This course is designed if you have completed a suitable foundation degree or diploma in higher education in Children and Youth Work, or similar foundation degrees at other institutions and wish to gain an honours degree. This course builds on the Foundation Degree and allows you to study and continue to work. It is a flexible qualification covering the broad range of settings and contexts in which services are provided for 8 - 19 year olds. Students undertaking the course remain in employment, or as volunteers, over the academic year in the same manner as the Foundation Degree. The programme provides insight into effective management and leadership within the children's workforce while developing your appreciation for the complex factors that prevent children from reaching their potential and your ability to employ problem solving skills to address such complex factors. It provides a unique learning opportunity as you will study alongside others working or volunteering in a variety of children's services. After graduation many students further their professional development in an area which is relevant to their career aspirations, for example in teaching (Qualified Teacher Status) or in the wider educational environment. The Children and Youth Work pathway has been validated by the National Youth Agency (NYA) and therefore successful completion of the programme will not only enable you to have an academic qualification but also national professional recognition from the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) as a qualified Children and Youth Worker.

Graduate opportunities have enabled our students to attain managerial positions within their sector, to lead practice with their setting. Many go on to further study to become teachers through the PGCE (for further information see the Postgraduate Courses section), or gain a professional status. Others take on professional roles in areas such as special educational needs, mentoring, family and welfare liaison roles in the wider educational community and with local authorities working with the full range of age groups and sectors.