BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies

Learn the skills and get the workplace experience you need to give children their best start in life – whatever their circumstances – on this Childhood and Youth studies degree.

You'll discover how factors such as the education system, youth culture, the Coronavirus pandemic and social media affect children's development. You’ll also have the chance to explore specialist topics such as outdoor education, safeguarding and the role of play in a child’s development.

Develop the knowledge and skills to support children with special educational needs (SEN) and those from a care background, making sure no child misses out on the educational and development opportunities available to them.

After the course, you’ll be set for a career supporting children and their families in youth work, social care and education.

Course highlights

• Get at least 60 hours of experience working with children in your second year with the option of a placement year between years 2 and 3
• Learn from lecturers with diverse professional backgrounds – from youth work and policing to teaching and SEN
• Gain current insights from your lecturers’ research on themes such as child bereavement, the impact of the pandemic on education and the role of digital tools in supporting learning and wellbeing
• Develop relationships with potential employers through events and workshops with organisations such as an immersive theatre company and a charity that helps children develop life skills through sport
• Build a professional portfolio featuring examples of your work – essential for standing out in the job market after the course

Endorsed by

You can choose modules that lead to the exit award BA Childhood and Youth Studies with Social Pedagogy. This pathway is endorsed by the Social Pedagogy Professional Association (SPPA), which means you can graduate as a "Social Pedagogy Practitioner".

This demonstrates that you meet the SPPA's Standards of Proficiency, central to developing a relationship-centred, dialogic practice that supports children and young people, particularly those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged.

We’re proud to be a breath of fresh air in the academic world – a place where everyone gets the support they need to achieve their best. We’re always discovering. We don’t fit the mould, we break it. Just as the world keeps moving, so do we.

We’re closely involved with our local community, and we take our ideas into the global marketplace. We partner with businesses, industry, and government to set the course for a better future. And we educate and transform the lives of our students to help them achieve their potential. We stand out, not just in the UK but in the world. We excel in research areas from cosmology and astrophysics to cybersecurity, forensics, and sport science. Since the first day we opened our doors, we've looked towards the future. And we're here to help you shape it.