BA (Hons) Children & Young People Top-up

Research Methods
This module aims to promote knowledge, understanding and application of research methods applicable to, and appropriate for research to be undertaken within, the Children and Young People’s Workforce.

Major Study
This module enables students to develop a research proposal which will plan and implement an in-depth study of a problem, issue or area of interest within the Children and Young People’s Workforce. Several research pathways are available, and academic staff with relevant experience and knowledge are on hand to support all students.

Global Child
Students will critically compare international perspectives of children, young people and childhood, and critically explore the impact of Globalisation on children and young people

Youth Crime and Justice
This module critically explores youth justice law, policy and practice, how crime and justice are defined in relation to young people, and how professionals work with young people in the criminal justice system.

Critical Issues in Professional Practice 
Students chose a profession within the children and young people’s workforce to prepare students for a smooth transition to employment by both reflecting on the role of the professional and examination of knowledge of relevant legislation, practice, procedures; reflective practice and examining their chosen career pathway.

A range of assessment methods, including the utilisation of digital skills to be aligned with industry requirements, will be used for the Top-Up Degree, such as: 

• Reflective essay 

• Report 

• Presentation 

• E-Portfolio 

• Research Proposal 

• Dissertation. 

The course has been designed to be responsive to the local employment, social and environmental needs. The team have strong links with a range of employers from across the Children and Young People’s Workforce and Family Support/ Social Care Services. 

The Children and Young People Team at UCO has a strong working relationship between key employer stakeholders such as: 

• Director of Children’s Services 

• Head of the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) 

• MAHDLO which is the principal provider of Youth Services across Oldham 

• Primary Schools and academies 

• Junior Schools 

• Private day care nurseries 

• Preschool Nurseries 

• Voluntary Sector Youth organisations 

• Private Residential Social Work and Specialist Education Providers 

• Youth Counselling. 

These working relationships will provide opportunities for a range of quality Education, Children’s Social Care and Youth Work research placements to meet the needs of students from diverse backgrounds and enable them to complete their dissertation in a subject area which is of interest to them. 

Local Children and Young People’s Workforce employers and key agencies are periodically invited as guest speakers and for employer engagement events to enhance the academic learning experience at UCO. 

This course gives graduates the skills and knowledge to embark on their journey in careers across a wide range of roles in the children and young people’s sector, including: 

Education 

Teacher 
Learning Mentors 
Teaching Assistant 
Behaviour Support worker 
Inclusion Worker 
Forest School Practitioner 

Health 
Health Care Support Worker 
Community Children’s Healthcare Worker 

Social care 
Prevention and Early Intervention Worker 
Family Support Worker 
Residential Support Worker 

Early years 
Early Years Practitioner 
Nursery Manager 
Play Worker 
Youth Worker 
Probation Worker 

Please note some of these career paths require further specialist training.

Essential 240 Credits at Level 5 FdA or equivalent in a relevant discipline. 

Relevant experience of working with children, young people or families in a paid, voluntary or caring capacity. 

A reference from a current or recent employer or educational institution.