Childhood

The BA (Hons) Childhood programme explores the well-established academic discipline of childhood studies. The programme focuses on the multi-disciplinary nature of the study of childhood, which embraces diverse academic disciplines such as sociology, education, psychology, philosophy, social policy, health and disability studies. Such inclusion allows for the diverse, multi-faceted experiences of children to be explored, contextualised and interrogated through application of social science perspectives. This approach has a proven record in supporting you to develop and follow particular interests in this diverse field.

In the later years of study, you will have the opportunity to acquire specific knowledge and understanding in specialised aspects of childhood and their associated career opportunities through one of two discreet pathways. These pathways will be specifically named in the final degree award.

Pathway 1: Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner
Pathway 2: Social Pedagogy Practitioner
On this course, you will engage with children, understand their rights, listen to their experiences, and prioritise these without imagining to be fully cognizant of the child’s world. You will be equipped to do this through an extensive range of modules, which build on a diversity of social sciences without privileging one perspective over another. Through this array of lenses, you will interrogate contemporary issues and debates within childhood from local, national and international contexts.

An in-depth understanding of diversity and difference in children and childhoods will enable you to develop, adopt and champion inclusive and participatory attitudes and practice throughout your studies and into your future career. We want to equip you with the skills to become change agents in your future organisations and communities.

Work experience and development of employability skills are embedded throughout the programme and practice modules are available within specific pathways. Within the Education pathway, students can work towards Early Childhood Graduate Competencies, developed by the Early Childhood Degree Network (ECSDN) and supported by the Department for Education (DfE). This will be offered as an additional certificate promoting the understanding, knowledge and skills required for work in the contemporary and dynamic early years sector. Students who opt to pursue and complete these competencies will receive a certificate of Early Childhood Studies Graduate Practitioner Competencies, alongside their degree.

The Childhood programme and its pathways provides the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of childhood for students who aspire to work directly with children, their families and/or with the services that support them. Employability has always been central to the Childhood programme here at the University of Suffolk. We encourage all students to undertake work/practice experience in whatever form is most accessible and appropriate for the individual student. This programme enables students to go into a range of careers working with children and their families as well as further graduate education such as Initial Teacher Training, Postgraduate Certification, and further studies at Masters’ and/or Doctorate level. Graduate destinations have previously been situated within the areas of education, early years provision, family support work, social care, therapeutic settings and charitable organisations.