Working with Children, Young People and Families

Working with children, young people, and families is a degree rooted in values of social justice and equality, examining the lives of young people and the social and institutional contexts that shape their wellbeing and opportunities. It draws on sociology, psychology, social policy, and education to develop a thorough understanding of childhood and youth as social experiences, and it prepares graduates to work effectively and ethically with children, young people, and families in a range of professional settings. The discipline asks serious questions about rights, vulnerability, power, and what it means to provide genuine support.

At Birmingham City University, this three-year full-time degree equips you with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed for professional practice in settings including education, social care, health, youth work, and community organisations. The course is described as having social justice and equality at its heart, reflecting its orientation towards understanding and challenging the inequalities that affect children's lives and developing professionals who can work with sensitivity, rigour, and ethical commitment. You will engage with child development, family dynamics, safeguarding, policy frameworks, and the research evidence that guides effective practice, developing both theoretical understanding and practical professional skills.

Graduates from this programme go on to work in a wide range of settings, including schools and early years provision, children's social care, family support services, youth organisations, health settings, and the voluntary sector. Common roles include youth worker, family support worker, early years practitioner, education support worker, and community development officer. Many graduates also pursue further training or postgraduate study to qualify in social work, teaching, play therapy, or educational psychology, deepening their expertise for specialist professional roles with children, young people, and families.