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Childhood and Youth: Theory and Practice

  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
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More about University of Sussex

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

1st in the UK for our research impact in Education in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)

2nd in the UK for Childhood and Youth Studies (Complete University Guide 2025)

About the course

What is it to be a child? What do children and young people need from the professionals supporting them? This course and our interdisciplinary approach help you explore these questions. You’ll find out how children and young people’s lives are shaped by their position in society. And you learn how professionals can work to promote rights, democracy and justice in their everyday lives.

During your studies, you’ll:

discuss contemporary issues, debates and challenges in global childhood
learn about different theoretical and practical approaches to working with children and young people, and their families
develop yourself as a practitioner in the field of childhood and youth by building an understanding of collaborative working, safeguarding and reflective practice
explore the relevance of wellbeing and digital technologies to the lives of children and young people today and for their futures
take electives from other subjects – from philosophy to law and modern languages – to open your mind to other disciplines and tailor your degree to your interests.
Through two professional placements you’ll experience different practice settings. These might include a nursery, a play scheme, a youth club, a children’s charity or a school.

You’ll be taught by active researchers who are passionate about their areas of expertise. Our multidisciplinary Centre for Innovation and Research in Childhood and Youth influences policy. It informs the work of those working at the forefront of practice with children and young people, nationally and globally.

This degree is for you if you want to make a difference to the lives of children and young people. When you graduate, you’ll have the critical academic, research and practice skills needed for a range of future career paths. These could include youth work, social work, health care, therapeutic work, education, social policy or international development.

About Sussex

Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.

Location

Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.

Modules

See the modules you will study by year by going to the 'view course details' link.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 21/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
L590
Institution code:
S90
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1, 2

University of Sussex has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
L590
Institution code:
S90
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Open days

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Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

A level - BBC - BBB

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (or A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma should be in Health & Social Care, Business, Sport, Applied Science, Performing Arts, IT or Media. You should have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Access to HE Diploma

Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 18-21 credits at Distinction The Access course should be in the humanities or social sciences.

Scottish Higher - ABBBB - BBBBB

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points

This score should be from the full IB Diploma.

Extended Project

We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer. We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact Admissions at ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk

T Level - D

including grade B in the Core Component. The T Level would normal be in Education and Childcare. You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (or A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

We welcome applications from both recent school leavers and those returning to education. For non school leavers, we look for evidence of recent study and/or relevant experience and may require you to produce a piece of written work in order to assess your academic level. Initial selection, however, is based on the strength of your UCAS application. You're invited to contact the admissions tutor to discuss any queries you may have about your eligibility.

Selection decisions will normally be taken on the basis of your UCAS application only. There will be no mandatory interviews for Childhood and Youth: Theory and Practice. In certain circumstances you may be accepted onto the course if you can demonstrate the ability to study at the appropriate level. You may be accepted onto the course if you have equivalent professional qualifications and/or professional experience. We particularly welcome applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential, enthusiasm and commitment to study.

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Including at least 5.5 in each component. We accept IELTS One Skills Retake. We do not accept IELTS Online.
PTE Academic59Including at least 59 in all four skills. We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.
TOEFL (iBT)80TOEFL (iBT), including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing. We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

Please see our English language requirements. http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/international-qualifications/english-language-requirements

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

At Sussex, we recognise that not everybody has the same support to help them get to higher education. At Sussex it’s important to us to have a diverse, inclusive university community with a range of voices and experiences. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education ensuring that we have fair access to all regardless of background. A contextual offer is a reduced grade offer which is given to students who meet certain eligibility criteria.

Learn more on the University of Sussex website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
Channel Islands£9535Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535Year 1
EU£23500Year 1
International£23500Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Note that your fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis as the Government reviews the fee levels.

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