Foundation degree Supporting Young People
Introduction
If you are working with young people, this Foundation degree provides you with the opportunity to develop your professional understanding, knowledge and key skills. It is a work-based qualification, so you need to be working with young people, in a paid or voluntary capacity, in order to carry out the programme.
The principal aim of the programme is to widen access into higher education by placing value on your experience and by enabling you to acquire knowledge and understanding related to your current role.
Programme Structure
The Foundation degree consists of 12 courses. You will undertake 6 modules, each worth 20 credits, at Level 4 and 6 modules, again each worth 20 credits at Level 5.
Year 1 Level 4 (120 credits in total)
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Approaches for engaging, guiding and supporting young people (1)
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Becoming a reflective practitioner
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Mentoring young people
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Parents, children and young people within their family context
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Safeguarding young people
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Understanding adolescent development
Year 2 Level 5 (120 credits in total)
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Approaches for engaging, guiding and supporting young people (2)
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Education, training and work: Supporting young people in transition
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Equality and diversity
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Independent Study or People, Organisations and Networks
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Professional Ethics and Values in Working with Young People
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Youth in Society
Assessment
Each module is assessed through written work including reflections on practice, case studies, essays and reports. You will also be asked to complete a series of work-based tasks and a reflective diary.
How long will the programme take?
Most students complete the programme in two calender years. Following successful completion, you have the opportunity to continue to a full honours degree (BA (hons) Supporting Young People).
Am I entitled to financial support?
If you are applying for a place on the foundation degree starting in September 2012, and if you are a home or EU student and this will be your first experience of Higher Education; then you will be eligible to apply for a tuition fee loan. This means that the Student Loans Company will cover your tuition fees and you will start to repay them once you have left the course and are earning over £21000 per year. Please visit www.direct.gov.uk| for more information. In addition 20 facts about fees from the Money Saving Expert| explains more.
Fees
The fees for 2012-13 are £4,250 for the first year of the programme. The fees for the second year of the programme are subject to an increase due to inflation.
Entry Requirements
The Foundation degree is designed to provide a route into higher education for those without traditional entry qualifications, who have considerable experience of working with young people, and can demonstrate the potential to work at a higher education level.
You will normally need one A level or equivalent (eg NVQ level 3), plus English language at GSCE grade C (or equivalent). You should also have experience of working with young people and young people's services.
An orientation module may be offered prior to the Foundation degree for those who do not hold the relevant qualifications.
Whilst on the programme you should be working with young people for a minimum of 10 hours per week (through employment or voluntary work). Arrangements for this must be in place before you commence the programme.
If you already have HE credits, you may be able to use them as exemption for up to a maximum of 60 credits at Level 4 of the Foundation degree. You will need to discuss credit exemption with the Programme Director. If you are not sure about the credits of your existing qualifications, contact us for advice.
Applications
Please complete an application form. Where appropriate, applicants will be interviewed to ensure that they understand what studying at Foundation degree level involves. This will also enable to Programme Team, normally including an employer representative, to assess the applicant's motivation and their communication skills. In all other instances, applicants will be accepted on the strength of their application, which will include a recommendation and reference from their employer.
Further Enquiries
For a more informal discussion please contact the Programme Director Jane Westergaard on 01892 507506.
Alternatively please contact the Programme Administrator Barry Maughan on 01892 507662.