BA (Hons) degree in Supporting Young People
Introduction
The BA (Hons) degree programme provides an opportunity for people who are working with young people or children to develop their professional understandingm, knowledge and key skills whilst remaining in employment. Successful completion of the programme gives you 120 higher education credits at Level 6 (formerly Higher Education (HE) Level 3).
The principal aims of the programme are to widen access into higher education by placing value on participants' experience and by enabling them to acquire knowledge and understanding related to roles in which they are currently employed through developing their ability to engage in reading, critical reflection, debate and ethical enquiry.
There are four modules, as follows:
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Term 1
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Youth Support Practice
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40 Credits
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Term 2
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Professional Identity in a Multi-Agency Context
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20 Credits
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Term 3
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Ethical Enquiry: Research Methods
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20 Credits
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Term 3 and Term 4
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Independent Study
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40 Credits
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Students will examine critically their professional knowledge and experience. They will gain a greater understanding of theoretical issues affecting professional identity, the work of organisations, progression and development, not only within their own specific work contexts but also in relation to national issues in a wide range of aspects of youth support.
How long will the programme take?
The programme is studies on a part time basis over a minimum of 13 months. Normally the programme will commence in September.
How is the programme delivered and supported?
The programme is delivered using a range of methods, incorporating self directed learning as well as 'taught' elements, encouraging students to work independently, although the process is a supported one. There is a clear acknowledgement that level six study demands broader and deeper reflection and application through more intensive reading of appropriate literature and critical debate. Taught sessions are interactive in nature and include discussions of activities carried out at work with young people. Every student has a named personal tutor for ongoing support throughout the programme. During the Independent Study, students will be allocated a supervisor to support the completion of the dissertation.
What are the entry requirements?
The BA (Hons) degree in Supporting Young People is designed to provide an assessed course of study for students who have completed and passed the Foundation degree Working with Young People and Young People's Services or other relevant Foundation degree (such as Advice and Guidance, or Childhood Studies), normally within 5 years of their application. It will enable students to develop the skills, knowledge and levels of critical reasoning required to progress their work as professionals with young people in a range of contexts.
In view of this, we expect the students will have had at least two years experience in working with young people and young people's services, and therefore have an understanding and working knowledge of some of the issues faced. They will also need access to a minimum of approximately 13 hours per week, for the duration of the programme, of experience of working with young people, which may be gained through employment or voluntary work. Arrangements for this experience must be in place before study commences and students will also need the recommendation and support of an employer/supervisor. This must include an agreement to provide opportunities to complete the work-based tasks. We are keen to recruit students from a variety of backgrounds.
How will I be assessed?
Coursework will be formally assessed through the use of assessment instruments such as essays, presentations, case studies and reports. In the programme's final Independent Study module, students will have the opportunity to produce a dissertation.
What does the programme cost?
For the academic year 2011-12 the cost will be as follows:
£345 per 20 credit module (x2) and £680 per 40 credit module (x2).
£2,050 for 2011-12 for the BA Honours degree.
Features of the Programme
The Level Six programme provides an opportunity to develop existing skills, knowledge and qualifications and obtain a full honours degree
The degree programme retains the work based qualities of a Foundation degree, whilst enabling the development of academic skills, such as research and ethical enquiry.
Further Enquiries
For a more informal discussion please contact the Programme Director Joanna Oliver on 01892 507504.
Alternatively please contact the Programme Administrator Barry Maughan on 01892 507502.