How might modern-day pressures be impacting on children’s mental health? How do our individual experiences of childhood influence our views and perspectives? How can children and young people participate in society and how can this contribute to changes in policy and practice?

From exploring feminism and queer theory to analysing the thinking of key philosophers, on this course you’ll study the complex factors that affect children’s lives and explore ways to positively shape and influence their futures.

In each year of the course, you’ll learn about the different elements that impact on a child’s development. Studying subjects drawn from a range of disciplines, such as psychology, sociology, philosophy, and criminology, you’ll consider ethics, welfare, and the importance of policy and legislation relating to children, such as the Human Rights Act (1998). You’ll also learn about how childhood has changed over time both in the UK and globally and consider alternative perspectives relating to child development, including post-structuralism, socio-cultural theory and creative play.

You’ll reflect on your own experience of childhood and explore how it was shaped by society. You’ll also consider the diverse experiences of children, young people, families and communities and how policy on local, national and international levels affects children’s lives.

This course will give you the opportunity to study for an Early Years Education Level 3 qualification alongside your degree. When you graduate you will receive a degree, and a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification which meets the national requirements set by Ofqual.

Placement options

Placement experience is an optional component on this course. You will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a variety of child-related settings, such as nurseries, schools, voluntary organisations, museums and children's centres. The practice experiences enhance your skills for future employment and provide a context in which to apply theory to practice.

Within the Faculty's School of Childhood, Youth and Education Studies, we have developed strong partnerships with a range of organisations and settings including art galleries, museums, schools and social care agencies. These partnerships have helped inform the curriculum, extend and improve our placement portfolio and facilitate opportunities to share good practice.

As a BA (Hons) Early Years and Childhood Studies graduate, you’ll have the opportunity to start a career in a wide range of areas working with children, young people and communities as a teacher, family support worker or youth and community leader. Or, you may go into creative play therapy at a local art gallery, work in a pupil referral unit helping those who struggle in formal education or even sports coaching.

You may even pursue a career in the voluntary sector, researching the latest trends in child learning behaviour for a children’s charity.

During the course, you’ll spend time on placements and study option units to help you decide the career path you’d like to follow. Your personal tutor, along with our careers and employability team, will also support you with suggestions that match your strengths and career ambitions.

You may continue your professional development after your first degree. We have a range of postgraduate courses in the Faculty of Education including masters in education, educational leadership, and inclusive education. Some of our graduates also go onto study social work at masters level.