Working with Children, Families and Communities [with Foundation Year]

Prepare for a career working with children, families and communities, in settings that combine education, wellbeing and social care.

Gain real-world experience and learn how to support children's mental health and wellbeing on our Working with Children, Families and Communities degree in Chelmsford.

During your studies you’ll unpick issues of social justice, inclusion, diversity, and equality and understand how to support a diverse range of people. You’ll develop your ability to critically reflect on experiences, as well as a broad and balanced societal view supported by theoretical knowledge and research evidence.

The Government’s aspiration is for different services to work together in a more integrated way to support children, young people and their families. Numerous services, from education to social care, can play a part in doing this – and our course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to pursue a career in these areas.

By studying BA (Hons) Working with Children, Families and Communities at ARU, you'll develop knowledge and skills in four key areas: education, social work, community support, and research. You’ll learn alongside teaching and social work students, from staff who are qualified practitioners in both these fields.

It's important to us that you graduate as a well-rounded individual, so we put in place the support and tools you need to succeed. We’ll give you the opportunities to flourish as an autonomous, active learner; make sure you benefit from ongoing feedback; and offer personalised teaching approaches and resources based on learners' needs, interests, and experiences.

Whichever option you choose, we’ll equip you with the knowledge and skills to enter an ever-changing workplace – and really make a difference to the people you work with.

At ARU, you’ll be supported from day one with wellbeing services, money advice and careers guidance to help you through university and beyond.

Their courses are built around the skills and experience employers value. ARU are proud to be in the top 20% of UK universities for teaching quality (TEF 2023), and ranked #1 in the East of England, and #8 in the UK, for UG graduates in senior roles 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025). You'll have access to fantastic facilities thanks to £95m of investment - think SuperLabs, TV studios, law courts, mock hospital wards, gaming studios and more.

Wherever you're heading, ARU will help you get there.