At Worcester, you’ll learn in a flexible way that fits around your life, combining online study with monthly campus sessions, all within a supportive community of professionals.
for student satisfaction in Childhood and Youth Studies in the UK
for graduate prospects in Childhood and Youth Studies in the UK
University of the Year finalist
Recognised for our graduate success, we’re shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2025.
Overview
Life for children and young people is full of change, and the right support can make all the difference. This course helps you explore how to work with others to put children and young people at the centre of that support, whether in education, health, or social care.
You’ll study children and young people from birth to 19, developing the skills to work in a wide range of roles from teaching and family support to social work, play therapy, and project work. Along the way, you’ll learn from different professional perspectives and explore practical ways to work respectfully with children, families and colleagues.
This course takes you through the policies and strategies that shape services for children and families – and show you how to challenge them when they fall short. At its heart, this is about creating fairer, more inclusive systems that put children and young people first. Whether you want to improve support in your community, influence how services work together, or advocate for children’s rights, you’ll gain the confidence and tools to make a difference.
Designed to fit around your life, this course combines online learning with one in-person Saturday session each month on campus. If you’re already working with children and young people, or are ready to take the next step in your career, this course gives you the knowledge and skills to become a confident, compassionate practitioner.
Work-based learning
Work-based learning is a core part of this course and gives you the chance to apply what you learn in real settings. You’ll need to spend at least one day a week working with children and families in a registered setting, either as a paid employee or volunteer, and have an enhanced DBS check in place.
This experience helps you see how theory connects to practice and gives you valuable industry insight. It’s also a great way to build confidence and develop skills employers look for, such as critical thinking, problem-solving and adaptability. If you’re already working in a registered setting, you can study alongside your job, so you keep earning while you learn. You’ll just need your employer’s support throughout the programme.
Course content
Our modules are designed to build on the knowledge and skills you need to work confidently with children, young people and families. You’ll explore integrated support, holistic development, and professional practice, giving you a strong foundation for leading change and improving outcomes for children and families.
Careers
This Integrated Working with Children and Families top-up degree provides a strong foundation for a wide range of careers supporting children, young people and families. Graduates often progress into roles in education, social work, health services and children’s charities.
You’ll leave with the skills employers value most: the ability to work collaboratively, lead change and respond to complex situations with confidence and compassion. Alongside this, you’ll develop transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, reflection and resilience. These are embedded throughout the course in group projects, presentations and real-world scenarios, so you’ll graduate ready to adapt, collaborate and lead in challenging environments.
You’ll also have access to our Careers and Employability Service who can support you with bespoke workshops on CV writing and interview preparation, tailored guidance on how to reach your career goals, and support with job hunting.
You could start a career as a:
- Teaching assistant
- Children’s centre manager
- Family support worker
- Project worker
- College placement officer
- Play development officer
- Inclusion mentor
Student case studies
Recent students share their experiences studying this course.
Ahzan Ghalib
I chose to do a BA (Hons) in Integrated Working with Children and Families on a part time basis and continued to work full time as a nursery nurse, alongside being a mother of a toddler and expecting a new baby. I found the balance difficult, finding time to fulfil all aspects of my life was extremely challenging and definitely had its array of good and bad days but I managed to do it with the undivided support of my tutor, my peers and my family. I completed my degree with an upper second class degree and the sense of accomplishment and pride most definitely outweighed all of the struggle I had once faced. I stood there at my graduation to an array of applause and realised It was all worth it. If I am able to do it, then anyone can!
Kelly Hunston
After being out of education for 13 years, I enrolled on a part-time Foundation degree in Early Years at Worcester, continuing to a BA top-up in Integrated Working with Children and Families. I would never have dreamt it possible I could ever achieve this level of education and be studying for a master’s degree at the age of 36 with two primary-aged children.
At present, I am an MA Social Work student at the University of Worcester. I have been fortunate enough to be awarded the NHS Social Work bursary, therefore, I have been able to leave my place of employment and focus solely on my studies. I am looking forward to going out on placement next year to put all my newly learnt skills and knowledge into practice.
I feel that taking small steps to build up my qualifications and practice, alongside having a supportive family and tutor, allowed me to progress this far. If I can do it, anyone can.
Craig Pugh
The Integrated Working with Children & Families course provided me with opportunities to work with staff and students from a variety of professions, which has built my confidence as a practitioner. The staff at Worcester were very supportive throughout the course. You also get the opportunity to work in a setting to improve your practice and talk to professionals who can help you achieve your ambitions.
Since finishing my course, I studied for an HLTA qualification, then a PGCE and I am now a teacher in an SEN school. I work alongside many professionals and a lot of young people aged 16+ with a variety of different needs. My job is so rewarding, and the course at Worcester provided me with the confidence and positive attitude that is needed within my role.
Ewa Kedzior
I worked full-time in a nursery whilst studying for the degree, as well as volunteering with my local Beavers club. I studied late at night, or on what was left of my weekends. I knew studying full-time while having a young family and working full-time would be a challenge, but I never imagined I would be able to achieve a First Class honours.
I'm currently working in a local school and have aspirations to become an Early Years teacher one day, but for now I'm keeping my options open.
Ahzan Ghalib
I chose to do a BA (Hons) in Integrated Working with Children and Families on a part time basis and continued to work full time as a nursery nurse, alongside being a mother of a toddler and expecting a new baby. I found the balance difficult, finding time to fulfil all aspects of my life was extremely challenging and definitely had its array of good and bad days but I managed to do it with the undivided support of my tutor, my peers and my family. I completed my degree with an upper second class degree and the sense of accomplishment and pride most definitely outweighed all of the struggle I had once faced. I stood there at my graduation to an array of applause and realised It was all worth it. If I am able to do it, then anyone can!
Kelly Hunston
After being out of education for 13 years, I enrolled on a part-time Foundation degree in Early Years at Worcester, continuing to a BA top-up in Integrated Working with Children and Families. I would never have dreamt it possible I could ever achieve this level of education and be studying for a master’s degree at the age of 36 with two primary-aged children.
At present, I am an MA Social Work student at the University of Worcester. I have been fortunate enough to be awarded the NHS Social Work bursary, therefore, I have been able to leave my place of employment and focus solely on my studies. I am looking forward to going out on placement next year to put all my newly learnt skills and knowledge into practice.
I feel that taking small steps to build up my qualifications and practice, alongside having a supportive family and tutor, allowed me to progress this far. If I can do it, anyone can.
Course highlights
Teaching and assessment
Teaching combines interactive online learning with monthly in-person sessions, creating space for discussion, reflection and practical application. You’ll learn through seminars, tutorials and problem-based activities that connect theory to real-world practice. Assessment isn’t just about essays – you’ll also complete presentations, reflective tasks and a dissertation, all designed to develop your confidence as a practitioner and leader.
Teaching and assessment contents
You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, online learning activities, group discussions, problem-based learning and directed individual study. An important aspect of this course is learning from others, and so there is significant emphasis on working in groups with other students who have different backgrounds and experiences. Problem-based learning will allow you to work with a fictional family in a real-life situation, with stories unfolding as the year progresses.
In addition, you will meet with personal academic tutors on at least 2 occasions throughout the year and a dissertation supervisor who will help to guide you through your independent dissertation project.
Meet the team
Get to know a few of the Institute of Education lecturers you'll be learning with.
Michelle Malomo
Michelle Malomo is a Senior Lecturer in the Department for Children and Families within the School of Education. Michelle lectures on a number of courses within the Department for Children and Families. She is the Partnership Co-ordinator for the Foundation Degree in Early Years.
Michelle is a qualified Early Years and Playwork Practitioner with experience in both the private and voluntary sector. Her experience includes management with the Early Years sector youth and children’s development work within the voluntary sector. Michelle has worked in a range of settings and has been responsible for the development of social action projects with children, young people and families.
Dr Angela Hodgkins
Angela started her professional career as an NNEB qualified nursery nurse, working in special schools and supporting children with special needs in mainstream provision. She has had a varied 20-year career in Early Years, including working as a nanny and a child-minder, as a nursery nurse in a Primary School, a Learning Support practitioner, a pre-school leader and manager of out of school provision.
She has also worked as an inclusion worker for a local SureStart programme and as a Development Officer for Children with Special Needs and Disabilities, where she advised Early Years settings on inclusion.
Michelle Rogers
Dr Carla Solvason
Dr Carla Solvason came to the University of Worcester in 2008 having previously worked as a primary teacher for twelve years, an advisor for a children’s communication charity and a writer/ researcher.
She has led on a wide range of modules, including parent partnership, language development, study skills, and special educational needs. Over recent years her teaching has increasingly focused upon preparing students to carry out ethical practitioner research and preparing final year students for the professional responsibilities of leadership in practice. Carla also delivers CPD in supporting children with speech and language difficulties.
Carla is an active researcher and has published widely over the past ten years, particularly in the areas of ethical practitioner research and parent partnership. She has carried out longitudinal, funded studies on supporting language development in primary schools, the role of collaborative leadership clusters in primary schools, and the impact of Maintained Nursery Schools.
Michelle Malomo
Michelle Malomo is a Senior Lecturer in the Department for Children and Families within the School of Education. Michelle lectures on a number of courses within the Department for Children and Families. She is the Partnership Co-ordinator for the Foundation Degree in Early Years.
Michelle is a qualified Early Years and Playwork Practitioner with experience in both the private and voluntary sector. Her experience includes management with the Early Years sector youth and children’s development work within the voluntary sector. Michelle has worked in a range of settings and has been responsible for the development of social action projects with children, young people and families.
Dr Angela Hodgkins
Angela started her professional career as an NNEB qualified nursery nurse, working in special schools and supporting children with special needs in mainstream provision. She has had a varied 20-year career in Early Years, including working as a nanny and a child-minder, as a nursery nurse in a Primary School, a Learning Support practitioner, a pre-school leader and manager of out of school provision.
She has also worked as an inclusion worker for a local SureStart programme and as a Development Officer for Children with Special Needs and Disabilities, where she advised Early Years settings on inclusion.
Entry requirements
- Foundation Degree, HND, Dip HE or equivalent in Early Childhood Studies, Learning Support, Health and Social Care, Birth and Beyond, CAMHS or a related subject.
- GCSE grade C/4 in Maths and English as course entry requirements are desirable but students are reminded that their employment sector may require these qualifications. The University offers equivalency tests to support applicants in meeting this requirement as a course entry.
- Experience working with children, young people and/or families.
- Current DBS clearance.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please call our Admissions Office on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk.
Fees
Fees contents
UK and EU students
In 2026/27 the standard fee for full-time home and EU undergraduate students on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees is £9,535 per year (subject to changes in the government tuition fee cap).
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year for both new and continuing students.
For more details on course fees, please visit our course fees page.
International students
In 2026/27 the standard tuition fee for full-time international students enrolling on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees is £17,200 per year.
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year for both new and continuing students.
For more details on course fees, please visit our course fees page.
How to apply
How to apply contents
Applying through UCAS
UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for full-time undergraduate courses in the UK.
Read our how to apply pages for more information on the application process, or if you’d like to apply for part-time study.
Contact
If you have any questions, please get in touch. We're here to help you every step of the way.
Dr Angela Hodgkins
Senior Lecturer & Course Leader for BA (Hons) Integrated Working with Children and Families
a.hodgkins@worc.ac.ukAdmissions Office
admissions@worc.ac.uk01905 855111More to explore
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