BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies

We consider a variety of qualifications and relevant experience, and each application is assessed on its own merit.

To enrol on this course, you will usually be required to have 240 credits from a Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND). You will be expected to have already achieved a GCSE grade 4/C or equivalent in English and Maths.

If you wish to progress into post-graduate teacher training, please be aware of the specific requirements advertised on the Get into Teaching website. Typically, you will need to have English, Maths and Science GCSE at grade C/4 and a Foundation Degree of 240 credits, as well as your BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies (top-up) degree to commence teacher training.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (Reading , Writing, Listening and Speaking or an equivalent English Language qualification).

The taught modules cover a range of contemporary issues impacting on the lives of children and young people. The research dissertation module will enable you to undertake a piece of extended research on a topic of your choice within the field of education, social care and community support. 

Full-time students  

• Children and young people who flourish (20 credits): Psychological exploration of the factors that enable children to thrive (e.g. positive self-worth, confidence, motivation and psychological wellbeing) and the things that might impact on that (e.g. adverse childhood experiences, poor relationships, mental health difficulties) 
• Representations of childhood and youth (20 credits): Considering how social, cultural, political, economic and historical factors have influenced children’s lives in the UK and around the world today. 
• Compassionate practitioners and leaders (20 credits): How you can be agents for change in children and young people’s lives. Exploring how practitioners and leaders use evidence to develop and implement positive change for the young people we support. 
• Contemporary issues in childhood and youth (20 credits): Exploring how contemporary issues  (e.g. social justice movements such as Me Too, BLM, sustainability, LGBTQ+, crime, social media, poverty, Covid-19 and mental health etc.) impact children and young people’s lives. 
• Research Dissertation (40 credits): An extended research project throughout the year. With the support of your dissertation supervisor, you research a topic that is of interest to you, using a research design that you develop that meets the needs of the project and your approach. 

Part-time students – Year 1 

• Children and young people who flourish (20 credits): Psychological exploration of the factors that enable children to thrive (e.g. positive self-worth, confidence, motivation and psychological wellbeing) and the things that might impact on that (e.g. adverse childhood experiences, poor relationships, mental health difficulties) 
• Compassionate practitioners and leaders (20 credits): How you can be agents for change in children and young people’s lives. Exploring how practitioners and leaders use evidence to develop and implement positive change for the young people we support. 
• Research Preparation (20-credits): An extended research project throughout your studies. With the support of your dissertation supervisor, you prepare to research a topic that is of interest to you by exploring current research and theory in the field and methods to undertake the research. 

Part-time students – Year 2 

• Representations of childhood and youth (20 credits): Considering how social, cultural, political, economic and historical factors have influenced children’s lives in the UK and around the world today. 
• Contemporary issues in childhood and youth (20 credits): Exploring how contemporary issues  (e.g. social justice movements such as Me Too, BLM, sustainability, LGBTQ+, crime, social media, poverty, Covid-19 and mental health etc.) impact children and young people’s lives. 
• Research Investigation (20-credits): Building on the preparation and planning you have undertaken in Year 1, with the continued support of your dissertation supervisor, this year you will carry out the research data collection and analysis and write up your findings and conclusions.  

 Please note this is not a JNC (Joint Negotiating Council) National Youth Agency accredited programme.  

Timetables are normally available one month before the commencement of your studies. The programme will be delivered on two days a week for one year for full-time students and one day a week across two years for part-time students. Each teaching day will be timetabled between approximately 9.30am-3.00pm.

When studied part-time, the duration of the course depends on the speed at which you wish to progress through it. This is called the ‘intensity of study’. Typically, studying part-time would be equivalent to 50 per cent intensity of study and would typically double the length of the course from one to two years.

Valuable Work Based Learning/Work Related Learning experience may enhance your employability, but work experience is not a pre-requisite for this course, to meet the needs of those with and without employment history. You may be invited to share your work based experiences in some lessons, in order to enhance peer teaching and learning and contextualise module content, but none of the assessments are dependent on Work Based Learning/Work Related Learning.

There are two formal or summative assessed pieces of work for each module. Assessment methods can include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and projects. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. In addition to formal assessments throughout modules of study there will be developmental (formative) assessments to support you with developing greater understanding of your progress.

The balance of assessment by coursework and practical depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is yet to be finalised while the programme is under development.

UCSD recognises feedback as an essential component of your learning and progression. It adopts a feed-forward approach whereby feedback is given in a developmental manner to support your continued progression. You will receive feedback on all assessments within 20 working days.

Our dedicated teaching teams will support with your application of theoretical and practical knowledge and will be invaluable to your development as an effective practitioner. Their passion and enthusiasm is exceptional, with dedicated support and tutorial time available so that you can make the most of your studies. This support has been crucial to the success of many past students who may not come from a traditional education pathway, and helps ensure your success..

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes academic staff, professional practitioners with industry experience. Postgraduate students undertaking teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry experience to provide you with the most up to date and relevant learning opportunities.

When not attending lectures, seminars or practicals you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations where applicable. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library, the UCSD Research Centre, and our course specific environments.

Your overall workload at Level 6 consists of class contact hours, of approximately 8 hours’ per week, plus independent learning, and assessment activity. Together, this equates to approximately 36 hours per week. While your actual contact hours may depend on the modules you are studying, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Level 6: 43% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity. 57% is spent on independent learning, work based learning and assessment related activity.

A key feature of our university level programmes is the exceptional support we provide for students. We are passionate about providing dedicated and bespoke support services to help you make the most of your time here and to maximise your potential. We have an experienced team who offer a range of services, and regular 1:1 contact time with your personal tutor guarantees your professional and personal development. We can provide help with study skills, written English, academic writing, research skills, critical thinking, and revision. We hold the principles of equality and opportunity for all in the highest regard. That’s why our degrees are designed to be accessible for anyone, regardless of your personal circumstances. We endeavour to make reasonable adjustments and remove any barriers to your learning. We also offer more flexible timetables than other institutions to minimise the impact studying has on your personal life and responsibilities.

Upon successful completion of your BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies degree you will have a wide range of career choices and/or post-graduate study options.

You could choose to undertake post-graduate study including teacher training, social work training, psychology BPS conversion course, Masters Degrees in Education, SEND or work-based study e.g. Education Mental Health Practitioner.

The programme will equip students with the knowledge and skills to enter the graduate job market in the areas of family support, teaching support, special educational needs and disability, social policy, youth/community work, social care, youth offending, or supporting young people with mental health, drug misuse, educational engagement etc.

Please note this is not a JNC (Joint Negotiating Council) National Youth Agency accredited programme.

Funding is available to help you with living costs during your studies via Student Finance England. We are committed to supporting our students with a number of bursary packages, which you will receive if you meet particular criteria, and does not need to be repaid. Bursaries are awarded in addition to any funding received from Student Finance England.

Course Related Costs Included

• Compulsory visits related to your programme of learning
• Annual £10 printing allowance
• Access to e-books and e-journals relating to your programme of study

Course Related Costs Not Included

• Additional printing over the initial allowance
• Optional overseas and UK based field trips
• The cost of books you may wish to purchase
• An annual parking fee or bus pass for travel to UCSD