Supporting Families and Communities Foundation Degree Full-time

Course Overview

Supporting Families and Communities Foundation Degree Full-time

The Supporting Families and Communities Foundation Degree, validated by Leeds Trinity University, is designed for professionals in roles supporting children and families. This work-based programme enhances skills and knowledge for careers in social, family, voluntary, charitable, or youth services. Students apply theory to practice, spending at least two days a week with an employer. It suits those in schools, children’s centres, or services for young people or those with specialist needs.

Modules

Modules are subject to change. Students will study a combination of core and option modules.

Year 1

Core modules:

  • Values and Roles of a Principled Professional

  • Theories of Learning and Development

  • Power, Inclusion and Diversity of Need

Students must choose one option module from:

  • Healthy Teams Supporting Healthy Children, Families and Communities

  • Creating an Ideal Play Environment

Year 2

Core modules:

  • Safeguarding and Promoting Wellbeing

  • Reflecting on Research Informed Practice

Students must choose one option module from:

  • Specialist Co-ordinator Roles

  • Behaviour and Learning in an Interconnected World

AND one option module from:

  • Risks, Rights and Social Justice in a Sustainable Society

  • Play and Early Learning

Located at: Church Street campus

Course Start: September 2025

Course length: 2 Years

Study Mode: Full-time

Course Code: HCHDCHFD

UCAS Course Code: SCFS

Apply via UCAS

Awarding Body:

leeds university logo

Course Fees and Funding

How much does the course cost?

Course fees: £6,995* per year for those that enrol in September 2025 (*subject to approval from the Office for Students).

Other funding information

As a Higher Education student living in England you may be eligible for the non-means tested Tuition Fee Loan from the Government and a Maintenance Loan.

Students with children or dependant adults may qualify for a Childcare Grant or Adult Dependants' Grant. Students can apply for these at the same time as applying for a Maintenance Loan.

Remember: Eligible students will not have to pay tuition fees in advance and can apply for the Maintenance Loan before they start the course.

Visit the Student Finance page on the Government website for further details and to apply.

We offer a service to any student who has a diagnosis of anything persistent or long-term which might interfere with how they study and manage their day-to-day academic engagement. The service is flexible and shaped around the needs of each individual; it might be consistent support or intermittent support.


For further information please visit the Disability and Dyslexia Service (DDS) web page for more information.

Course Content

At Barnsley College we are committed to recruiting students with talent and potential and who we feel will benefit greatly from their academic and non-academic experiences here. We treat every application on its own merits; we value highly the experience you illustrate in your personal statement.

  • You must have a Level 2 Literacy qualification e.g. GCSE English Language Grade C or 4, Functional Skills Level 2 (previously Key Skills Communication Level 2), Adult Literacy Level 2

  • You must have a full Level 3 qualification, e.g. A Levels, A Vocational Level 3 qualification, T Levels, BTEC National, NVQ3, Level 3 entry paper

  • You must have employer support and at least one year’s volunteering/working experience. Previous relevant work experience and learning may be accredited and assessed as part of the application process.

  • DBS Requirements: Applicants who are offered a place and accept will be contacted regarding the DBS application, which will be completed via an external company.

A variety of assessment methods are used, matched to the learning outcomes for your programme, allowing you to apply and demonstrate the full range of knowledge and skills that you have developed.

We recommend students bring their own laptop or tablet, along with pens, paper, and small stationery items.

Additional course costs may apply beyond tuition fees, including:
  • Books: Recommended and required reading lists will be provided. Books and e-books are available to borrow from the Library, but you may choose to purchase your own.
  • Print costs: Printing is available on campus for a small charge, with credit that can be topped up.

Foundation Degree

On successful completion of the foundation degree, you’ll be able to progress on to our top-up degree in supporting children, young people and families. This will lead to a full BA Honours degree after an additional year of study. You could progress in your current role, seek more specialist roles with children and young people, or expand into new areas of practice.

After completing the Foundation degree and the top-up, many of our students continue on to Masters Study in Family Support, MSc Psychology (Conversion) or a PGCE with QTS in Primary or Early Years Teaching.

Other Resources

For further details, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk

Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, the Sports Village, where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates.

Barnsley Sports Academy offers state-of-the-art facilities and diverse sports programs, enabling students to achieve academic and athletic excellence. Remember, you don't have to be studying Sport to join Barnsley Sports Academy.

Disclaimer: Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The course information on this page was last updated 26 March 2025.