Children, Schools & Families (Graduate Practitioner), BA (Hons) at University of Lancashire

Programme overview

Children, Schools and Families covers the services, systems, policies and work practices that relate to children and young people in schools, with families and in care settings. The course draws on education, psychology, sociology, social work and health, is mapped to the QAA benchmarks for Early Childhood Studies, and includes a minimum of 560 assessed placement hours. Students can work towards Level 6 Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner status.

Faculty: School of Health, Social Work and Sport | Duration: 3 years | Intake: September 2026, September 2027 | Location: Preston, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 includes The Social Construction of Childhood, Introduction to Children's Services and Systems, Transitions in Children and Young People's Lives and Supporting Well-being and Development. Year 2 includes Safeguarding Children and Young People, Early Childhood: Pedagogy and Play and Researching with Children and Young People, and Year 3 includes a Dissertation.

Career pathways

Graduates work in children's centres, schools, national charities, nurseries, and family and community support. Progression routes include MA Social Work, Initial Teacher Training, MSc Psychotherapy and MSc Children and Young People's Mental Health.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer: 96-112 points at A2; BTEC Extended Diploma: MMM-DMM; BTEC Diploma: DD-D*D*; Pass Access Course: 96-112 UCAS points; International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass including 96-112 points from Higher Level Subjects; T Level: P (C+) - M; IELTS: 6.0 with no Component lower than 5.5; GCSEs: 5 at grade C/4 or equivalent. It is a requirement of the external body linked to Graduate Practitioner status that all applicants must have a Grade C/4 in English or equivalent in order to graduate from this course; A satisfactory Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland) is required for this course. A clear enhanced DBS check is required. International applicants: successful completion of the first year of a recognised university degree, or an Ordinary National Diploma (Lower Credit). English language: IELTS 6.0 with no component below 5.5 (or equivalent), or West African School Certificate English grade C6 (WASSCE C6).

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). UK full-time tuition Source

International applicants: GBP 18,750 a year (2026/27). International full-time tuition Source

Intake: September 2026, September 2027

Duration: 3 years

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