Program Overview

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.

Early Years and Childhood Studies
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.