Why Study Working with Children, Young People and Families

Deciding on my course: Faith’s Story

Figuring out what course I wanted to study at University was stressful. I wanted to do a course I was passionate about as well as one that can give me access to different career options. When I first came to an open day, I was unsure on whether this specific course would be the right fit for me, so I signed up to multiple, but after attending the open day for working with children, young people and families, I instantly fell in love with the idea of studying it. The principles and ideas presented at the subject talk aligned with my morals and ideologies. This course can truly help you make the lives of children, young people and their families, that little bit better!

If you’re unsure about whether or not you meet the entry requirements to study this course, best part about UON is that they give you the option for a foundation year. This is an incredibly accommodating benefit that can help students continue to pursue their dreams, despite maybe not getting the grades or results they’d hoped for after their previous studies.

Studying working with children, young people and families

The main thing I love about studying my course is that the modules we study covers such a variety of aspects when it comes to studying children young people and families. In the first year alone we have learnt about the policies behind working with different groups and addressed both the positives and negatives to these policies in place. We also cover topics such as fit and healthy childhoods, promoting emotional wellbeing, and so many more relevant areas that will make me a well-rounded and knowledgeable practitioner once I graduate.

Placement Year

Another bonus to studying this course is that it is mandatory to do a placement each year. Placement is such an important part of our studies as it allows students to take a hands-on approach and gain experience on what it would be like entering different career fields associated with the degree they’re studying. My first year placement has broadened my thoughts and has even added the possibility of a potential career path I’d never even considered before undertaking the practical experience of a placement. This mixed with the flexibility of my course allows for great potential in practitioner development.

Course Trips

A final benefit to this course is the option to study and gain experience abroad. There is a trip each year of study that works out as more affordable than if you were to go on a holiday privately as the university cover part of the cost of this trip, leaving only a small fee to be paid by students.

There are a number of international study trips available during my three year degree where we explore alternative ways of working with children, young people and families, for example:

• Spending one week in Sweden.
• Going to Atlanta in America to explore the civil rights movement.
• Visiting a local prison to hear prisoners’ experiences.

The cost of theses and destinations are subject to change but are fantastic chances to embrace how other countries deliver their models.

Academic Support

The lecturers and Personal Academic Tutors (PAT’s) attached to this course are amazing and so supportive. They are always there to support and guide you through your time studying the course. They offer not only academic support but also personal support if you are struggling with external agencies.

Visit an open day to learn more about the Working with Children, Young People and Families course at UON

Visit an Open Day

Faith Cowley

Faith is a first-year Working with Children, Young People and Families student. She loves reading and writing, and writes her own books alongside her studies.