BA (Hons)
Childhood and Youth Studies
Understanding what it means to be a child
Course Overview
Why take this course?
This degree allows you to examine the lives of children and young people aged 8 to 25, at local and global levels. It empowers you to work with them and make a positive impact on their lives. Education, sociology, psychology, health, welfare and social policy are key subjects that give you a breadth of knowledge and experience which will be invaluable to your future career. You will also put your learning into practice through a work placement.
You can tailor this course with options from a wide range of subjects. All option units are delivered by lecturers who have undertaken research and practice in the specialist area you want to develop skills in.
Employability and informing career choices are incorporated into the programme including undertaking work experience. There is a further opportunity to do a placement year in this country or abroad.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Reflect on and criticise the theories and contemporary issues for children and young people
- Make the most of learning opportunities with a personal and learning development tutor
- Get involved with work placement opportunities, or volunteering with charities or local schools
On our National Student Survey students describe our staff as “extremely passionate about what they are teaching”; “Feedback is prompt and lecturers are approachable”; “Lecturers really engage us and share their work experiences in their field.”
What opportunities might it lead to?
Studying in the School of Education and Childhood Studies can lead you onto a variety of career pathways, some of which may require postgraduate study. You will be able to apply for a range of roles in education, social care and health related areas. Please note that this course does not provide Qualified Teacher Status.
Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:
- education and training
- youth service
- healthcare and health promotion
- social work
- the police
- work in the voluntary sector
- environments that support children and young people with special educational needs and disability
The lecturers are supportive, interesting and engaging and this really helped me to develop my thinking. Additional extras such as the book club and symposiums helped me to enhance my professional practice and the array of great academic support helped me to enhance my grade. The university provides all round support and now I feel confident and ready to work and support children and their families and excited about the next steps.
Gemma Isaj, BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies 2017
Want to start this course in 2017?
Apply through UCAS Clearing
Our entry requirements may be different during Clearing
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Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- L590
- Duration
- 3 years full time, 4 years sandwich with work placement
- 2017 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- The UCAS tariff for 2017 entry has changed. See how this affects your tariff score A LEVELS
96-120 points from 3 A levels or equivalent. See full entry requirements
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
We accept UCAS points from other qualifications. See full details and English Language qualifications- 2018 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A LEVELS
96-120 points from 3 A levels or equivalent. See full entry requirements
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
We accept UCAS points from other qualifications. See full details and English Language qualifications- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
2017/18 entry: full time: £9,250 p/a*International students
2017/18 entry: full time: £12,600 p/a***Tuition fee may be subject to annual increase.
**Tuition fee is subject to annual increase.View tuition fee terms and conditions
View additional course costs- Contact
- admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 5566 - Department
- School of Education and Childhood Studies
- Programme specification
Subject:
Education, Childhood and Youth Studies
Find out what our students say about studying at Portsmouth, including:
- Hands-on opportunities to work in a relevant educational setting
- The support available to all students
- The flexibility of unit options that enable you to tailor your study to your own interests
Browse all courses in Education, Childhood and Youth Studies
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Structure & Teaching
Year one
In your first year you will be introduced to a broad range of skills and knowledge that will support you throughout your study as well as units that focus on the nature of schooling and young people in the context of a changing society.
Core units in this year include:
- Child and Youth Development
- Children, Young People and Social Policy
- Equality and Diversity in Practice
- Health and Wellbeing of the Child and Young Person
- Introduction to Educational Contexts
Year two
As well as consolidating the themes covered in the first year, you will start to focus on a specific area of interest. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience paid or voluntary work with children and young people as part of the Faculty electives programme.
Core units in this year include:
- Global Childhoods
- Professional Practice with Children and Young People
- Youth Culture
- Research with Children and Young People
Options include:
- Children’s Literature
- Children’s Social Minds
- Communicative Strategies for Children
- Development of Learning
- Digital Natives
- Gender, Race and Education
Year three
Your third year will give you the opportunity to specialise through your choice of dissertation topic and a further range of optional units.
Core units in this year include:
- Dissertation
- Young People’s Relationships & Aspirations
- Families in Need
Options include:
- Behaviour Matters
- Creativity
- Childhood, Youth and Film
- Children with (Severe) Learning Difficulties
- Children, Young People and Religion
- Crime, Justice and Young People
- Fairy Tales and Folktales for Children
- Introduction to Teaching
- Issues Relating to Children and Young People’s Mental Health
- Who’s in Charge?
- Won’t Read, Can’t Read: Failing Readers
- Working with Looked After Children
Teaching and Assessment
We pride ourselves on the quality of teaching and student support on this course. Learning takes a variety of forms including group-based activities, seminars, tutorials, individual and group presentations, poster presentations, project work, e-learning activities and lectures.
How are you assessed?
We use a range of assessment methods to ensure that you reach your academic potential. Here’s how we assess your work:
- essays
- group and individual presentations/projects
- tests
- a 10,000-word dissertation
Tutor's view
Dr Sue Parfect
Childhood and Youth Studies
Students who choose to study Childhood and Youth Studies develop an insightful understanding of the complex world of 21st century children, young people and families and how they are supported by social and voluntary services.
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Facilities & Features
SECS
School of Education and Childhood Studies
3rd Space
A social learning space for you to study
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment
Study in SECS
The School comprises a body of enthusiastic staff with a range of expertise in the professional and academic sectors. We offer a welcoming learning environment, in a location near the heart of town, the student buildings and the sea front.
3rd Space
A social learning space for you to study or meet up with friends. Small and large groups, or individuals looking for a quiet space or discuss work can find a quiet area which can be screened off. Alternatively, grab a coffee or play a game of pool in between lectures.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
You have the opportunity to embark on the Learning from Experience (LiFE) option, which allows you to gain valuable experience in the workplace.
Claire Pitkin, BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies student 2012
Budgeting for your studies
There are extra costs associated with studying, which you will need to consider when planning your expenditure.
Recommended texts:
If you wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow from the University Library, the average price is £50-£60. You may be studying up to 6 units a year, each with a standard recommended text.
General costs:
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for costs of photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
Final year project:
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose to develop.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
You will have an array of employment options open to you. The course is excellent preparation for a career in teaching at either primary or secondary level, although as mentioned it does not provide Qualified Teacher Status so further study would be required.
However, this course is not just for aspiring teachers. You can also go down the route of educational research, educational publishing, youth or social work, plus many other commercial or public sectors career paths.
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- training assessor
- teacher
- employability coordinator
- careers advisor
- schools liaison officer
Example of what one of our graduates has gone on to do:
- Youth Service, Trainee Youth Worker – running projects for young people
Work experience
This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option, which lets you earn credits toward your degree for work / research placements, volunteer roles or internships undertaken alongside your studies. The option gives you the opportunity to enhance your employability skills, to reflect on the ways in which you've done so, and to learn to express this to potential employers.
Career planning
6.04 minutes
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.
I am hoping to get a job in youth work. I am currently a volunteer with a youth offending team as a community referral order panel member, and I feel this course will open new opportunities for me.
Hildah Mapeta, BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies student 2013
