MA FAMILY SUPPORT
STUDY THE UK’S ONLY MA FAMILY SUPPORT Do you find yourself asking questions about family support and the wider children’s services policy and practice agenda? Are you interested in the professional identity of family support practitioners and their role in early intervention and safeguarding? Would you like to further explore the relationship between practice and theory? If this sounds like you, then I invite you to join us on our MA Family Support programme which will allow you to develop critical reflection, pursue your interests, broaden your knowledge base and deepen your understanding. My own postgraduate learning and professional development has been pivotal in terms of career progression and published work, but perhaps more importantly, in terms of helping me to see beyond my practice context to engage with wider perspectives and debates. I hope to meet you soon and welcome you in person into our stimulating, friendly and supportive postgraduate community. Dr Sue Elmer Programme Co-ordinator for MA Family Support
About Leeds Trinity University A small university with a big reputation, Leeds Trinity University is renowned for teaching excellence and producing highly employable graduates. We’re proud to be known as the University where you’re a name, not a number, thanks to our commitment to ensuring everyone in our community, whatever their faith, feels supported and valued. Leeds Trinity has always been characterised by this sense of community spirit, offering a truly personalised university experience that enables students to flourish. Our reputation for teaching quality and excellence has been developed thanks to a commitment to delivering outstanding teaching, led by research, scholarship and practice. Our teaching staff have extensive professional experience in their fields and many are active researchers, contributing to our increasing reputation for research excellence.
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COURSE OVERVIEW Study the UK’s only postgraduate course in Family Support to acquire the academic and professional skills you need to manage and deliver effective family support. You’ll learn from research-active academics with extensive experience as social care and family support practitioners. They’ll work with you to help you develop effective practice in a range of settings – from social care and health, to education. The course is delivered by lecturers with diverse experiences of working in family support and children’s services. Their approach to learning and teaching is underpinned by theoretical knowledge, the latest research and contemporary issues facing family support. They’re well-connected with local employers who provide specialist services in family support and early help and regularly consult with them to ensure the course content meets the needs of the sector. We keep our class sizes small so we can give you the personal support you need to flourish – whether you’re already experienced in the area of family support, you want to change careers, or you’re a recent graduate. You’ll have the chance to complete work-based learning assessments, or we’ll work with you to arrange professional work placements as part of your course. By the time you graduate, you’ll have had the chance to critically reflect on your practice, learn from evidence-informed practice, and contribute to the development of practice knowledge in family support.
“My MA was very enriching, and the content was tailored to meet the needs of modern practitioners working with a variety of client groups in different capacities.” Mary Mathe National Probation Service Support Worker MA Family Support
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COURSE STRUCTURE The modules and delivery structure given below are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study. The MA Family Support can be studied on a full or part-time basis. Details of delivery of the full-time MA Family Support studied in one year are given below. For the latest information, including course structure for studying the MA Family Support on a part-time basis over two years, visit leedstrinity.ac.uk
Full-time – one year Term
Module
Contact hours
Term One September December
Introduction to Postgraduate Study of Childhood, Education and Family Support
Two evenings per week in term-time
Term Two January - March
Leading and Managing Family Support
Term Three March - June
Dissertation/Major Study (continued)
Research Methods for Childhood, Education and Family Support Two evenings per week in term-time
Dissertation/Major Study
Option modules: Supporting Social Development and Emotional Wellbeing in Children, Young People and Families or
Two evenings per week in term-time
Family Intervention Strategies in Practice
“Using the theoretical knowledge I have gained on this course, I am now able to communicate more effectively with parents in my current role. This course will enable me to access roles within the family support sector which were previously out of reach. In the future, I would like to become a family support worker within my local community.” Adil Ayoob Early Years Practitioner MA Family Support 4
Core modules Introduction to Postgraduate Study of Childhood, Education and Family Support Alongside those on other MA programmes, you will develop the foundations of Level 7 academic knowledge and skills, critically reflecting across both academic and professional contexts. You will learn about theoretical underpinnings, competing frameworks and approaches, and the implications for ethical and effective practice. Research Methods for Childhood, Education and Family Support This is a research methods module which prepares you for choosing a topic area and how you will research it. You’ll be allocated a research supervisor at the beginning of the programme, who will continue to work with you through to completion of your empirical dissertation or major study. Leading and Managing Family Support This module introduces key aspects of leadership of family support practice. You’ll be assessed by short blogs, a case study or a policy essay where you can negotiate your own assessment title. Dissertation or Major Study You can opt for either an empirical dissertation or a literature-based major study. This is an opportunity to work closely with a research-active supervisor, who can help you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of family support theory and practice. Your assessment is based on an individual presentation in early May, plus a completed dissertation or major study report in mid-September.
Option modules Supporting Social Development and Emotional Wellbeing in Children, Young People and Families You’ll be introduced to the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the need to develop therapeutic strategies that promote good emotional wellbeing in children and young people. This is an experiential module that aims to equip you with effective practice skills. Family Intervention Strategies in Practice During this module you will assess the needs and problems that children and their families face by examining the key factors of risk and vulnerability within the family context. You will also discuss the conflict between individual rights and family dynamics and evaluate effective intervention strategies and services in your own locality.
“The skills, knowledge and experience that Leeds Trinity has given me has provided a stable foundation for future success. I am now confident that I can secure a career in family support and make a positive change to families.” Nathaniel Andrews Specialist Learning Support Assistant MA Family Support
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LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT The MA Family Support offes an opportunity to develop your effective practice, underpinned by theoretical knowledge and current research. During your studies, you’ll learn through a wide range of activities, including group discussion, learning conversations, practitioner enquiry, workshops, practical tasks, seminars and independent study. Drawing on your own professional experiences and relevant research, you’ll contribute to and lead group activities. Reflective practice will be facilitated in taught sessions and supported by the use of action learning sets, tutorials and on-line forums. You’ll also have the opportunity to link theory to practice through practice-based exercises and significant time in the workplace and will be encouraged to take up placement opportunities. Placements can be organised with family support service providers to ensure that you have the opportunity to effectively embed your developing knowledge and skills in family practice.
Assessment We use both formative and summative assessments to give you ongoing feedback on the learning and understanding of family support theory and practice you develop throughout the course. Assessments will be directly related to your work context and professional role, ensuring that you can appreciate the relevance of your study while deepening your understanding of practice processes. A range of assessment methods will be used, which may include written essays, portfolios, presentations, work assignments and problem-solving exercises.
Entry requirements Leeds Trinity University is 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 main entry requirement for the MA Family Support is a good honours degree (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject area. You will also need to have six months’ experience of ongoing engagement in work with children, young people and families, or equivalent relevant paid or voluntary employment/work experience involving direct support of children, young people and families. You must also have the support and agreement of your employer (where applicable) and a satisfactory DBS certificate. For further information on our entry requirements, visit our website.
How to apply Applications for the MA Family Support are made online via our website. Please visit leedstrinity.ac.uk/postgraduate for the latest course information, including tuition fees, and to access the online application form. For more information about applying, contact our Admissions team at admissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk or on 0113 283 7123.
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WHY STUDY WITH US? The only MA Family Support in the UK
Work-based learning and professional placements
Our MA is the only one of its kind in the UK, designed in response to the increasing demand for family support professionals. An alternative to an MA Social Work, this MA gives you the chance to explore family support in a range of settings and develop the necessary leadership, research and evaluative skills to appreciate and contribute to evidence-informed practice.
If you’re already working in family and support, you’ll have the opportunity to complete work-based learning assessments with your existing employer. If not, we’ll work with you to arrange professional work placements with family support teams within local authority settings or in the voluntary or independent sector.
You’re a name, not a number Students who join our MA have a variety of backgrounds, from recent graduates to more experienced professionals from the sector looking to develop their knowledge. Our personalised approach will ensure you receive the support you need to thrive. You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who will take the time to get to know you and your learning needs. You’ll have one-to-one meetings before every assignment, as well as regular support to keep you on track with your studies. You’ll also learn collaboratively in small groups, which enhance your opportunities to input and consider others’ points of views.
You’ll learn from the experts
A flexible course that fits in with you Our MA is delivered by blended learning that’s designed to fit in with a full-time job. You will have a block induction (two evening sessions) prior to starting the course. You will then attend teaching sessions two evenings a week which include group seminars, lectures and one-to-one tutorials.
Receive an alumni discount If you studied your undergraduate degree at Leeds Trinity University, you may be eligible for a discount of up to 50% on the cost of your MA tuition fees. Visit leedstrinity.ac.uk/student-finance to find out more.
Our course is designed and delivered by active researchers at the forefront of their fields, with extensive experience as family support practitioners, registered social workers and psychologists. They’ll engage you with their research throughout the course and, where possible, we’ll match you with a personal dissertation tutor based on your specific interests within family support.
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Leeds Trinity University Horsforth Leeds, LS18 5HD 0113 283 7150 hello@leedstrinity.ac.uk Information correct at time of publication, October 2021. Please visit leedstrinity.ac.uk/postgraduate to review our latest course information before you make your application. The information in this booklet is available in alternative formats. Please call 0113 283 7150 or email hello@leedstrinity.ac.uk
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