This section includes:

• Basic personal information

• Resident status and nationality

• Whether you have a disability, including a learning difference, or long term condition. This does not impact your eligibility for the course. 

• Contact details

• Agency Details: We, the Centre for the Children’s Workforce, are seen as a recruitment agency, so you must include our details here. You can input the following details:

  • Select: ‘Other’

  • Centre for the Children’s Workforce

  • London

  • hello@childrensworkforce.org.uk

What if I don’t want to disclose some of this information?

None of this information will be a deciding factor in your application. Being open and transparent at this stage of the application process will allow us to support you fully at a later stage.

Eligibility 

As with any university course, there are certain eligibility criteria. 

If you have the equivalent of 96 UCAS points, then you will automatically be eligible for the course. These could be achieved in any of the following ways, which are all Level 3 equivalent qualifications:

• 3 A Levels (CCC or BCD)

• 2 A Levels (CD) and a AS Level (B)

• 1 A Level (C) and 1 BTEC Diploma (MM) 

• T Level: Pass (with Core Grade C or above)

• BTEC National Extended Diploma: MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit)

• BTEC National Diploma: DD (Distinction, Distinction)

• Access to HE Diploma: 45 credits achieved at Merit 

If you think you may not have the equivalent of 96 UCAS points, you can still apply using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) (See Below). 

My qualifications aren’t listed so I’m not sure if this applies to me. Email us at hello@childrensworkforce.org.uk with details of your qualifications in as much detail as possible, and we will email you back to clarify your situation. 

Evidence

You will need to state all qualifications that you have, from GCSE to present day, including any that you are currently completing. This includes, but is not limited to:

• A Levels

• Adult Literacy or Numeracy

• BTEC

• CACHE NCFE Level 3

• City & Guilds Level 3

• ESOL Certificates

• Functional Skills Level 2

• GCSEs

• NVQ Level 3

• OCR/Pearson or WJEC Level 3

Each qualification is submitted individually, and you must declare all qualifications. 

For each, you will need to know:

• Name of school/college that you attended

• Qualification type (There is a drop down list)

• Subject

• Grade

• Completion Date

You will also need to upload the certificate for these qualifications. This is a university requirement. You can do this by scanning them into a computer as separate documents, or by taking a photo and saving on your phone/tablet.

I don’t have the certificates! Unfortunately, you are going to need to find them or ask for a replacement. You can apply and upload them at a later date, but the university requires you to show them in order to formally enroll on the course. You can contact your school, or the exam board directly and request a replacement. 

There is more information about that process here, and we are also happy to support you if you get in touch with us.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you don’t hold Level 3 qualifications that total 96 UCAS points, then you will need to complete this section in more detail.

See the section ‘Recognation of Prior Learning’ below for more.

Everyone will need to write a personal statement to identify why they want to do this course. This has to be at least 500 words and cover the following questions. 

• Why you are applying for this course

• What you hope to achieve

• How your previous studies or experience support your application

• How the course relates to your future goals

• Details of any required work experience (if applicable)

• Any other relevant information

We have written guidance to help you write your personal statement.

How much is 500 words? Can I write more?: It’s about ¾ of a page of A4 typed writing. You can write more if you wish to, but there is no need to go above this suggestion. 

Can I use AI to help me write this? Yes. As long as you are putting in correct and accurate information about your experience and goals, then AI can be used to structure your response and check your spelling and grammar.

A short number of questions about visa requirements. If you require a visa to study, you will need to provide details of your passport along with a photocopy of it.

Unless you are self-funding, then the option to pick here is ‘Student Finance England’.

If English is not your first language, then you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency.

This will need to be through one of the UKVI recognised English tests. Please note that some tests have an expiry date and you must ensure that your test result is valid. 

Do I need to complete this section?: If English is not your first language, then you will need to complete this section. If you are unsure if you have completed an English test, please contact us at hello@childrensworkforce.org.uk and we will be pleased to help. 

If you don’t hold Level 3 qualifications that total 96 UCAS points, then you will need to complete this section in more detail. 

You will need to:

• Identify the length of time that you have spent working with children and in what capacity.

• Explain how this has given you valuable experience.

• Explain what you have done whilst working with children to further your experience and qualifications.

Here is some detailed guidance to help you write this statement.

I’m not sure if this applies to me: Email us at hello@childrensworkforce.org.uk with details of your qualifications in as much detail as possible, and we will help you. 

I have read the notes at the bottom, but I need some more help to write this: Email us at hello@childrensworkforce.org.uk and we can set up a call to discuss your experience and help you write this section.

Does this mean that I won’t be able to get a place on the course? No. The university makes final decisions on admissions. We are committed to supporting all potential participants to be able to prove that they could be successful, so our guidance is very detailed. The more information that you are able to provide here, the more likely that the university will see your experience as equivalent to the more traditional qualifications.