Childhood and Youth Studies
Children are our future, so it’s our collective responsibility to protect them and help them reach their full potential. As the world around us changes, how we interact with the younger generation and respond to their needs and rights is changing too.
If you already work with children and young people, staying abreast of the latest thinking is an essential part of your professional development. But there are also fascinating courses to study for general interest, or to improve your understanding as a parent or school governor, with examples taken from around the world.
Where to start in Childhood and Youth Studies
You can start from a broad standpoint such as An Introduction to health and social care (K101). You then move to study more specific childhood and youth content at Levels 2 and 3. We strongly recommend that you do not study courses out of sequence.
Worried about your ability? Or the time it will take? If you're a UK resident you can start with one of our Openings courses: short courses with lots of support and no exams, giving you a gradual introduction to your subject and the world of studying.
Don't forget that if you need help considering options you can talk to an adviser. And if you have some previous study experience you may qualify for credit transfer.
Degrees
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Childhood and Youth Studies
This degree is for those who work or intend to work with children and young people, or for those with more general interests in the interdisciplinary field of childhood and youth studies. -
Open degree
The BA/BSc Open Degree provides a flexible way to combine a range of courses from different subjects either to suit your particular career or personal interests, or to complete studies you have started elsewhere.
Foundation Degrees
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Primary Teaching and Learning
This foundation degree develops the professional knowledge and skills required by teaching and classroom assistants supporting children’s learning in primary schools.
Courses in Childhood and Youth Studies
See the list of all our individual courses in Childhood and Youth Studies.
Postgraduate options
If you already have a degree, you may want to see postgraduate courses and qualifications in Childhood and Youth.
Spotlight on Childhood and Youth Studies
Learning around your life
Duncan is a youth worker, with some training and qualifications. Deciding to combine caring for his baby with some distance learning, Duncan adds to his existing 120 credit points by studying courses covering both youth and childhood. He can achieve a BA honours degree, and improve his prospects for when he returns to work.
Changing careers
Elyse is a qualified teacher who would like to change careers and move into children's services. She wants to gain some specialist knowledge and skills in childhood and youth. She decides to register for the undergraduate Diploma in Childhood and Youth Studies.
Learning a new subject and new to studying
Rashid is a retired electrician without distance learning or higher education experience. With three grandchildren and another on the way he decides to register for the BA Honours in Childhood and Youth Studies as he wants to develop his knowledge and understanding and to learn as much as he can about the subject area.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
