Working with Children, Young People and Families

Develop your knowledge and understanding of the lives and experiences of children, young people and their families through academic study and work-based learning with our degree. Driven by values of inclusion, empowerment and social justice, this exciting degree supports your academic and professional development to enhance your skills and career prospects so that you can make a positive impact. You will explore a range of topics and key issues, including poverty, mental health, youth offending, safeguarding and anti-discriminatory practice.

This course produces graduates who can address gaps in provision and improve the services available to children, young people, their families and the wider community. Our staff are experienced in the fields of childhood and youth studies, health, law, therapy, education, business and social care.

• You will have a placement in every year of study; each with a different focus so you can explore a range of settings and possible career aspirations. This is fully supported by university tutors and mentors in placement settings.

• Regular opportunities to get involved with Special Interest Groups, visiting researchers and All Party Parliamentary groups

• Guaranteed interview for PGCE Primary Education (5-11) (QTS) on completion (T&C’s apply)

UON’s Education subject area was ranked 14th based on overall student positivity out of all universities in England, according to the latest 2025 National Student Survey (NSS)*

The University of Northampton is a top 20 institution for Childhood and Youth Studies in the Complete University Guide league tables for 2025

21st for Satisfied with Teaching for Education –The Guardian University Guide 2025 (Education League Table)

By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:

• Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one to one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.

• Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.

• At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2026 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2026**.

• Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand new laptop*** to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course text book is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).

• You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.

The Northampton Employment Promise

In fact, we’re so confident in our careers and employability support that if you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.

✱ Calculations are based on Office for Students (OfS) data from the average positivity score across all NSS questions for this subject area across all modes and levels at UK Universities
✱✱ eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information
✱✱✱ eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information

STAGE 1
• Advocacy and Activism: Children and Young People's Rights (Compulsory)
• Promoting Children and Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing (Compulsory)
• Introduction to Childhood, Youth and Families (Compulsory)
• Work Based Learning with Children, Young People and Families (Compulsory)
• Fit and Healthy Childhoods: Development, Health and Learning (Compulsory)
• Working Together to support Children, Young People and Families (Compulsory)

STAGE 2
• Special Educational Needs and Inclusion (Compulsory)
• Research Methods (Children, Young People and Families) (Compulsory)
• Working with Families
• Effective Intervention, Safeguarding and Integrated Working in Children and Young People's Services (Compulsory)
• Diversity and Inclusion in Work Based Learning with Children, Young People and Families (Compulsory)
• Diversity and Pluralism (Compulsory)

** STAGE 3**
• Children and Young People Dissertation (Compulsory)
• Innovation Leadership and Management in Work Based Learning with Children, Young People and Families (Compulsory)
• Places and Spaces: Geographies of Childhood and Youth (Compulsory)
• Empowering and Therapeutic Approaches to Working with Children, Young People and Families (Compulsory)
• Social Justice and Equity (Compulsory)

Module information is quoted for 2025 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.

There are no exams on this degree. Instead, you will be assessed through a range of methods including essays, reports, case studies, presentations, practical projects and reflective tasks.