Childhood and Youth Studies (Top-Up)

The BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies has been designed to provide an academic pathway for students or staff aspiring to work at a senior level in the sector, across the private, voluntary, educational or independent and statutory sectors.

The programmes have been developed in response to the changing demands of childcare and youth and the ongoing development of free childcare for children. Whilst focusing on youth and childhood up to 19 years. This programme will reflect on the growing demand from government to have more teacher led educators educating young children through to the youth of today, focusing on the increasing emphasise of personal, social, emotional and mental health of children and youth in educational and care settings.

The course is ideal for those with a passion for working with children and youths in education or care establishments, where there is a focus on health and well-being. The programmes explore a number of modules which engage students in reflection from practice and allowing for the students to critique the theoretical work of theorist both past and present.

The educational focus of the programme involves students building on existing knowledge and skills to enable their professional and academic development, and supports the concept of lifelong learning and continuing professional development.

There is a clear work-related element that reflects the need to apply knowledge and skills within the workplace and to make tangible links between theory and practice in the educational sector. This will not only provide students with valuable work-related experience but also greatly enhance their employability on completion of the programme.

Students will undertake a major research project at level 6 utilising and applying key skills that have been developed over previous levels of study and through further development of their application at this level. Students will be fully supported through this process by a major project supervisor. Independent study will be a key feature at this level.

Examples of current modules-

Growing up in a Digital age
Professional Reflective Practice
Historical and International Perspectives
Social Policy
Dissertation

The course is run in a classroom environment, allowing you to share your ideas and reflections with your peers. You will also receive tutorial support and sessions focused on wider areas in lifelong learning throughout your course. In addition, you will be advised to gain experience within an educational setting.

Examples of assessments on the course include:

• Presentation
• Written assignments including essays, reports and reflective journals
• Reflective journals and accounts on your practice
• Viva Voce
• Dissertation