BSc (Hons) Support for Families and Communities

Summary 2012/13

• Study a unique and exciting programme dedicated to supporting families and communities;
• Gain all the necessary skills and knowledge to work closely and effectively alongside families and communities and contribute to their health and welfare;
• Examine the welfare systems in place to support families and communities and analyse how children can be enabled to reach their full potential.

This is a Level 6 conversion programme, giving you the opportunity to progress from a foundation degree (or equivalent) to an honours degree in a relevant subject.

If you are employed or wish to work in a supporting role for families, minority groups, people with learning disabilities, mental health problems or those supporting a community, then the BSc (Hons) Support for Families and Communities could be for you.

2012 Entry Requirements

You are normally required to demonstrate 120 credits at Level 5 or equivalent, i.e. have completed a Foundation Degree in Working with Families and Communities.

Summary 2013/14

• Study a unique and exciting programme dedicated to supporting families and communities;
• Gain all the necessary skills and knowledge to work closely and effectively alongside families and communities and contribute to their health and welfare;
• Examine the welfare systems in place to support families and communities and analyse how children can be enabled to reach their full potential.

This is a Level 6 conversion programme, giving you the opportunity to progress from a foundation degree (or equivalent) to an honours degree in a relevant subject.

If you are employed or wish to work in a supporting role for families, minority groups, people with learning disabilities, mental health problems or those supporting a community, then the BSc (Hons) Support for Families and Communities could be for you.

2013 Entry Requirements

You are normally required to demonstrate 120 credits at Level 5 or equivalent, i.e. have completed a Foundation Degree in Working with Families and Communities.

Details

Who is this course for?

The BSc (Hons) Support for Families and Communities is for those who currently work, or wish to work, within a variety of settings supporting families and or communities, including the private, public and voluntary sectors.

What will I gain from this programme?

The programme will enhance your knowledge and skills, enabling you to work efficiently with families and communities and contribute to their health and welfare.

How we will support you

You will be allocated a personal tutor at the start of the programme who will support your academic development and progression as well as providing pastoral support when required. This support will be complemented by module leaders who will offer guidance for each module studied and a dissertation supervisor.

What will I study?

The programme critically examines the statutory and voluntary welfare systems in place to support families and communities across the lifespan. You will also focus on the government’s Every Child Matters approach, in particular the current safeguarding agenda to analyse how children can be enabled to reach their potential.

In addition, you will study research methods to develop a good understanding of the research process and complete a dissertation, concentrating on an area of vocational interest or concern, agreed between you and your tutor.

How will I study?

You will learn through a variety of methods. The course is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures, work-based learning and tutorials.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by a highly-qualified team of academic staff with vast experience in the field of children, families and communities.

How will I be assessed?

A variety of assessment techniques are used throughout the programme including presentations and written assignments.

What are my career prospects?

This programme will provide you with the skills to work as a support worker in a variety of family and community settings including children’s centres, local authority settings, children’s healthcare areas and social services.

Further study at Edge Hill University

BSc (Hons) Support for Families and Communities

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise and 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply directly to Edge Hill University. Download the application form (pdf) and notes for guidance (pdf).

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

Full-Time Study

If you are joining this conversion degree in academic year 2012/13 and will be progressing directly from a foundation degree without a break from studying (disregarding any normal intervening vacation period between semesters), you will be classed as a "continuing" student provided you also studied the foundation degree on a full-time basis. The tuition fee for full-time continuing students is £3,465 for academic year 2012/13.

However, if you are joining this conversion degree in academic year 2012/13 as a new student, have taken a break from education since completing a foundation degree (disregarding any normal intervening vacation period between semesters), or you studied a foundation degree on a part-time basis, the tuition fee for full-time study is £9,000.

Eligible full-time students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over the threshold amount (£15,000pa for the £3,465 fee, £21,000pa for the £9,000 fee).

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for full-time students on this programme in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/conversionfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only.

Part-Time Study

If you are joining this conversion degree in academic year 2012/13 and will be progressing directly from a foundation degree (disregarding any normal intervening vacation period between semesters), you will be classed as a "continuing" student provided you also studied the foundation degree on a part-time basis. The tuition fee for part-time continuing students on this progression route in academic year 2012/13 is £380 per 20 credit module and £570 per 30 credit module.

UK continuing students will be able to apply for an annual fee grant up to £1,230, subject to income level and intensity of study, and may also be eligible for a means-tested grant of up to £265 for books, travel and other course-related expenditure.

However, if you are joining this conversion degree as a new student, have taken a break from education since completing a foundation degree (disregarding any normal intervening vacation period between semesters), or you studied a foundation degree on a full-time basis, the tuition fee for part-time study is £1,500 per 20 credit module and £2,250 per 30 credit module for academic year 2012/13.

New students, and those not classed as "continuing" students, will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000pa.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for part-time students on this programme in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/conversionfees2012pt.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. A total of 120 credits must be studied (at level 6) to complete a conversion degree.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Alison Whelan, Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657008
• Email: whelana@edgehill.ac.uk

Modules

HUG 3100 Undergraduate Dissertation (30 credits) will focus on the identification of an area of vocational interest or concern to be identified by you and agreed with your supervisor. You will engage in a structured review of the literature related to your specific area of study and then apply critical analysis to the existing literature and make recommendations that will improve service provision.

HEA 3012 Research Methods (20 credits) is designed to develop your understanding of the research process and the nature and variety of research methods. The module’s characteristic features are to encourage you to see qualitative and quantitative methods as equally valuable and often complimentary.

HUG 3109 Safeguarding Children and Young (20 credits) is directed towards those who work with children and young people in education, social or health care settings. The module focuses on Every Child Matters and the current safeguarding agenda to enable children to reach their potential.

HUG 3115 Support for Families and Communities (30 credits) critically examines the statutory and voluntary welfare systems in place to support families and communities across the lifespan.

You will also study a further, optional module, chosen from the undergraduate portfolio (20 credits).