Fd Childhood, Youth & Communities at Canterbury Christ Church University

Programme overview

This Childhood, Youth & Communities Foundation Degree is an innovative two-year, work-based course that enables you to continue in paid employment or volunteering as you work towards this Level 5 qualification. Co-designed by academics alongside our alumni and wider sector practitioners, this Foundation Degree will develop your professional skills and knowledge to become a specialist practitioner in areas of community support, development, and advocacy services for children, young people, and families.

Faculty: School of Social Work, Education, and Teacher Education | Department: Teaching, Education and Childhood | Duration: 2 years (Full-time) | Study mode: full-time | Intake: September 2026, September 2027 | Location: Canterbury, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Critically explore theories of community development, focusing on the inter-agency impact and effective collaborations. Critically evaluate approaches to supporting the wellbeing and sustainable impact of our communities within contexts of social inequality and policy change. Core modules include Year 1: Introduction to Childhood, Youth & Academic Practices, Theories of Development in Children and Young People, Working with children, youth and families: Introduction to Community Practice, Communication, Language and Dialogue, Student Success Modules; Year 2: The Interdisciplinary Professional, Representations of Children, Childhood & Youth in the Media, Knowledge without Borders, Holistic and Wellbeing Approaches to Practice, Researching with Children and Young People.

Career pathways

This course is designed to support your career progression within the childhood and education sectors. As an employment-based Foundation Degree, it enhances your professional knowledge and confidence, helping you take on new responsibilities in your current role or move into new areas of practice.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-Level or level 3 course in a related field. Applicants are required to hold a qualification at A level (or an equivalent level 3 qualification). HLTA status may also be accepted as a level 3 equivalent qualification. If you do not meet the level 3 entry requirements, but have the appropriate work experience, you may be offered an opportunity to join the course, subject to the agreement of your employer. In this case, you will be required to take and pass the Academic Skills short course prior to starting, for which there is a charge. GCSE English grade 4. If you do not have GCSE English Language or Literature grade C/4, then you will be required to complete an equivalency test. Please note that Functional Skills qualifications are not accepted as an alternative to GCSEs. For those intending to continue into teacher training, you must have GCSEs in maths and English, grade 4/level C by the time you begin your teacher training course. Placement in a setting working with children and/or young people. You must be employed (paid or voluntary) in a role working with children and/or young people for at least 15 hours per week throughout the course. This does not have to be in a specialist setting.

Domestic applicants: GBP 8,705 a year (2026/27). Full-time annual tuition fee (UK) Source

International applicants: GBP 14,585 a year (2026/27). Full-time annual tuition fee (overseas) Source

Intake: September 2026, September 2027

Duration: 2 years (Full-time)

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