Childhood and Youth Studies

BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies
Mode: full-time

The course introduces students to the scholarly, interdisciplinary study of childhood and adolescence and the multi-agency practice of professionals who serve the needs of children and their families – such as teachers, social workers and health visitors.

The programme reflects the wide-ranging field of childhood and youth studies by drawing from a diverse range of disciplines including education, sociology, psychology, linguistics, law, health and social welfare, history, literature and childhood.

The course promotes an understanding of the inter-disciplinary approach to the study of childhood and encourages an awareness of difference and diversity.

Students explore ideas, theories and arguments and analyse these using written, visual and oral media. Childhood and Youth Studies builds on existing qualifications and professional skills providing an opportunity to extend these at an academic level.

The programme offers students the opportunity to develop vocational skills and theoretical knowledge as described in the module list below.

Level 1

• Social Constructions of Childhood
• Child Development
• Methods of Inquiry for Childhood Studies
• Multi-disciplinary Perspectives.

Level 2

• Living and Learning in Different Communities
• Methods of Inquiry for Childhood and Youth Studies
• Children’s needs and rights
• Vocational options in Education, Social Care and Health.

Level 3

• Twenty-first Century Childhoods
• Multi-disciplinary Perspectives 2
• Children’s Fiction
• Gender Issues
• Aspects of Inequality
• Special Study – Dissertation or Documentary Presentation.

Why choose this course?

• Contemporary core textbook written and published by course tutors
• Classes scheduled over three days in the week to allow time for personal work experience
• Knowledge and experience of tutors from diverse backgrounds informs the teaching
• The School of Education boasts, in many cases, a 100 per cent graduate employment rate
• The University moved up six places in the teacher training league tables to 30th in the UK

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be qualified to work in areas such as community and social care settings, for example, speech and language therapy, educational welfare, senior playworker / coordinator, playwork managers and hospital play therapy.

The degree can also be used as a progression route into teaching via the Reception/Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2/3 Primary PGCE courses; Secondary PGCE courses in citizenship (subject to interview and entry requirements). Our own Constructions of Childhood MA or similar qualifications in other institutions could be potential first destinations for graduates. Postgraduate Social Work diplomas are another option for graduates.

Teaching/learning methods and strategies

Teaching is delivered through a variety of methods including lectures, seminars, workshops, case studies, presentations, group work and the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (BREO) and individual tutorials.

Assessment

Students will be expected to undertake a wide range of assessments such as essays, presentations, seminar papers, reflective journals and exams.

Entry requirements

• 160 to 220 points, based upon a minimum of two A levels or equivalent. We welcome BTEC Diploma qualifications, CACHE Diploma or Access Programme passes.
• All suitable applicants will undergo a check by the Criminal Record Bureau (CRB).
• We welcome applications from students with ethnically diverse backgrounds, students returning to education and international students. We also support widening participation and encourage applicants with non-standard qualifications.

If English is a second language:

• IELTS Grade 6 or
• Cambridge CAE/CPE grade C or
• TOEFL 580 points (computer based test 235 or internet based 80)