Childhood Studies

The course develops your understanding of childhood and children from birth to 18 years. It takes a holistic approach to working with children and young people.

It is for people who

• have experience of working with children and young people
• want to take part in the debate about children and young people in today’s society

You learn about the academic and professional perspectives on childhood and adolescence, and develop analytical and critical skills. These allow you to evaluate the principles behind the children and young people’s policy agenda.

The main areas you study include the

• social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of children and young people
• political, legal and policy background
• theories of working with children and families

In the first year areas of study include early child development and health, play and early education.

In years two and three you focus on older children, areas of study include children's rights and participation and safeguarding issues.

Work placements are an important part of the course and central to your development. Year one includes 27 days on placement, 34 days in year two and 20 days in year three. Placements give you experience of education and health-related children’s services such as children’s centres, schools and hospitals.

During work-based learning you

• develop your skills by applying theory in real working situations
• gather information for assessment in a practice situation

You complete a research project of your choice in your final year.

Typical projects have included

• how children can take part in developing the curriculum
• developing anti-bullying strategies
• evaluating sex education in the curriculum
• the role of gender in choosing GCSE subjects