Home » Courses » Supporting Families and Communities Foundation Degree Full-time
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. You 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: Barnsley College University Centre
Course Start:
September 2026
Study Mode: Full-time
Course Code: HCHDCHFD
UCAS Course Code: SCFS
Validated by:
Course Fees and Funding
How much does the course cost?
£6,995 per year.
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.
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.
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.
The following information is designed to give you a general overview of the qualifications we accept. If you are taking qualifications that are not included below, please contact our Admissions Office who will be happy to advise you.
You must have:
a Level 2 Literacy qualification e.g. GCSE English Language Grade C/4; Level 2 Functional Skills (previously Key Skills Communication Level 2); or Adult Literacy Level 2.
a full Level 3 qualification e.g. A Levels; a Vocational Level 3 qualification e.g. CACHE Diploma; T Level; BTEC National; NVQ Level 3; or Level 3 entry paper.
Employer support
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.
We advise students to bring their own laptop or tablet device to taught sessions to help with note taking and research. You will need to bring pens paper and your own small stationery items.
We advise students that there may be additional course costs in addition to annual tuition fees. These include:
Books: recommended and required reading lists will be provided at the start of your course. All the books and e-books are available from our Library to borrow but you may choose to purchase your own.
Print costs: students have access to a number of printers on campus and there is a small charge for printing. Printing credit can be topped up on campus.
Paper, pens, files and books
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 January 2026.
Are you applying to study at Barnsley College University Centre only?
If you only wish to apply to Barnsley College University Centre, you can apply directly via our website, using OnTrack.
Simply select the course you wish to apply for and click the “Apply direct” button.
You will then be asked to complete an online application form and create your Barnsley College OnTrack account.
You will need to upload your qualification certificates and a form of ID. Once you have applied, your application will be reviewed by a course lecturer and you may be invited in for an interview.
Are you applying to more than one institution?
If you would like to apply to more than one university, you will be required to apply via the UCAS website.
As a general guide, applications can be made via UCASbetween September and late January.Please check the UCAS website for further information.
We do consider applications throughout the year, although the earlier you submit, the earlier you will receive a decision and can start to plan accordingly.
The UCAS Code for Barnsley College University Centre is: B13.
