If someone asked you to explain why we educate people, what would you say?

Education isn’t simply about the ability to read and write. It’s understanding how our minds, our families, and our societies influence the way we learn. How education – and a lack of it – shapes our future.

In the School of Childhood, Youth and Education Studies we offer degree courses that will give you an insight into the way in which our families, communities and societies influence our understanding of childhood systems that support their learning and development.

You’ll also explore themes from the history of education to constructing childhood, from the impact of gender and disability on our ability to learn, to the use of the arts to regenerate a deprived urban area, to whether play can help adults to learn. You’ll challenge theories, discover global views on education and social policy and investigate factors that may stop children from reaching their potential.

The early years and childhood studies degree with a foundation year provides a route onto a degree if you don't have the qualifications, or have not studied advanced level subjects sufficiently related to your course of choice, but have the ability to study for a degree.

As you progress through the course, you will have the option to explore your personal journey within education, before selecting to study further within either BA (Hons) Education or BA (Hons) Early Years and Childhood Studies to support your career intentions.

You will be encouraged to develop an awareness of your skills and knowledge, alongside building your confidence within higher education. Working with a dedicated personal tutor you will be introduced to the concepts of education and early years and childhood whilst preparing you to study at degree level.

All foundation year students have access to academic and pastoral support from several sources, including a personal tutor and University student services.

Successful completion of the early years and childhood studies foundation year guarantees automatic progression onto year one of the linked degree of your choice.

Depending on the linked degree chosen there will be different potential career opportunities following graduation, these are outlined in more detail on the individual course entry.