MA Creative Writing
The MA Creative Writing at Leeds Trinity University is structured to help students deve...
MA Family Support
Horsforth
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Family Support at Leeds Trinity University stands out as the only postgraduate course of its kind in the UK, meticulously designed to equip students with the advanced academic and professional skills necessary to effectively manage and deliver family support services. This unique program caters to a diverse cohort, including experienced practitioners seeking to enhance their expertise, individuals looking to transition into family support roles, and recent graduates eager to deepen their understanding of the sector. Available in both full-time (12 months) and part-time (24 months) formats, it provides a flexible learning environment. The course is distinguished by its focus on contemporary issues within family support and children's services, aiming to develop professionals who can critically reflect on practice, lead effectively, and contribute significantly to improving outcomes for children and families across various settings, including social care, health, and education.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Family Support is strategically designed to blend robust theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for the complexities of the field. Core modules are integral to developing a comprehensive understanding and include 'Introduction to Postgraduate Study of Childhood, Education and Family Support,' which lays the academic foundation; 'Research Methods for Childhood, Education and Family Support,' preparing students for evidence-informed practice; and 'Leading and Managing Family Support,' focusing on leadership skills essential in this sector. Students also have the opportunity to choose from optional modules such as 'Supporting Social Development and Emotional Wellbeing in Children, Young People and Families' or 'Family Intervention Strategies in Practice,' allowing for tailored learning. The program culminates in a substantial 'Dissertation or Major Study,' where students undertake in-depth research into a chosen area. Assessment methods are varied, incorporating essays, portfolios, presentations, and work-based assignments that are directly relevant to professional contexts, ensuring continuous feedback and practical skill development.
Research Focus: Leeds Trinity University places a strong emphasis on research-informed teaching within its MA Family Support program. Students are encouraged to engage with the latest research, critically evaluate existing practices, and contribute to the development of new knowledge in the field. The 'Research Methods' module provides a solid grounding in appropriate methodologies, culminating in the formulation of a justified research proposal. The capstone 'Dissertation or Major Study' offers a significant opportunity for students to work closely with research-active supervisors, enabling them to conduct original empirical research or in-depth theoretical studies. This focus on practitioner enquiry empowers students to identify gaps in current practice knowledge, reflect critically on their experiences, and frame systematic investigations that can directly inform and advance family support strategies.
Industry Engagement: A key strength of the MA Family Support program lies in its strong ties with the professional sector. The university's lecturers are seasoned practitioners with extensive experience in social care and family support, bringing real-world insights into the classroom. The institution maintains close connections with local employers who provide specialist family support and early help services, ensuring that the course content remains current and relevant to the needs of the sector. Students benefit from these relationships through opportunities to undertake work-based learning assessments within their existing roles, or by arranging professional placements in local authority, voluntary, or independent sector settings. These engagements provide invaluable networking opportunities and allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, critically reflecting on their experiences and contributing to evidence-informed practice in the wider family support landscape.
Global Perspective: While rooted in the UK context, the MA Family Support program at Leeds Trinity University fosters a global perspective through its diverse student body and the universal relevance of family support principles. The university actively welcomes and supports international students, enriching the classroom environment with varied cultural viewpoints and experiences. This international exchange naturally broadens discussions around family structures, support challenges, and intervention strategies observed worldwide. Although specific modules may focus on UK policy and legislation, the underlying concepts of child and family welfare, early intervention, and integrated practice resonate globally. Leeds Trinity University's inclusive approach to teaching and learning prepares graduates not only for roles within the UK's family support sector but also equips them with a broader understanding applicable to international contexts in social care and related fields.
Location
Horsforth
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 12000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 55% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 79.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Leeds Trinity University is making higher education accessible and affordable for international students. The university offers a range of scholarships designed to support students financially and recognize their academic achievements. These scholarships aim to ease the financial burden of studying abroad and provide an opportunity for students to focus on their academic and personal growth.
International Scholarships: Leeds Trinity University offers scholarships to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students to help reduce tuition fees. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and aim to assist talented students in pursuing their chosen degree programs. The university provides a significant number of scholarships to international students, helping to make their education in the UK more affordable.
International Merit Scholarships: Leeds Trinity University recognizes students with outstanding academic achievements through the International Merit Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance in their previous studies. International students who meet the eligibility criteria are awarded a discount on their tuition fees, making it easier for them to study at Leeds Trinity. These merit-based scholarships are highly competitive and reward students for their hard work and dedication.
Regional Scholarships: Leeds Trinity University offers regional scholarships to students from specific regions and countries. These scholarships aim to increase diversity and attract high-achieving students from underrepresented areas. Regional scholarships provide international students with a discount on their tuition fees and are available to students from selected countries. The scholarships not only help reduce tuition costs but also encourage students from various parts of the world to study at Leeds Trinity.
Alumni Scholarship: Leeds Trinity University offers an Alumni Scholarship for international students who have family members or relatives that previously studied at the university. This scholarship is designed to maintain the strong relationship between the university and its alumni community. Eligible international students can receive a discount on their tuition fees, making it easier for families to continue their educational legacy at Leeds Trinity University.
Sports Scholarships: Leeds Trinity University offers sports scholarships to international students who demonstrate excellence in their chosen sport. These scholarships provide financial support and access to the university's world-class sports facilities, allowing student-athletes to balance their academic studies with their athletic pursuits. Sports scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students and are aimed at fostering athletic talent alongside academic achievement.
The MA Family Support from Leeds Trinity University equips graduates with highly specialised skills and knowledge, opening doors to diverse and impactful careers within the health, social care, education, and third sectors. This postgraduate qualification is particularly valuable for those aiming for leadership, management, or advanced practice roles, as well as for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise and contribute to policy development in family support.
Family Support Worker/Practitioner: Graduates are exceptionally well-prepared for senior or specialised roles as Family Support Workers or Practitioners. They provide direct practical and emotional support to families facing a wide range of challenges, such as domestic abuse, poverty, or mental health issues, working across local authority, voluntary, and charitable organisations.
Social Worker: While the MA Family Support is not a direct qualification for statutory social work (which typically requires a Social Work England approved degree), it provides a robust foundation. Many graduates use this Master's to enhance their applications for postgraduate social work qualifying courses, enabling them to pursue careers as Child and Family Social Workers.
Early Intervention Specialist/Worker: Focused on preventative measures, Early Intervention Specialists identify and address needs in families and children as early as possible to prevent escalation of issues. Graduates of the MA are well-suited to design, implement, and manage early help services within local authority teams, health trusts, or community-based organisations.
Children and Families Team Manager/Coordinator: With its emphasis on leadership and management in family support, the MA prepares individuals for supervisory and managerial positions. Graduates can lead teams of family support practitioners, overseeing service delivery, ensuring quality, and contributing to strategic development within children's services departments.
Community Development Worker: Leveraging their understanding of family dynamics and community needs, graduates can work as Community Development Workers. In this role, they facilitate and empower communities to address local issues, build resilience, and create supportive networks for families through collaborative projects and initiatives.
Parenting Support Adviser/Educator: The MA equips students with advanced insights into parenting theory and practice. Graduates can become Parenting Support Advisers or Educators, delivering evidence-based parenting programmes, offering one-to-one support, and empowering parents with skills and confidence to foster positive family environments.
Youth Worker: Focusing on the unique challenges faced by young people and their families, an MA Family Support graduate can excel as a Youth Worker. They provide guidance, support, and activities to young people, often those at risk, working in youth centres, schools, or outreach programmes to improve their life chances and wellbeing.
Safeguarding and Welfare Officer (Education/Community Settings): With a deep understanding of child protection and welfare legislation, graduates are ideal candidates for Safeguarding and Welfare Officer roles in schools, colleges, or other community organisations. They are responsible for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children, responding to concerns, and implementing safeguarding policies.
Project Worker (Charities and NGOs): The analytical and research skills gained from the MA are highly valued by charities and non-governmental organisations focused on children, families, and social welfare. Graduates can work as Project Workers, designing, managing, and evaluating specific programmes or initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable families.
Academic/Researcher in Family Studies: For those with a passion for research and critical inquiry, the MA provides a strong academic foundation for further postgraduate study (e.g., PhD) or roles in research. Graduates can contribute to the evidence base for effective family support practices, work as researchers in universities, think tanks, or policy development bodies.
