COURSE CURRICULUM

The Working with Children and Families program is a three-year degree designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to support children, young people, and families effectively. In the first year, students focus on foundational concepts, including preparing for placement, equity, diversity and inclusion, supporting educational engagement and transitions, communication, counselling and therapeutic skills, safeguarding, and an introduction to social pedagogy approaches. These modules develop essential understanding of child development, family dynamics, and professional practice, while preparing students for practical placements. In the second year, the emphasis moves to applied learning and deeper theoretical knowledge, with modules covering social policy and key legislation, researching with children and young people, social pedagogy in theory and placement, family-centred practice, positive youth justice, and adventure, play, games, and outdoor learning. These experiences provide students with opportunities to apply their skills in real-world contexts, engage with diverse communities, and develop professional competence. In the third year, students consolidate their learning through advanced modules in social pedagogy theory and placement, child and family mental health, and a dissertation project, allowing them to demonstrate research, critical thinking, and applied practice skills. Graduates leave prepared for careers in social work, youth services, education, and family support, equipped to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families.