Updated January 2013 – final version
The Open University BA Hons (Youth Work), the Foundation
Degree in Working with Young People and related
qualifications
Frequently Asked Questions – January 2013
This information is correct at the time of writing (January ‘13) and replaces all
previous versions
1.
What qualifications does the OU offer in the area of Work with Young
People?
The OU offers a series of qualifications in the area of work with young people.
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Certificate of Higher Education in Working with Young People (T15) (120
credits)
Foundation Degree in Working with Young People (X03) (240 credits)
Diploma of Higher Education in Working with Young People (W03) (240
credits)
BA (Hons) Youth Work (Q55) (360 credits)
Please note the above qualifications are the product of a new curriculum structure that is
being introduced from October 2013 (see point 6 below). These FAQs relate to the new
qualifications structure, although they may still be of use to ‘transitional’ students who are
more likely to be following the old qualification structure (see Appendices 1 and 2 for
relevant structure charts). Transitional students should be aware that time limits apply to
certain modules within the old structure which are to be (or already have been)
discontinued in the new structure. All transitional students have been written to advising
them of the changes to the qualifications structure and the time limits that apply, and they
should be reassured that there is still time for them to complete their studies according to
the old structure and to obtain any relevant professional qualifications. However, if
students would like the opportunity to discuss their own individual circumstances, then
they are advised to contact the central qualifications team (see point 30 below) for further
advice.
Finally, this set of FAQs primarily includes information relating to the Foundation Degree
in Working with Young People, however with the introduction of the BA (Hons) Youth
Work in response to changes in professional youth work training introduced in 2010,
students now have the opportunity to top up their studies to a full honours degree and so
relevant information relating to this new qualification is also included in this document.
2.
What are Foundation Degrees?
Foundation degrees are work-based learning degrees delivered by colleges, universities
and other training institutions working in partnership with employers. They are awarded by
universities ensuring the same quality as any other degree and provide the entry
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requirements you will need should you wish to progress to top-up the qualification by
undertaking the final year(s) of an honours degree. The study methods can be very
flexible, which means that they are available to people already in work, those wishing to
embark on a career change and to students who have completed level 3 qualifications
(e.g. A-levels, Advanced Apprenticeships or NVQ3). Formal qualifications are not always
necessary for entry onto a Foundation Degree. However, an individual’s existing
experience, achievements and focus on their desire to learn are taken into account.
Foundation degrees include large elements of work-based experience. They are sector
specific and are designed to give you the technical and academic knowledge and skills
that you will need for the work that you have chosen.
3.
What is The Open University Foundation Degree in Working with
Young People and who is it recognised by?
The Open University offers a Foundation Degree in Working with Young People (FD in
WWYP) which is currently recognised by the Children’s Workforce Development Council
(CWDC) as meeting the requirements for a Sector-Endorsed Foundation Degree.
From 2010, students intending to qualify with professional youth work status will need an
honours degree. The Open University’s BA (Hons) Youth Work replaces the foundation
degree as the professional qualification for those intending to become qualified youth
workers, and this qualification is recognised in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
and the Republic of Ireland:
http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualification/q55.htm
For those students currently studying towards the Foundation Degree in Working with
Young People, if you started studying one of the modules for this foundation degree
before September 2010, you will still achieve professional status with the Foundation
Degree in Working with Young People provided you complete within the eight-year time
limit.
All Working with Young People qualifications are part-time and are taught through a
combination of the OU’s long-established supported open learning method, and workbased learning. They include modules that involve a combination of home study and
practical activities to be undertaken in the workplace.
4.
Who is the degree for?
The Foundation Degree in Working with Young People (and the BA Hons Youth Work) will
be suitable for individuals working with young people, aged 13 to 19, in a range of
informal education settings. Examples of settings in which students might have worked (or
be working in) might be:






Youth clubs
Youth centres
Schools (informal education roles within a formal setting, e.g. Learning Mentors)
After school clubs
Scout/Guide groups
Detached/outreach work with young people
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
Specialist/advisory/support work with young people e.g. careers advice, sexual
health, drug or alcohol awareness programmes.
5. What is it about?
The Foundation Degree in Working with Young People and the BA (Hons) Youth Work
provide knowledge and skills required for working with young people in these settings.
The BA (Hons) Youth Work has now replaced the Foundation Degree as the new
qualification which provides professional youth worker status and as such is recognised in
England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The foundation degree is available to those living and working in Scotland as a Diploma of
Higher Education (W03).
6. What modules do I need to take to achieve the Working with Young People
qualifications?
The table below shows the structure of the Working with Young People qualifications and
how they relate to each other, as well as the individual modules students will need to
complete in order to qualify for the qualifications at each stage.
The Open University Working with Young People Qualifications – new
structure from 2013
Module
Credits
E108 (replacement for E131) – available
60 credits
for the first time from Oct 13
E118
60 credits
Certificate of Higher Education in Working with Young People (120 credits)
E212
60 credits
E218
60 credits
Foundation Degree in Working with Young People/Dip HE in Working with Young
People (240 credits)
EK313 – available for the first time from
60 credits
Feb 14
E318
60 credits
BA (Hons) in Youth Work (360 credits)
Please note the above shows a new structure for the Working with Young People
qualifications which is being introduced for the first time from October 2013, so any new
student registering for one of the Working with Young People qualifications in 2013 will be
following the above structure. Students who began studying with us before 2013 will be
following the ‘old’ structure (both old and new structures are attached for comparison in
appendices 1 and 2 to this document).
The foundation degree encompasses the Certificate of Higher Education in Working with
Young People, which is recognised on the Qualifications and Credit Framework at Level 4
and, subject to endorsement, will be recognised by the National Youth Agency as giving
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youth support worker status. Subject to endorsement, the CertHE will also be recognised
in Scotland as a pre-professional qualification. This certificate will suit those who want to
obtain an intermediate qualification.
7.
What is work based learning and what is the time needed for practice?
Work based learning is an important component of our qualifications, which recognises
the equal importance of academic study and learning within a student’s work role. There
are 2 work-based learning modules in the Foundation Degree in Working with Young
People and a further 60 credit Level 3 work-based learning module in the BA (Hons)
Youth Work as follows:
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E118 Introduction to Working with Young People in Practice (60 credits at Level 1)
E218 Leading Work with Young People in Practice (60 credits at Level 2)
E318 Youth: policy in practice (60 credits at Level 3)
The work-based learning modules within the Foundation Degree and Honours Degree
provide opportunities for combining academic study and practice. These modules offer the
student the opportunity to demonstrate their level of achievement in both of these areas
and to gain academic credit for their work-based experiences.
For E118 and E218 students need to be working directly with young people for a total of
at least 135 hours (paid or unpaid) during each module. They also need to spend a further
84 hours planning and evaluating their work with young people.
If this is spread out evenly over the 9 months of the module, then that will mean spending
about 5 hours per week working directly with young people, plus 3 hours planning and
evaluating that work. Of course, some students will not have the same contact time every
week, and these figures can be treated as averages. However, their contact with young
people must be regular rather than sporadic. For example, if a student had less than
15 hours contact with young people in a month, then that would be a cause for concern as
they may not be able to complete their assignments.
Students need to work in two different settings by the time they complete their Foundation
Degree or Honours Degree. So, on E218, at least 90 hours of the required face-to-face
time (135 hours) must be in a setting that is different from the one used on E118. Within
this second setting, students need to have exposure to: different structures and
arrangements within the workplace; a programme of work which is new and challenging;
and a different line manager. In the year between taking these two modules, students may
well have moved to a new context and a new organisation and hence can satisfy this
requirement easily. If not, they will need to gain access to a different context for their work
on the second work based learning module. Within large organisations students may be
able to negotiate a period of work in a different context which lies within the same
organisation. Those students for whom this is not possible are encouraged to contact
local employers or voluntary organisations that may be able to offer them the opportunity
to work (either paid or unpaid) in an alternative working environment with young people.
For help with finding an alternative working environment, students are also encouraged to
seek advice via the Transitions Forum which is available via the following link:
http://learn.open.ac.uk/mod/forumng/view.php?id=397705&direct=1
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It remains the student’s responsibility to secure a suitable practice environment for the
second work based learning module.
On E318, the requirement for contact with young people is higher and you must have 174
hours of face-to-face contact over the duration of the module or about 6 hours per week.
In order to support this face-to-face work, you will also need to devote an additional four
and a half hours per week (or 118 hours in total) to planning and evaluating this work.
8.
How does the work based learning work?
The framework for the work-based learning modules E118 Introduction to Working with
Young People in Practice, E218 Leading Work with Young People in Practice and E318
Youth: policy in practice incorporates support at a number of levels. This includes:

Module materials that systematically support the student in linking their academic
and work-based knowledge;

A module website via the WWYP website that provides access to up-to-date
information about national and occupational standards as well as access to digital
versions of module materials and computer forums;

An academic tutor (called an Associate Lecturer or AL) who will fulfil the normal
academic role, including marking your assignments and offering academic support.

Support from the student’s employer who will be asked to take on a number of
roles that will help to support the student’s work based learning.
NB: Students also have support during the ‘gap’ between modules via the Transition
Forum which enables students to access pre-module support with respect to supporting
the student in making the arrangements for work-based learning. The link to the forum
can be found under Point 7 on page 4 above.
9.
How is the employer expected to support the student?
The student will be expected to negotiate with their employer to provide support for their
learning and professional development. By employer we mean the person or an institution
which has employer insurance liability, which pays the student’s wage/salary (if
applicable), a national insurance contribution and gives the student benefits in accordance
with a contract of employment or volunteer agreement. The student will normally expect
this support to be from their line manager, area co-ordinator or person responsible for
their work and he or she will be required to confirm their overall approval for the student to
use the work context as part of their OU module. Students are required to secure
permission from their employer to participate in the module i.e. that they have successfully
passed through selection and induction processes and that they are working in a face to
face role with young people. The employer is asked to confirm this and also that a suitable
Disclosure and Barring service check (or an appropriate check relevant to the country in
which the student is studying and/or working) has been successfully completed.
Employers will be required to undertake a number of key roles or tasks in supporting the
student:-
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
A Confirmer in the student’s workplace who will sign to confirm that the evidence
submitted by the student related to their practice is based on work that they have
undertaken within their workplace. In most cases, the confirmer will be the
student’s line manager but it could also be a senior colleague who is familiar with
the work of the student. The confirmer is not required to pass judgement as to the
quality of this work or its suitability for academic use.

An Observer in the student’s workplace who will carry out one direct observation of
the student’s practice during each work based learning module, with the exception
of the Level 3 work-based learning module (E318) which does not require an
observation. The observer should be a more senior colleague who is JNC qualified
with a minimum of two years’ post-qualifying experience. In most cases, the most
suitable person will be the student’s line manager but local arrangements may
need to be made if the student does not have a suitably qualified person in the
organisation to carry out this role. There will be some advice on the
website/transition forum as to how the student might go about finding a suitable
person and ALs may be able to help with their local knowledge. As a last resort, the
University may be able to provide an observer for the student from a pool of
qualified associate lecturers but a local contact is preferable.

A Supervisor, ideally in their own organisation, who will help the student develop
their understanding of their practice and to explore their own values. The
supervisor must be JNC-qualified with a minimum of two years’ post-qualifying
experience. In most cases, the most suitable person will be the student’s line
manager but where the line manager is not qualified, it will be necessary to call on
another JNC-qualified colleague from within the organisation, or from another
organisation. Where small or perhaps voluntary organisations with lack of qualified
staff are not able to provide a suitable supervisor, the student will be required to
attempt to secure an alternative supervisor from another organisation. There will be
some advice on the website/transition forum as to how the student might go about
finding a suitable person and ALs may be able to help with their local knowledge.
As a last resort, the University may be able to provide professional supervision
from a pool of qualified associate lecturers but a local contact is preferable.
The work-based learning modules will involve completing a number of assignments based
upon the student’s practice in their work role(s). Students will be required to undergo an
observation of their practice by a qualified member of staff for the work-based learning
modules at Levels 1 and 2 and participation in a compulsory day school will be expected.
At Level 3, no observation of practice is required and although a day school is offered, it is
optional.
10.
The work based learning modules appear
requirements and arrangements: where can
more?
to have complex
students find out
All students registering for the first module in the programme, E108 Working with Young
People: an introduction will be sent a copy of the Guide to Studying Working with Young
People qualifications. This guide includes information about the work based learning
modules. However, if prospective students need to find out more specific information
about the work based learning modules before registering for the qualification, they can
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access a copy of the Work-based Learning Handbook via the Working with Young People
Common Resources website or, if not a registered student, on the Childhood and Youth
Studies programme website (www.open.ac.uk/cys). This handbook provides an
introduction to the three work based learning modules and it explains the role of work
based learning within the programme and the part that it plays in student’s professional
formation. It also provides comprehensive details of the requirements of the workplace for
these three modules. The handbook is available for students to view on the Working with
Young People website prior to registration on the work based learning modules and then it
is provided again in hard copy as part of the first module mailing. Students are required to
show this handbook to their employer and to discuss the requirements with them and they
are strongly advised to do this before they register on any of the work based learning
modules.
11.
What are the entry requirements?
Students entering the foundation degree or honours degree are very strongly advised to
begin their studies with the first module E108 Working with Young People: an introduction.
Students who begin E108 are not required to have experience of working with young
people and they are not required to be currently practising, however by the time they enrol
on the first Level 1 work-based learning module E118 Introduction to working with young
people in practice, they will need to be working with young people for a minimum number
of hours per week (see para below) and confirm that they have six months experience of
working with young people, aged 13 to 19, for one session (2-3 hours) per week or
equivalent in an informal education setting during the last 3 years. This experience will
need to be confirmed as part of the entry checks for E118.
During the work-based learning modules at Levels 1 and 2 (i.e. E118 and E218) students
must be working directly with young people, in either a paid or unpaid capacity, in an
informal education setting, for a minimum of 5 hours a week during the module. Students
also need to factor in 3 hours planning and evaluating this work per week over the period
of the module (October to June). Where the student does not have the same contact time
each week, this figure can be treated as an average but the contact must be on a regular
rather than a sporadic basis i.e. 135 hours over the duration of the course but a minimum
of 15 hours each month.
For entry onto E218 Leading work with young people in practice, students must have
completed E118 beforehand and also they must meet the additional Level 2 work-based
requirement of working in an alternative setting for 90 out of the 135 hours throughout the
module.
For the Level 3 work-based learning module E318 Youth: policy in practice, the minimum
number of hours that students need to be working with young people per week increases
to 6 hours and 4.5 hours for planning and evaluation; this equates to 174 hours over the
duration of the module. For entry onto E318, students must have completed E118 and
E218 beforehand.
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12.
I am a parent of a young person – can I study for the Foundation
Degree or BA (Hons) Youth Work?
Students will need to meet the requirements specified in point 11 above and be working in
a relevant informal education setting either as a paid or unpaid employee (see also point
4).
13. Can I study for the Foundation Degree or Honours Degree on the basis of
previous experience in youth work or other informal education setting, or
must I be currently working in a relevant profession?
Students will need some recent experience before they start the first Level 1 work-based
learning module (see point 11). They will also need access to a relevant setting (which is
a prerequisite for study for the work-based learning modules) in order to draw on current
experience (see points 7 and 11).
14. What is meant by an informal education setting?
Examples are youth clubs, youth centres, youth sport clubs, Scouts, Guides, detached
and outreach work with young people, after school clubs (see points 4 and 15 below). It
does not include formal teaching in schools or colleges with this age group, although
many of our students have informal education roles within a formal education
environment, e.g. learning mentors.
15. How will it benefit my career?
The OU’s BA (Hons) Youth Work and associated qualifications have been designed to
take the student through a process of professional formation which ultimately leads to a
professional qualification in Youth Work (currently recognised in England, Wales,
Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland). The Foundation Degree in
Working with Young People is currently Sector Endorsed by the Children’s Workforce
Development Council. Achievement of a professional qualification will give the student
access to a wide range of careers and occupations requiring a JNC (or equivalent)
recognised qualification and it will also give access to the higher pay scales within these
occupations.
Sector endorsed foundation degrees such as the OU’s Foundation Degree in Working
with Young People have been endorsed and recognised by employers who hold the
qualification in high regard. The sector includes a wide range of organisations which
provide services for young people. These services are those concerned with the
engagement, assessment, development, support and guidance of young people.
Organisations providing these services may be in the public, private, voluntary or
community sectors. They include Youth Services, Careers Guidance, Education Welfare,
Learning Mentors and Young People’s charitable organisations. The Foundation Degree
in Working with Young People will provide the initial education and training needed to
work with young people in any/all of these contexts.
The Foundation Degree in Working with Young People includes a 120-credit Certificate of
Higher Education in Working with Young People. You will need to complete both E108
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Working with young people: an introduction and E118 Introduction to Working with Young
People in Practice to be eligible for this qualification. This qualification is recognised on
the Qualifications and Credit Framework at Level 4 and, subject to endorsement, will also
be recognised by the National Youth Agency as a Youth Support Worker qualification.
Subject to endorsement by the Standards Council for Community Learning and
Development (CLD) we also hope that it will be recognised as a pre-professional
qualification in Scotland. This initial qualification enables Youth Support Workers to assist
in work with young people under direction from a more experienced Youth Support
Worker and/or a Youth Worker and is a stepping stone towards further professional
development.
16. How long will it take?
The Open University BA (Hons) Youth Work is equivalent to three years’ full-time study or
360 credits and the time limit for completion is 10 years. The Foundation Degree in
Working with Young People is equivalent to two years’ full time study or 240 credits and
the time limit for completion is 8 years. The award of Cert HE in Working with Young
People which is 120 credits can take a minimum of 9 months to a maximum period of 4
years.
It is important that students take note of the time limits applied to these qualifications to
ensure that they do not run out of time in which to complete their qualification.
NB: Please note that the time limits applying to these qualifications relate to the new
qualifications structure being introduced for the Working with Young People curriculum
area from 2013. Time limits will also apply for transitional (aka continuing students)
students studying according to the ‘old academic framework’ and who are most likely to
be studying according to the original WWYP qualification structure (see Appendix 2).
17. Where could I go next?
Initially the Working with Young People programme only consisted of the Certificate and
Foundation pathways but since 2010 a Level 3 top-up route has been introduced to
enable students to continue their studies with the BA (Hons) Youth Work (Q55). The two
modules that complete the top-up route are: EK313 Research with children and young
people (a new module available for the first time from February 2014) and E318 Youth:
policy in practice (available for next presentation from October 2013). So we very much
hope that students who have completed their Foundation Degree in Working with Young
People will consider ‘topping up’ to the BA (Hons) Youth Work by studying a further two
Level 3 courses. Alternatively, students who have achieved a professional qualification
elsewhere may be interested in applying for credit transfer into the programme to enable
them to ‘top up’ to an honours degree. Further details are available on the university’s
credit transfer website: http://www3.open.ac.uk/credit-transfer/index.shtm.
For those students who began studying after September 2010, and who require a
professional qualification in youth work, they will need to complete the honours degree in
full in order to become fully qualified.
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Students also have the option of topping up to a BA (Hons) in Childhood and Youth
Studies but students should note that this degree does not confer a professional
qualification in youth work.
For further information see point 30 below.
18. When do modules start?
All except one of the modules in the programme start each year in October. EK313 will
however start each year in February.
19. What will it cost?
Government changes in policy and funding in HE came into effect in October 2012 and
since then, there have been significant changes in the way that OU students register and
pay for their studies, however there are significant variations between the policies relating
to HE funding operating across the different UK nations.
Part-time students such as those at the OU are now eligible to apply for student loans in
England, however in order to do so they now need to register for a qualification rather
than an individual module (although many self-funded students can still choose to study
modules individually and not as part of a qualification). Students who need a loan to fund
their studies do not need to pay for their qualifications upfront and loans can be applied
for through the Student Loans Company. OU study advisers are available to answer
students’ queries about fees and loans and students are strongly advised to seek advice
(see link below).
Despite changes to funding and fee levels, studying for a degree with the Open University
will still be considerably cheaper than studying for a degree at other universities. Existing
students are eligible for transitional funding, which means that they are able to continue
their studies and pay fees according to the original fee structure that was operating pre2012. Below is a link to a website which provides detailed information about these
changes and we would strongly encourage you to read through this information,
particularly if you had been thinking about taking a gap in your study, as there is a cut-off
point for transitional funding.
http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualification/ways-to-pay/index.htm
All students, assuming they register early enough, will have the facility to pay via an Open
University Student Budget Account (OUSBA) which enables students to spread the cost
of the module(s) across a number of months. Approximate fees for the degree(s) in
2012/13 are £10,000 for the FD in Working with Young People and £15,000 for the BA
(Hons) Youth Work, but please note these sums are a guide only as fees are likely to be
subject to annual inflation.
If you have any queries about your situation with respect to student fees which you would
like to discuss further, you are welcome to contact the Student Registration and Enquiry
Service (SRS) on 0845 300 60 90.
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20. Do I need support or permission from my employer?
Yes: in order to be able to complete the work based modules (E118, E218 and E318)
students must have permission from their employer to explore and report on their own
practice within their work setting. Thus, students must have their support in order to
complete the work-based parts of the degree (see Sections 7 and 9). This will be checked
as part of the pre-registration ‘Agreement Form’ during registration.
21.
Do I need a criminal records check?
If students plan to work in informal education settings with young people they will need to
meet the ‘fit person’ criteria for doing so, including obtaining the necessary clearance from
the Disclosure and Barring Service (on 1 December 2012 the Criminal Records Bureau
and Independent Safeguarding Authority merged to become the Disclosure and Barring
Service). It is the responsibility of the student and their employer to ensure that the
student meets these requirements, rather than the OU. The student’s employer will be
required to confirm that a suitable D&B check (or equivalent) has been successfully
completed as part of the pre-registration Agreement Form which is included in the
registration documentation for the work-based learning modules. Prospective students
should contact their local registration and inspection authority (usually the local Social
Services Department) if they are in doubt about their eligibility, or to find out more.
22. How is the degree assessed?
A range of assessment methods will be used including written assignments, end of
module assessments or a formal examination. Within the work-based learning modules,
with the exception of E318, the assignments will include an observation of students’
practice and evidence that students present of the development of their practice against
the relevant learning outcomes. In E212 and E318 there is an examination at the end of
the module.
23. Do I have to study the modules within the Foundation Degree or Honours
Degree in any particular order?
Students are strongly advised to complete the modules in the specified order. We
strongly recommend that students take E108 Working with young people: an introduction
before E118 Introduction to Working with Young People in Practice.
E118 has been written on the assumption that the student has already completed E108
(or equivalent study) and materials from E108 will be drawn on extensively throughout the
module. We therefore strongly recommend that any student completes E108 (or any
equivalent study) before starting E118.
E118, the first work based learning module (or equivalent module from another institution)
must be studied before E218, the second work based learning module i.e. it is a
prerequisite that it is studied first. Similarly, students moving onto E318 must have studied
E118 and E218 beforehand.
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It is theoretically possible for students to study a work-related module like E108 and a
work-based learning module like E118 concurrently, especially if they are keen to achieve
a qualification more quickly; however, students who wish to do this are strongly
encouraged to seek advice beforehand because of the significant workload implications
involved and also because each work-based learning module assumes prior completion of
the predecessor work-related modules (or equivalent study).
Students should note that E212 does not make any assumptions about the student’s
knowledge from E108, E118, or E218. It can therefore be taken at any stage although it
does make assumptions about a student’s ability to study at this level and so students
who are new to study at this level are advised to start with Level 1 modules or an
Openings/Access module.
24. How do I study?
The Open University uses a proven method of learning called Supported Open Learning,
designed for people studying in their own time. All module materials are included in the
student fee. These may include the main teaching text (which may be delivered either in
print or online), other supplementary materials, audio and video material available via
module websites, which will also include a facility for electronic communication through
forums. From the start we will put students in touch with their nearest OU regional centre
(we have 13 local offices around the UK). Students will be allocated a personal tutor (or
Associate Lecturer or AL) with whom they can talk by phone, via email or during online or
face to face (where provided) tutorials. Students will also have opportunities to meet and
exchange ideas with other students at day schools on the work-based learning modules.
A student’s Associate Lecturer will help students to keep their studies on track and to
progress with confidence.
Students moving onto work based learning modules will be encouraged to post any premodule queries to the Transition Forum (see point 7 on page 4 above for link) which
provides students with additional support in managing preparations for work based
learning in the gap between modules.
Please note study of E318, the final Level 3 module in the honours degree qualification, is
wholly on-line and no printed materials will be sent so regular access to a computer is
essential.
25. What do I need?
For all four professional modules (E108, E118, E218 and E318) within the Honours
Degree, students will need to have regular access to a computer either at home or in their
place of work (which meets The Open University minimum specification, eg Internet
connection); this will enable students to use websites associated with modules that make
up the degree. For all modules within the degree, there will be online forums (or other
synchronous forms of communication such as Elluminate) providing students with another
way to contact their tutor and also other students. Students will also be able to contact
their AL by phone or email.
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26. Is there any work to do before the degree starts?
If students are new to OU study, they might find it helpful to undertake some preparatory
reading and/or study prior to starting their first module on the qualification. Take a look at
some of the resources below as a starting point:
New to OU Study: an introduction to the OU and its study methods, plus sign-posting to
resources for students to start their study:
http://www.open.ac.uk/learning/new/
Skills for OU Study: study skills activities and resources to develop effective study
techniques: http://www.open.ac.uk/skillsforstudy/
Planning your Studies: points to consider when planning a programme of study, including
having to make changes: http://www.open.ac.uk/learning/planning-studies/index.htm
Preparing for your Assignments: tips on getting an assignment under way:
http://www.open.ac.uk/skillsforstudy/assignments.php
Assessment: all about assessment matters. Explains substitution rules and lets students
use an ‘assessment calculator’ to work out whether they are likely to pass the module
using OCAS (this is the overall continuous assessment score calculated from all available
assignment scores prior to substitution):
http://www.open.ac.uk/assessment/index.php (only available for some courses)
Students may also like to practise their study skills by working through The Good Study
Guide by Andrew Northedge.
Alternatively, it may be advisable for students to take one of the University’s 15 credit
introductory Openings modules which are ideal for people who wish to build their
confidence and brush up on their learning skills. They provide a gentle introduction to OU
study and are good preparatory modules for further Level 1 study. The recommended
Openings module for those intending to study Working with Young People qualifications is
Y176 Understanding Children and Young People. For further information on Openings
modules, visit:
http://www.open.ac.uk/study/explained/study-explained/our-range-courses/openingscourses
In addition to the Openings modules, from October 2013, a new Access to Success Route
will be available for those students who would benefit from further preparation before
embarking on academic study at HE level. This new curriculum will comprise three
modules, each 30 credits at level 0 as follows:
Y031 Starting with the Arts and Languages
Y032 Understanding people, work and society
Y033 Starting with Science, technology and maths
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Updated January 2013 – final version
The recommended Access module for Working with Young People students will be Y032
Understanding people, work and society.
WWYP-specific preparation:
There is no essential preparatory work before the degree starts but it is suggested that
students locate and become familiar with the policy and curriculum documents for their
local area and for the informal education setting in which they work. Reading publications
such as Children and Young People Now will allow students to acquaint themselves with
current educational issues in the sector.
Finally, we assume that students can use a computer and can word process as the use of
a computer is compulsory on all modules within the degree programme. Guidance on how
to get started in using a computer is available to all students in the Computing Guide on
the Studenthome website when they sign up for a qualification/module. The Computing
Guide includes information about how to install any necessary software and how to use
OU online systems.
27. I live outside England – can I study for the Foundation Degree or Honours
Degree?
The qualifications are only appropriate if students are working in England, Northern
Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and
British Forces Post Office (BFPO) addresses outside the UK.
Students with the BA (Hons) Youth Work professional qualification will find this
qualification recognised within England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the
Republic of Ireland.
28. How do I register for the Foundation Degree or Honours Degree?
When students register to study with us, they will be asked to indicate which qualification
they are interested in studying, following which they will be registered on that qualification.
Once registered on the qualification, students will subsequently choose modules linked to
that qualification via the ‘Module Chooser’. Below are the different WWYP qualifications
available:
Certificate of Higher Education in Working with Young People (T15)
Foundation Degree in Working with Young People (X03)
Diploma of Higher Education in Working with Young People (W03)
BA (Hons) Youth Work (Q55)
Note: students whose stated award intention is a Foundation Degree/DipHE or BA (Hons)
Youth Work are unable to claim lower level qualifications en route without changing their
award intention under the new academic framework. This is currently an issue being
taken up with the university, but students should consider carefully which is the most
suitable qualification for them and they are advised to consult study advisers as
appropriate.
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Updated January 2013 – final version
Students should contact the Student Registration and Enquiry Service in order to register
on 0845 300 60 90.
29. Can I use credit towards the degree from modules that I have
previously completed elsewhere?
A credit transfer scheme for the BA (Hons) Youth Work, the Foundation Degree in
Working with Young People and the Cert HE in Working with Young People is available.
For further information about credit transfer, visit the website at:
http://intranet.open.ac.uk/studentservices/ct/index.php
[Please note that the fast track APEL routes for the two work-related modules E131 and
E132 in the old qualification structure are (or already have been) being discontinued in the
new structure. The final presentation of EZL132 for transitional students is 15B. Currently
there are no plans to introduce a fast track APEL route for any modules within the new
structure].
30. I need more detailed advice – who can I speak to?
Students are welcome to contact the central qualifications team for advice via the
following ways:
FELS-WWYP@open.ac.uk
01908 654218
Julia Platt
WWYP Qualifications Manager
Encl:
Appendix 1 – New Qualifications Structure [from October 2013]
Appendix 2 – Old Qualifications Structure [pre October 2013]
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Updated January 2013 – final version
Appendix 1
New structure of the WWYP Qualifications (from October 2013
BA (Hons) Youth Work
(professional JNC
qualification from 2010)
Foundation Degree in
Working With Young
People (sector
endorsed)/DipHE in
Working with Young
People
Certificate of Higher
Education in Working
With Young People –
Youth Support Worker
qualification
E108 (60)
Working with young
people: an introduction
E118 (60)
Introduction to Working
with Young People in
Practice
Level Two
(120 points)
E218 (60)
Leading Work With
Young People
in Practice
E212 (60)
Childhood
Level Three
(120 points)
EK313 (60)
Research with children
and young people
E318 (60)
Youth: Policy in Practice
Level One
(120 points)
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Updated January 2013 – final version
Appendix 2
Old structure of the WWYP Qualifications (pre-October 2013)
Certificate in Working
With Young People –
Youth Support Worker
qualification
BA (Hons) Youth Work
(professional JNC
qualification from 2010)
Foundation Degree in
Working With Young
People (sector
endorsed)/DipHE in
Working with Young
People
E131 (30)
Introduction to
Working with Young
People or EZL131
(fast track APEL route)
[now discontinued]
Level One
(120 points)
E118 (60)
Introduction to Working
with Young People in
Practice
E132* (30)
Leading Work with
Young People or
EZL132 (fast track
APEL route)
*E132 and EZL132 to
be discontinued from
14J and 15B
respectively
Level Two
(120 points)
E218 (60)
Leading Work With
Young People
in Practice
U212/E212 (60)
Childhood
Level Three
(120 points)
KE308 (60)
Youth: Perspectives
and Practice [final
presentation 13B]
E318 (60)
Youth: Policy in Practice
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Updated January 2013 – final version
18