Childhood Studies with Integrated Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Overview

The BA (Hons) Childhood Studies degree is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of childhood and youth studies. The course covers a range of topics, including child development, children's needs, and the historical, social, and cultural issues that impact their lives.

Why Us?

• Our Childhood and Youth Studies courses are 11th in the UK for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2025)
• Teaching staff on this childhood studies degree are research-active in a variety of subjects, including children's development, early years practice, inclusive education, children's reading, children's voices and participation, Special Educational Needs and Disability, education for sustainable development, and childhood identity and social media
• We're a university that's nationally recognised for supporting learners from non-traditional backgrounds and many students come to us with no formal qualifications, but with valuable work experience

Course Structure

A typical week on the BA (Hons) Childhood Studies course will include lectures, seminars, workshops, group work, and computer-based learning.

Foundation Year:

• Foundations of Education, Development and Wellbeing (40 credits)
• Professional Challenges in Education, Development and Wellbeing (20 credits)
• Essential Study Skills (20 credits)
• Foundation Project (20 credits)
• Practical Numeracy Skills (20 credits)

Year 1 (national level 4):

• Perspectives on Childhood and Youth (30 credits)
• Understanding and Planning for Childhood Growth and Development (30 credits)
• Enriching the Curriculum: Introducing Teaching and Learning (30 credits)
• Supporting Academic Transitions in Higher Education (30 credits)

Year 2 (national level 5):

• Creative Approaches to Children's Learning, Development and Assessment (30 credits)
• Becoming a Researcher in Childhood Studies (30 credits)
• Perspectives on Global Childhoods (30 credits)
• Community Engagement: Students and Communities – Partners for Progress (30 credits)

Final year (national level 6):

• Reimagining Childhood and Youth Spaces (30 credits)
• Challenging Childhoods: The Importance of Early Intervention in the First Three Years of Childhood (30 credits)
• Becoming a Professional Leader in the Childhood Sector (30 credits)
• Childhood Studies Dissertation (30 credits)

Facilities

You'll be based at the recently refurbished Wearside View, situated on the award-winning Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's. This stunning riverside location benefits from dedicated library services and has superb transport links with the city centre and City Campus.

Entry Requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for Ireland. Please contact the Student Admin team on or .

Eligible entry qualifications:

• If you're unsure of whether you think you might be suitable for the course, please contact us.

Fees and Finance

The annual fee for this course is £5,760.

Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2025/26 will be £5,760. You will pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

Career Ready

The BA (Hons) Childhood Studies degree can lead to a range of careers in children's services. Many of our graduates go on to work in health, social care, education, childcare, charities, and voluntary organisations, while many go on to study postgraduate courses such as the PGCE Primary Education, MA Social Work, MA Childhood and Youth Studies, or MSc Inequality and Society. Some of our graduates also choose to qualify as teachers.

Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies

Gain additional experience of working with children from the ages of 0-8 and develop your practical skills in a range of settings by opting for the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies (ECGPC) route alongside your childhood studies degree. You'll be able to choose this option from your first semester and follow it for the duration of your course. You'll also develop a portfolio of evidence and a range of practical and transferable professional skills whilst attending placements, which will enable you to work with children, other professionals, and parents and carers.

Centre for Applied Social Sciences

The University of Sunderland’s Centre for Applied Social Sciences (CASS) regularly hosts visiting speakers and it can be an excellent way to learn from the experiences of people who already have a strong track record in social policy.

Research-active staff

The Childhood Studies team come from a diverse range of professional and academic backgrounds. They're research-active in a variety of childhood-related subjects including children's development, early years practice, inclusive education, special educational needs and disabilities, education for sustainable development, childhood identity and social media, children's literature, and childhood transitions. Their expertise in these areas is used to inform modules on the childhood studies course.

Members of the team are also involved with external activities such as working with children's charities, local schools, and early years settings. Actively engaging with our employer networks in this way supports our emphasis on developing your employability.

Degree Overview:

The BA (Hons) Childhood Studies with Integrated Foundation Year is a four-year program at the University of Sunderland for individuals interested in careers working with families, children, and communities.

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Objectives:

• The program aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and understanding to work with children in a variety of contexts.
• They learn about child development, needs, and the historical, social, and cultural factors that impact their lives.
• Students explore the role of children in society and the family, developing an understanding of different child-rearing practices and strategies.
• The program also focuses on personal and professional development, including communication, reflection, and critical thinking skills.

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Description:

This program allows students to enter the workforce directly upon graduation or continue their academic journey with postgraduate studies. It provides a strong foundation for a career in social work, healthcare, education, childcare, charities, and NGOs. It also prepares students for postgraduate studies in related fields like social work, education, and counseling.

Outline:

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Typical Week:

• Lectures, seminars, workshops, group work, and computer-based learning.
• Assessments: essays, reports, group work, seminar presentations, self-evaluation.
• One-to-one support from academic staff.

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Content:

• Childhood development and needs
• Social and cultural perspectives on childhood
• Education and learning for children
• Child protection and safeguarding
• Children's rights
• Historical and philosophical perspectives on childhood
• Research methods in Childhood Studies
• Professional development skills for working with children

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Structure:

• Four-year program (including the Integrated Foundation Year)
• Modules in each year covering different aspects of childhood studies
• Opportunity to choose optional modules focusing on specific areas of interest
• Choice to pursue the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner pathway (ECGPC)

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Course Schedule:

• Full details of the course schedule are not provided in the context.

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Modules:

• The Nature and Culture of Childhood
• An Introduction to Childhood Development
• Child Development: Theory into Practice
• Inclusion, Integration and Exclusion
• Teaching and Learning across the Curriculum
• Building Graduate Skills for the Professional and Reflective Practitioner
• The Child and the Social and Economic Environment
• Health and Childhood
• Observing, Assessing and Reporting Young Children’s Learning and Development
• Creative Approaches to Children’s Learning and Development
• Researching Childhood
• Children and Young People in Global Contexts
• Equality and Diversity in Contemporary Society
• Childhood Studies Project
• The First Three Years of Childhood
• Leading Practice for Children and Young People
• Education and Society

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Module Descriptions:

• Descriptions for each module are not provided in the context.
## Assessment:
• Assessment Methods:
• Essays, reports, group work, seminar presentations, self-evaluation
• Assessment Criteria:
• Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of key concepts
• Applying theory to practice
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Communication and presentation skills
• Professionalism and ethical standards
## Teaching:
• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures, seminars, workshops, group work, computer-based learning
• Field visits and placements
• One-to-one support from academic staff
• Faculty:
• The program is taught by a team of experienced and research-active academics with expertise in different areas of childhood studies.
• Unique Approaches:
• The program provides opportunities for students to engage in active learning and reflection through group work, presentations, and placements.
• They can specialize in specific areas of interest and develop professional skills through optional modules and the ECGPC pathway.
## Careers:
• Career Paths:
• Social work
• Healthcare
• Education
• Childcare
• Charities and NGOs
• Postgraduate studies in related fields
• Opportunities:
• The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers working with children and families.
• They can find employment in various settings, including schools, hospitals, nurseries, community centers, and social care organizations.
• Graduates who complete the ECGPC pathway are qualified as Early Childhood Graduate Practitioners and can enjoy better job prospects in the early childhood sector.
• Outcomes:
• Graduates of the program are well-prepared for successful careers in their chosen field.
• They possess the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to make a positive impact on the lives of children.
## Other:
• The program is accredited by the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECS).
• It is offered at the University of Sunderland's Wearside View campus, which is recently refurbished and enjoys a riverside location.
• The University has a dedicated Centre for Applied Social Sciences that provides research opportunities and collaborations with leading professionals in the field.

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The annual fee for this course is £9,250 if you're from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled. If you're a full-time UK/Irish/EU settled/EU pre-settled student, you may be eligible to receive financial support to cover your fees for the full four years. UK and EU settled students may also be eligible to receive a maintenance loan. Please note, this course isn't available to international students.

University of Sunderland

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Overview:

The University of Sunderland is a public university located in Sunderland, England. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university has a strong focus on providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its students.

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Services Offered:

The University of Sunderland provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Access to libraries, learning resources, and academic advisors.

Student Support:

Counseling, mental health services, and disability support.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Career Services:

Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student Life:

A vibrant student union, clubs, societies, and social events.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university boasts a diverse and inclusive campus community where students can connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Students can participate in extracurricular activities, engage in personal and professional development opportunities, and enjoy a vibrant social scene.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Top-Quality Facilities:

The university has modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, sports facilities, and dedicated learning spaces.

Inclusive Culture:

The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Vibrant City:

Sunderland is a dynamic city with a rich history and a low cost of living.

Strong Industry Links:

The university has strong connections with local businesses and industries, providing students with valuable career opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Sunderland offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Arts and Design:

Fashion, Photography, Fine Art, and Graphic Design.

Sciences:

Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, and Biology.

Business and Law:

Business Management, Finance, Law, and Tourism.

Computing and Engineering:

Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

Education and Social Sciences:

Education, Psychology, and Social Work.

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Other:

The university has campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, offering students a global learning experience. It is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion.