Childhood & Youth Studies
You’ll explore fascinating topics affecting the lives of children and young people today, including child development and psychology, international childhoods, research with children, and children’s literature.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Open University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 | Open University |
Duration
Part time – 6 years
Full time – 3 years
Time limit – 16 years
Study method: Distance learning
How much time do I need?
• Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.
However, two of the Stage 1 option modules do have recommendations that you gain exposure to a practice context:
• Learning and teaching in the primary years (E103) suggests that you observe practice in a formal educational setting for children aged 3–12 for up to 10 days
• Exploring perspectives on young children’s lives and learning (E109) suggests practice experience in a setting for children aged 0–7 will support and enhance your study
See the individual module description or talk to an advisor for more information.
Careers / Further progression
Career relevance
A degree in childhood and youth studies gives you skills and knowledge relevant to many careers in childcare, health, education, working with families, play-work, or working with young people. It will develop your understanding of practices and policies that affect children and young people and introduce you to many new aspects of the subject – helping you make informed choices about future career paths.
This degree is not a professional qualification, so many of our graduates choose to undertake postgraduate training before progressing to employment in specialist fields such as:
• teaching
• counselling
• early years work, including play therapy and hospital play
• speech therapy
• voluntary sector work
• youth work
• education support and welfare
• social work
• probation work
• personal and careers guidance
• sport and fitness
• learning mentor
• research and policy
• psychologist
• youth justice.
Other careers
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.
Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.
Further information
Register for this course.
Start date:
October 2024 - Registration closes 05/09/2024
Credit transfer: apply by 08/08/2024
BA (Honours) Childhood and Youth Studies
What makes young people tick? What shapes and influences children’s development? How can the adults who work with children support them more effectively? Childhood and youth studies is one of the UK’s fastest growing academic disciplines. We’re a pioneer in this field and have developed this degree over the last two decades. You’ll explore fascinating topics affecting the lives of children and young people today, including child development and psychology, international childhoods, research with children, and children’s literature. This wide-ranging interdisciplinary degree is suitable if you’re working with children and young people or have a general interest in the field.
Key features of the course
• Spans the entire age range from 0–18.
• Topics include child development and psychology, international childhoods, research with children and young people, and children’s literature.
• Explores children's and young people’s lives from different perspectives alongside students studying and working in different settings.
• Relevant to a wide range of careers in childcare, education, health and social care.
Please note that in England, this course does not provide Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and in Scotland, this course does not lead to SSSC registration in day care of children’s services. GCSE requirements may affect eligibility. See the Careers section for further details.
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
Each stage includes a compulsory 60-credit module.
You’ll also choose an optional 60-credit module at each stage.
See 'Course Web Page' link below for more information on modules.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
• Knowledge and understanding.
• Cognitive skills.
• Practical and professional skills.
• Key skills.
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Tel: +353 1 678 5399
Our advisers are available to take your call Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00, excluding public holidays.