Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

This module introduces the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion within professional practice by examining how and why children, young people and families can become socially excluded. The module encourages students to draw on their own expertise of their own cultures, to reflect upon their own value base in relation to equality and explore their role in developing an inclusive practice with a view to educating their peers to move away from privileged knowledge, and assumptions about the community in which we live and work.

Voice and Participation

This module focuses on developing an understanding of the need to work in partnership “with” the diverse children, young people and families to challenge deficit (and privileged) assumptions about those with whom we work. It will critically analyse different theories and approaches to multicultural voices and participation and begin to challenge the power that practitioners exercise when making decisions which affect children, young people and families.

Theory and Critical Thinking

In this module students will be introduced to, and put into practice, the academic study skills concepts of critical reading, critical thinking, critical analysis and theoretical application. To do this, students will be introduced to some of the key thinkers who have shaped the way we work with children, young people and families in the present day. Students will also understand what is meant by privileged knowledge/theory, why this can be problematic, and how to apply theory and critical thinking to explore decolonised lenses. Students will begin to apply “theory” to real world situations affecting CYPF and how to use these lenses to explain situations.

Representations of Childhood

This module explores the diverse representations of childhood across different cultural, historical, and literary contexts. It examines how childhood has been conceptualized and constructed in literature, media, and visual arts, highlighting the social, political, and ideological factors shaping these multicultural representations. The module aims to foster diverse critical thinking about the implications of these portrayals on our understanding of childhood and their impact on contemporary discourse and how privileged knowledge may be detrimental to others.

Human Growth and Development

This module will enable students to explore the stages human development through the life course from pre-birth to later life and death and will consider how the lives of individuals and families are shaped by physical and environmental factors. Students will reflect upon life course stages through the lens of their own diverse, lived experiences, and consider the implications of life course for practice in working with children, young people and families.

Working creatively

This module explores the use of creative approaches and methodologies in engaging with children, young people, and families. It aims to develop students’ understanding of how creative activities can foster positive multicultural relationships, support wellbeing, and address challenges within diverse family and community contexts. Students will engage with theories of creativity and practical strategies to inspire and facilitate meaningful participation and self-expression

Human Growth and Development

This module will enable students to explore the stages human development through the life course from pre-birth to later life and death and will consider how the lives of individuals and families are shaped by physical and environmental factors. Students will reflect upon life course stages through the lens of their own lived experiences and consider the implications of life course for practice in working with children, young people and families.

Working creatively

This module explores the use of creative approaches and methodologies in engaging with children, young people, and families. It aims to develop students’ critical understanding of how creative activities can foster positive relationships, support wellbeing, and address challenges within diverse family and community contexts. Students will critically engage with theories of creativity and practical strategies to inspire and facilitate meaningful participation and self-expression.

Developing Cultural Competence

This module aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to work effectively and sensitively in culturally diverse contexts. It emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural identity, recognizing biases, and fostering inclusive practices when supporting children, young people, and families. Students will critically examine how culture influences perspectives, communication, and practices, and develop strategies to promote equity and respect in professional settings.

Understanding Discrimination

This module will explore the historical context for discrimination in the UK, who has the power to discriminate and how discrimination is experienced. The module will critically evaluate theories of discrimination, including Hegemony, Critical Race Theory and Feminist Theory through a Personal, Cultural and Structural model of understanding discrimination. The module will focus on exploring discrimination of different groups in society and the intersection and overlap of inequalities. A central focus of the module will be on the policy response to discrimination in the UK, the roles and responsibilities of institutions in relation to discrimination and examining the extent to which the issues have been addressed.

Politics and Social Policy

This module will examine the political ideology that drives the over-arching social policy issues that shape the agenda around working with children, young people and families. To do this it will be structured around the key issues identified by William Beveridge as the ‘giants’ of social policy – education, social care, housing, health, and employment. These topics will be analysed in the context of the changing political landscape and the challenges that face professionals working within the current model of the welfare state and tackling poverty. In addition, the module acknowledges and draws on the very different non-White historical perspectives and experiences to social policy implementation in the UK.

Research Methods

This module will develop students’ research literacy with a view to helping them understand where, why and how research was developed and its relationship to practice. It will focus on strengthening the knowledge, understanding and skills needed for students to proceed with their Capstone module at level 6. The module will help students to explore the Capstone options so that they can make informed decisions/choices.

Special Educational Needs and Disability

This module will enable students to develop an understanding and analysis of disability that builds on the concepts they engage with in 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ and ‘Understanding Discrimination’. The content of the module will be based on a human rights model and will encourage students to see issues relating to mental ill-health, physical and learning disabilities in their social, political and ideological context. The module will enable the students to understand that issues of special educational needs and disability are best understood through an anti-discriminatory, values-led approach and not via a diagnostic or medical perspective.

Strengths Based Practice

This module focuses on strengths-based approaches to working with children, young people, and families. It emphasizes the importance of identifying and building on the capacities, professional skills, and resources of individuals and communities to foster empowerment and resilience. Students will explore the theoretical foundations of strengths-based practice, evaluate its application in diverse contexts, and develop strategies to support collaborative, solution-focused interventions. They will also be introduced to models of professional reflection as a tool for assessing the continuous personal and professional contexts development of strengths-based practice.

Dissertation (optional)

This module provides students with the opportunity to research an area of particular interest. It enables students to apply knowledge about the issue or phenomena, selecting appropriate research methods and justifying their employment. The module promotes effective autonomous practice in the organisation and management of small-scale research project. This will be supported by a member of staff from the subject area with appropriate knowledge.

Professional Project (optional)

This module enables students to synthesize theoretical knowledge and practical insights, demonstrating their ability to engage in critical inquiry and produce actionable outcomes for professional practice. The focus is on addressing a key issue or area of interest within the field, underpinned by evidence-based research, and translating findings into a practical resource for use by practitioners or service users.

Safeguarding Children and Adults

This module will provide students with the opportunity to explore contemporary concerns that have served to shape policy and practice around safeguarding children, young people and adults. Students will explore current legislation and its implications for practice for all those working with, and therefore safeguarding, the young and vulnerable adults from a range of cultural backgrounds. Consideration will be given to the impact that abuse can have on the lives of victims and their families, and practice responses to working with them factoring in intersectional and multi-cultural awareness.

Critically Reflective Practice

This module provides students with the opportunity to critically reflect on their own volunteering or Continuous Professional Development practice experiences in the context of employability and working with children, young people, and families. It emphasizes the importance of reflective practice as a tool for professional development growth, ethical decision-making, and improving outcomes. Students will engage with key theories of reflection, critically evaluate their practice CPD and employability experiences, and develop strategies for ongoing Continuous personal and Professional Development.

Leading Change

Given the changing nature of children’s services in line with a neoliberal agenda and recent times of austerity, understanding both how organisations and communities function in a changing political and economic landscape is important. Therefore, students need to understand what social change is, how to bring it about locally in diverse communities to make systemic and lasting change. Furthermore, students need to develop skills in being proactive in leading social change from within.

Developing Effective Relationships

This module recognises that much of the work we do with children, young people and families is relational, and fostering effective relationships is essential. This module will provide students with the opportunity to explore theoretical and practical approaches to developing effective relationships with children, young people and families from multicultural backgrounds. Students will consider the aspects of best practice regarding the working alliance, ethical guidelines, pastoral care and the importance of support and supervision. Consideration will be given to the benefits and challenges of using creative approaches to work with groups and individuals.