Working with Children, Families and Communities

Working with children, families and communities is a degree that prepares you for the broad landscape of public service, voluntary and community roles that support the wellbeing, development and rights of children, young people and families in diverse social contexts. It draws on child development, social policy, sociology, psychology and community development to build a rounded understanding of the factors that shape children's lives and the interventions and services that can make a positive difference. The title reflects the scope of practice the degree prepares you for, which spans schools, early years settings, youth services, family support and community organisations.

At Anglia Ruskin University this three-year, full-time programme provides both the academic grounding and the practical experience needed to work effectively in these settings. You will study child development and wellbeing, family dynamics, safeguarding, social inequality, community development, policy frameworks for children's services and the reflective practice skills that characterise effective professional work with vulnerable people. Work placements are central to the programme, giving you direct experience in the kinds of organisations where graduates typically work.

A part-time route is also available for those who need to balance study with existing commitments, covering the same content in a flexible structure.

Graduates pursue careers as early years practitioners, family support workers, children's services workers, youth workers, community development workers, playworkers, and in roles within schools as teaching assistants or learning mentors. The degree also provides a foundation for further study and professional qualification in social work, teaching, educational psychology, counselling and health visiting. The combination of child development knowledge, social policy understanding and practical professional skills the degree develops is valued across the many organisations that work with children and families in the public and voluntary sectors.