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Childhood and Youth Studies (K32) (Taught)

Course details
  • PgCert
  • 1 Years
  • Distance learning
  • October 2026
  • Postgraduate
Course location
Distance Learning
Awarded by:
The Open University

Course summary

Explore key aspects of children’s and young people’s lives while developing critical analysis skills. This postgraduate certificate is particularly relevant for graduates working with children or young people who want to advance academically and professionally, as well as those with backgrounds in childhood and youth studies, youth work, youth justice, sociology, health and social care, social work, nursing, anthropology, psychology, education, and the voluntary sector, including charities and NGOs. While it does not provide professional recognition, which may require additional study, it offers a strong foundation for those looking to transition into or between professions involving children and young people.

Key features of the course

  • Build on your experience of working with children and young people or prepare to move into the profession

  • Explore diverse perspectives on childhood and youth, and develop strategies to promote their welfare

  • Examine the connections between theory and practice, applying ideas directly to your own professional context

  • Begin a study pathway that leads to a postgraduate diploma and masters degree, with the flexibility to step off at any stage

Modules

To gain this qualification, you’ll study one 60-credit module.

You’ll explore children and young people’s worlds, developing your understanding of their lives, experiences and the contexts that shape them, while building your critical analysis skills.

Entry requirements

You must have a bachelors degree from a UK University (or equivalent) to study this course. Your degree can be in any subject, although childhood and youth studies, sociology, health and social care, anthropology, psychology or education are particularly relevant.

Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 7 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

As fees for individual modules can vary, the total cost you pay for your qualification depends on the modules you choose to study. For further information about fees, please refer to the course description on The Open University website.

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