Course Summary

The demand for highly-qualified practitioners to work with children, young people and their families is rapidly increasing.  Developed with employers in the sector and delivered in partnership with the University of Derby, this Foundation Degree in Children’s and Young People’s Services will equip you with the skills to meet this demand. 

Your academic study will be directly related to your working environment, with projects, activities and research designed to enable you to reflect upon and develop your current everyday practice. 

Whether you choose to study on the Early Years or Teaching Assistant Pathway, this course will enable you to become a confident, knowledgeable and effective practitioner. 

The course is delivered over 24 weeks commencing in September each academic year. Lectures are three hours in duration and delivered by highly qualified staff who have excellent academic and practical backgrounds and experience in Children’s and Young People’s Services. 

You will be expected to undertake independent study for at least an additional 100% of contact time. An important part of the course is the ability to become a reflective practitioner, a skill which will be developed throughout the duration of your studies.

This three-year course will run with a minimum of ten students and takes place at the Derby College Roundhouse Campus. 

This course is regulated by HEFCE and awarded by the University of Derby.

All students get access to the UDO online platform, the Derby College Learning Resources Centre, the University of Derby library, and the College’s Moodle pages. 

Entry requirements

All applicants will be invited to an interview to discuss their qualifications, experience and any other related issues. 

As an applicant, you should:

• Be working directly with children aged 0-19 years in a voluntary or paid capacity for at least two days per week 
• Have a relevant full Level 3 qualification

You will also need:

• GCSE English at grade 9-4 or A*-C

We also welcome applicants who lack institutional qualifications. All such applicants will be interviewed and may be set an appropriate piece of work upon which a judgement will be made taking into account their academic potential and relevant experience.

You will need to be aged 18 or over at the beginning of the course.

All applicants are subject to approval from the University of Derby. 

Course Content

The course is made up of two pathways so you can specialise in an area that is relevant to your everyday work.

You will study the core modules and pathway modules, with option modules related to your chosen pathway:

Pathway Modules:

• Supporting Teaching and Learning
• Early Years Provision and Practice

Core Modules:

• Starting to Study
• Work-based Reflective Practice 1
• Equality and Diversity
• Integrated Services
• Work-based Reflective Practice 2
• Understanding Behaviour
• Research Methods and Practice
• Secondary Research
• Children’s and Young People’s Family Rights

Optional Modules:

• Children and Young People Communicating
• Working with Parents and Carers

How will I be assessed?

You will learn through reflective tasks, work-based activities, presentations, tutorials and the use of online resources. There are no exams so you will be assessed using your work-based activities, creative presentations and essays.

Everything you study will be relevant to your everyday work. You will also have the support of a 'critical friend' as well as the tutors at College.

Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?

No

What can I do after this course?

The Foundation Degree in Children’s and Young People’s Services provides the perfect progression platform for further study on the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, BA (Hons) Education or BA (Hons) Child and Youth Studies at the University of Derby, depending on pathway studied.  It will also enhance your career prospects within your chosen profession. 

This qualification is awarded by the University of Derby.

www.derby.ac.uk