FdSc Childhood Studies

01 Sep 2022 - 31 Aug 2028

Course Leader Carrie Needs
Course Team Tracey Dobbs, Deborah Lewis, Rebecca James, Owena Simpson, Andrea Charles, Rosalind Roberts, Helen Middleton
Awarding Body University of South Wales
Teaching Institutions Merthyr Tydfil College, Bridgend College, Coleg Gwent, Neath Port Talbot College Group, Cardiff and Vale College
Modes of Study Full Time, Part Time

Document Version

Version 4
Valid From 01 Sep 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

QAA Benchmarks

N/A

Educational Aim

• Enable students to develop the knowledge, expertise, skills, personal qualities and attitudes necessary for a high standard of practice with children and young people
• Provide an educational foundation for a range of careers within the children and young people’s sector and facilitate the student’s ability to challenge current practice.
• Motivate and promote the flexibility which will be the basis for future career development including leadership and management. Prepare the student for future learning and study, including appropriate top-up and other graduate programmes.

Learning Outcomes

A1 A1 Explain theories and concepts that form the basis for children and young people’s ever evolving provision.
A2 A2 Explain theories and concepts that form the basis for effective leadership and management within children and young people’s health, education and social care settings.
A3 A3 Explain the relevant research-based evidence underpinning contemporary provision / management.
A4 A4 Understand the relevance of Professional, legal and ethical implications of services
A5 A5 Explain and analyse the development and application of policy and guidance relevant to their own practice.
B1 B1 Understand how to source, select and organise information in order to provide effective care for children and young people
B2 B2 Apply evidence from research within children and young people’s practice in order to recommend change.
B3 B3 Adopt independent and systematic enquiry and analysis to focus effectively on children and young people’s issues.
B4 B4 Structure evidence to create solutions
C1 C1 Describe a variety of relevant perspectives for the acquisition of effective practices in relation to Children and Young People’s care and services.
C2 C2 Understand and explain situations and tasks that are relevant to everyday working within a childcare arena.
C3 C3 Undertake practice through reflection by looking at what works well in childcare and young people’s service in order to facilitate change
C4 C4 Develop and enhance leadership qualities as the student progresses through the course and works toward professional status as well as an academic qualification.

Course Structure

Level 4 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
FC1D005 MOD009507 Leading Practice within services for children and young people Running 40 core
FC1S017 MOD013048 Leadership and Inclusion within Child Centred Practice Running 20 specified
FC1S018 MOD013049 Introduction to Research with Children and Young People. Running 20 specified
FC1S020 MOD012640 Applying Theory to Children and Young People’s Holistic Development Running 20 specified
PE1S047 MOD009504 Study Skills for Higher Education Running 20 specified

Level 5 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
FC2D029 MOD009512 Advanced Practice in Children and Young People’s services Running 40 core
FC2S013 MOD000711 Curriculum Matters Running 20 specified
FC2S029 MOD000714 Safeguarding Children and Young People Running 20 specified
FC2S036 MOD009510 Children and Young People’s Health and Well Being Running 20 specified
FC2S037 MOD009511 Play and Leisure Running 20 specified

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

Employer Engagement

Visiting Speakers

A range of guest speakers are used including health visitors, primary school teachers, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and child psychologists . This varies across partner colleges though NPTC , for example timetable guest speakers in annually for some modules, for example, a health visitor delivers an element of promoting healthy lifestyles.

Volunteering

If students do not have access to paid employment, opportunities to volunteer in a placement with children and/or young people is arranged by the student

Fieldtrips

Field trips to visit facilities involving children and young people have taken place each year for some partner colleges, though these have been restricted due to lockdown but plan to reintroduce these visits as soon as restrictions allow.
Work Placements These form part of the level 4 and level 5 of the programme and is a mandatory part of the assessed portfolio of evidence

Work-based Learning

Included at level 5 for module FC2D029

Means of Assessment

Learning Support

Course Exit Points

Award Criteria Final
Foundation Degree in Science 240 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 5 or above, 120 at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3. Of the 240 credits, at least 60 credits must be derived from Level 5 work-based learning Final
Certificate of Higher Education 120 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3 Intermediate

Progression Route

Students can progress onto the BSc in Childhood Studies at USW or NPTC Group (Afan)

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

Entry requirements onto the FD Childhood Studies is a level 3 qualification or equivalent. Colleges will accept mature students without this level of academic qualification if they have supporting evidence of other forms of CPD or employment experience.

Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/

Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A

Methods Of Quality Standards

N/A

Quality Of Standards Indicators

N/A