FHEQ level

This course is set at Level 7 (Masters) in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

Course Aims

Key developments in national policy have led to the reconfiguration and integration of public services at central and local government level. A new set of challenges have emerged for those now leading and managing multi-disciplinary 'Integrated Children's Services'. This has had implications for the induction, training, support, continuing professional development and career pathways of integrated children's services managers across all levels of Children and Young Peoples' Trust arrangements. Championing Children (DfES, 2006) clarifies how leaders and managers are needed who 'can build teams competent and confident in this (integrated) means of service delivery; who will put the child and family first; who can lead those from outside their own area of expertise; who can manage resources in new ways: and who can reconcile team members' different working practices and expectations' (DfES, 2006, p1). At the same time with the 2020 Children's and Young People's Workforce Strategy the Government has further promoted its aspiration to 'upskill' the children's workforce (see the (DCSF, 2008).

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the programme, the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate that they:
1. Have furthered their critical understanding of key principles of leadership and management (including the 'Ten Principles of Social Care Management' (Skills for Care)) and can analyse how they have incorporated these into their practice;
2. Have furthered their critical understanding of how to promote through their leadership and management practice improved health, safety and wellbeing for children, young people, their families and carers, in line with guidance and standards set out in the 'Every Child Matters - Five Outcomes for Children', 'Championing Children', the Common Core of Skills & Knowledge for the Children's Workforce and the National Service Framework;
3. Are able to critically evaluate, against the Generic Management and Leadership Standards set by the Management and Leadership Centre, their capacity to manage, support, mentor and develop staff and manage risk in professional and/or inter-professional teams;
4. Can use relevant and up-to-date research evidence, reflection, critical analysis and independent critical judgement to inform leadership and management interventions and decisions;
5. Meet the academic standards for M level in the QAA framework.

For information on the composition of this course please see either the on-line Undergraduate prospectus for undergraduate related courses or the on-line Postgraduate prospectus for postgraduate related courses.

More detailed information on the course structure and modules within this degree will be available on this page shortly.