Residential Work (Children's)

Entry requirements

GCSE at grade 4 or above (or grade C or above for GCSEs taken before 2017) in English Language or equivalent qualification, e.g. Functional/Key skills Level 2 in literacy.

Months of entry

January

Course content

Immerse yourself in a programme that will develop your leadership skills and therapeutic care expertise while you work in a residential setting

Gain knowledge and skills grounded in evidence-based practices while developing your career working with young people. This employment-based course is aimed at those working in full-time or part-time roles with children in a residential settings looking to enhance their practice.

To ensure this course reflects the most pressing needs of children in residential care, we engaged with broader stakeholder groups, getting input from local authorities, commissioning groups, government representatives, and those involved in children's social care.

Whether you’re a first-time practitioner or an aspiring manager, a Graduate Diploma in Residential Work is an important step in your career. We’ll focus on deepening your understanding of children’s needs and enhancing your practical skills to excel in your role.

This is not a typical university course. We know that practical and relational skills are pivotal for residential workers, so we’ve created a course that reflects this. You'll collaborate in vibrant spaces to connect, share knowledge, and learn from peers. Your assessments will reflect this approach, offering you opportunities to immerse yourself in virtual and augmented reality scenarios and have your skills evaluated in dynamic, real-world settings.

We are ambitious about improving quality in residential care by developing a highly-skilled workforce, equipped to support children with complex needs. By applying your learning to your day-to-day work, you will enhance your practice using social pedagogy. With a growing demand for specialist practitioners, this advanced qualification forms a valuable step towards furthering your career in residential care.