BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People and Families

The BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People, and Families program at the University of Hull is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary for careers in fields related to child and youth welfare. This interdisciplinary program provides a comprehensive understanding of child development, social policy, and family dynamics, preparing students to work effectively with children, young people, and families in a variety of professional roles. Through a combination of academic study, practical placements, and reflective practice, students develop the competencies to support children and families facing social challenges, advocate for their rights, and contribute to positive outcomes in their lives.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People, and Families program covers a wide range of topics relevant to child and youth welfare, social work, and family support. Core modules include child development, social policy and legislation, theories of childhood and youth, safeguarding and child protection, and working with families in diverse contexts. Students also engage in skills-based courses focused on communication, assessment, intervention, and advocacy, as well as specialized topics such as youth justice, mental health, disability, and education. Fieldwork placements are an integral part of the curriculum, providing students with supervised practice experience in settings such as schools, social service agencies, youth centers, and community organizations, where they apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, develop practical skills, and integrate academic learning with professional practice.

Research Focus: The University of Hull is committed to research excellence in fields related to child and youth welfare, with faculty members actively engaged in research projects that address key issues affecting children, young people, and families. Research within the department covers diverse areas such as child poverty, educational attainment, youth participation, family resilience, and social inequality. Students have the opportunity to engage with research through coursework projects, independent study modules, and research assistantships, allowing them to develop research skills, critical thinking abilities, and evidence-based practice approaches that enhance their academic and professional development in the field of working with children, young people, and families.

Industry Engagement: The BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People, and Families program at the University of Hull emphasizes industry engagement to ensure that students are well-prepared for the demands of the profession and the needs of service users and communities. The program maintains strong partnerships with local authorities, social service agencies, voluntary organizations, and community groups, providing students with opportunities for fieldwork placements, internships, and practical experience in a variety of settings where they can work with children, young people, and families. These industry engagements enable students to develop their practical skills, build professional networks, and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities within the field of child and youth welfare.

Global Perspective: In an increasingly interconnected and multicultural society, the BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People, and Families program at the University of Hull incorporates a global perspective into its curriculum. Students learn about international issues affecting children, young people, and families, explore cross-cultural perspectives on childhood, youth, and family life, and consider the impact of globalization on social welfare policies and practices. The program may offer opportunities for international fieldwork placements, study abroad programs, or collaborative projects with organizations and practitioners working with children and families around the world, allowing students to gain cross-cultural experiences, broaden their understanding of global social issues, and develop cultural competence as future professionals working with children, young people, and families in a global context.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 60.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 54 with no individual score below 51.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Hull offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in pursuing their academic goals. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and alleviate financial barriers. 

Chancellor's Scholarships: Chancellor's Scholarships are prestigious awards offered to outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential. These scholarships may cover full or partial tuition fees, as well as living expenses, and are typically awarded based on academic merit and other criteria specified by the university.

Merit Scholarships: Merit Scholarships are awarded to international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance in their previous studies. These scholarships may vary in value and eligibility criteria, including academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and community service. Merit scholarships aim to reward academic excellence and encourage students to excel in their chosen fields of study.

Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Hull offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships may be funded by government agencies, private organizations, or the university itself and aim to promote cultural exchange and international collaboration. Eligibility criteria and application procedures for country-specific scholarships may vary, so prospective students should check the university's official website for detailed information.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Subject-Specific Scholarships are available to international students pursuing studies in particular academic disciplines or fields of study. These scholarships may be awarded based on academic merit, research potential, or other criteria specified by the university or relevant departments. Subject-specific scholarships aim to support students in areas of strategic importance and promote excellence in specific fields.

Sports Scholarships: International students with exceptional athletic abilities may be eligible for Sports Scholarships at the University of Hull. These scholarships recognize outstanding sporting achievements and provide support for student-athletes to balance their academic and sporting commitments. Sports scholarships may include financial assistance, coaching support, and access to training facilities.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People, and Families program at the University of Hull are equipped with a diverse skill set and knowledge base that prepares them for various career opportunities in the field of child and youth welfare. 

Child and Youth Support Worker: Graduates can work as support workers, providing direct assistance and guidance to children, young people, and families facing social challenges and crises. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, social service agencies, youth centers, and community organizations, providing practical and emotional support, advocacy, and referral services to help clients access resources and navigate systems of support.

Family Support Worker: Some graduates may specialize in family support, working with families experiencing difficulties such as parenting issues, domestic violence, substance abuse, or housing instability. They provide holistic support services to families, including parenting education, counseling, advocacy, and assistance with accessing community resources and services. Family support workers may work for nonprofit organizations, local authorities, or family support services, collaborating with other professionals to promote family resilience and well-being.

Youth Worker: Graduates can work as youth workers, supporting the social, emotional, and educational development of young people through structured activities, programs, and interventions. They may work in youth clubs, schools, residential settings, or community organizations, engaging young people in positive activities, providing mentoring and guidance, and facilitating personal and social development. Youth workers may focus on areas such as youth empowerment, youth participation, or youth leadership development, helping young people build skills, confidence, and resilience.

Social Services Case Worker: Some graduates may pursue careers in social services, working for local authorities or government agencies responsible for child protection, family support, and youth services. They assess clients' needs, develop care plans, and coordinate services to support children, young people, and families at risk of harm or in need of assistance. Social services case workers may conduct home visits, liaise with other professionals, and monitor client progress to ensure their safety and well-being.

Community Development Worker: Graduates can work as community development workers, promoting social change and empowerment within communities to improve outcomes for children, young people, and families. They engage with community members, identify needs and priorities, and facilitate community organizing initiatives, such as parent support groups, youth councils, or community events. Community development workers may collaborate with local organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders to address social inequalities, build community capacity, and create opportunities for positive social change.

Educational Support Worker: Some graduates may work in educational settings, providing support and assistance to children and young people with additional needs or barriers to learning. They may work as teaching assistants, learning mentors, or behavior support workers, providing one-on-one support, small group interventions, or classroom assistance to help students overcome challenges, improve academic performance, and access educational opportunities.

Policy Analyst or Researcher: Graduates can work as policy analysts or researchers, contributing to the development of social welfare policies and programs that impact children, young people, and families. They may work for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or research institutes, conducting research, analyzing data, and providing evidence-based recommendations to inform policy decisions and improve service delivery systems. Policy analysts or researchers may focus on areas such as child welfare, youth services, family support, or social inclusion, advocating for policies that promote child rights, youth participation, and family well-being.

Advocate or Campaigner: Some graduates may work as advocates or campaigners, raising awareness of issues affecting children, young people, and families, and advocating for policy changes and social reforms. They may work for advocacy organizations, charities, or grassroots campaigns, lobbying policymakers, organizing public campaigns, and mobilizing community support to address issues such as child poverty, youth unemployment, family homelessness, or access to education and healthcare services. Advocates or campaigners may engage in public speaking, media outreach, and community organizing efforts to raise awareness, build alliances, and effect positive change in the lives of children, young people, and families.