18:00) and devote about 30 hours a week to wider reading, independent study, research and assignments. You will be assessed through a range of methods and you will receive regular verbal and written feedback on your progress and quality of your work.

In addition, you will be employed or volunteering in a child and/or family-related setting for a minimum of 14 hours a week.

Your studies will be further enhanced with trips, guest lectures and visits, and you will be strongly encouraged to participate in events and activities designed to enrich your learning experience and help prepare you for your further study and career.

Modules

Year 1

  • An Introduction to Academic Study
  • An Introduction to Working with Children, Young People and Families
  • Narratives of Youth
  • Law, Society and Controversy

Year 2

  • Researching Practice with Children, Young People and Families
  • Management and Applied Experience
  • Child Welfare and Interagency Approaches
  • Perceptions and Discourse of Youth
Assessment methods

You will be assessed through coursework, portfolios, presentations, case studies, reports, essays, and exams.

The qualification

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded a Foundation Degree of Arts in Child and Family Studies.

Further study and career options

On completion of this course, you will have developed the skills and knowledge required to support your career prospects within the sector. Career paths available to you will include:

  • Educational welfare
  • Family support/family centres
  • Youth remand centres/prisons
  • Residential social work
  • Special schools
  • Statutory schools
  • Children’s rights/complaints
  • Outreach and community-based project work
  • Early years provision

If you wish to continue with your studies, you will be able to top-up your degree with a BA (Hons) in Child and Adolescent Studies.

Additional information

While most recommended readings are available through Bedford College’s and University of Bedfordshire’s libraries, some students opt to purchase their own copies of the textbooks. The course does not require any specialist equipment or uniforms although small contributions towards trips and events may be needed.

Any questions?

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat or email us at info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk

Available Courses
Bedford College
Starts: 16/09/2025
Type: HE
Length: 2 years
Day(s): Thursday
Time(s): 9:00am - 6:00pm
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Fees: £6,165.00 Fee notes: The fee indicated is for each year of the course.
Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

Additional Learning Support

If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it. Email: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk or call us on 01234 291333.

Financial Support

For information regarding financial support, please visit the Financial Support section to see the support you may be entitled to apply for.

Accessibility

We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.

Any questions?

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.