Childhood, Youth and Education Studies BA (Hons)

Undergraduate

Children laughing as they run across a playing field.

The Childhood, Youth and Education Studies BA (Hons) degree is designed for people who want to contribute to the learning and development of children and young people across a variety of educational settings.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

L591

Start date

September 2025

How to apply

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Course overview

A Childhood, Youth and Education Studies BA (Hons) degree can open the door to a range of rewarding areas of practice working with children and young people.

Our course offers you a flexible learning experience where you will have the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed to pursue a particular area of work you are most passionate about.
You will have the opportunity to explore important areas of educational practice, formal and informal, through in-class learning and practical work experience².
Take the opportunity to engage in a range of exciting international and UK based educational experiences².

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Investing in the education of children and young people is essential for the growth of individuals and communities that flourish. If you are passionate about achieving the best outcomes for children and young people and you want to learn alongside like-minded people in an innovative learning environment, then the Childhood, Youth and Education Studies BA (Hons) degree aims to both excite and challenge you.

This internationally focused course has employability at its core. You will learn from academics and practice collaborators who have collective experience across a range of study areas and practice.

We have designed this course to prepare you for a range of careers, including teacher training, youth and community work, family support and or social work.

You’ll have the opportunity to hear from a range of guest speakers (subject to availability) which have previously included practice experts in special educational needs, child protection, children and young people’s health and youth violence, or those practising in contexts such as youth work, pastoral care, social care or primary/secondary education.

What you'll study

Your first year will introduce you to key themes within the degree. You will begin to develop an understanding of some of the challenges faced by children and young people including safeguarding, exclusion and social justice. You will also consider the impact of digital media, technology and popular culture on children and young people’s development.

Modules

Childhood and Youth in Context - 20 credits

You will explore educational practice in context considering notions and definitions of ‘childhood’, ‘youth’ and ‘education’; and the political, economic, social and technological factors that inform such definitions. In addition, you will examine the challenges and inequalities faced by children and young people, particularly in relation to poverty, health and social mobility. The module will also enable you to explore the ways in which services have evolved in response to the changing needs of children and young people, and how children and young people themselves have responded to the issues and challenges they face. You will also have the opportunity to explore the range of service provision for children and young people at both national and international levels.

Compulsory

Theories of Education - 20 credits

You will examine the ways in which learning is enabled and delivered in the context of education. You will explore the means by which learning of children and young people is facilitated, whilst being supported to identify learning needs from different theoretical perspectives. This module will further enable you to develop an understanding of context specific learning and education including the different theories, models, and approaches that can be used. You will be encouraged to develop the knowledge and skills required to deliver learning experiences across a range of contexts, both in the UK and internationally.

Compulsory

Personal and Academic Development - 20 credits

This module aims to develop your academic and reflective skills and will introduce the concepts of personal and professional development. It will enable you to develop reflective practice in relation to the personal and professional learning and development which is threaded throughout the course. There will be particular focus on developing understanding of your own learning needs and progress as well as ways of approaching challenge and change. You will also have the opportunity to enhance core academic skills for higher education and to develop a critical perspective that can be applied throughout the course of your study.

Compulsory

Skills for Working with Children and Young People - 20 credits

This module focuses on the theoretical knowledge, methods and skills needed to work with individuals and groups of children and/or young people in a range of educational contexts and developmental phases. You will explore ethical practice and consider how to drive positive change in your professional practice.

This module will help you develop a range of skills to work with individuals and groups, preparing you to apply this knowledge in practice.

Compulsory

Curricula for Learning and Development - 20 credits

This module provides you with an introduction to curricula and its use across a range of educational settings. It will give you the opportunity to critically explore the concept of 'curriculum' and the perspectives which inform different types such as curricula as product, process and content. In this module you will draw on examples from a range of practice contexts, and different types of curricula which will be compared. The implications of different perspectives about teaching and learning for curricula design, implementation and evaluation will be considered.

Compulsory

Safeguarding Children and Young People - 20 credits

You will be introduced to safeguarding as a key aspect of practice. This includes exploration of policy, practice and research which help develop an understanding of how safeguarding is practised and constructed. Broader categories of abuse and neglect will be considered, whilst examining factors which may exacerbate risks. Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews (SPRs) and legislation (including local frameworks) which seek to protect and promote the welfare of children and young people will be discussed. You will explore multidisciplinary ways of working towards effective safeguarding of children, young people and their families.

Compulsory

Your second year builds on first year themes, exploring the major disciplines of psychology, sociology and approaches to research within education. This also includes an introduction to professional experience spanning the first semester in a children’s and/or young people’s setting. Examples of work undertaken by previous students include teaching or SEN support within a primary school, pastoral and mentoring support in a secondary school, youth support work in community settings and play therapy within a hospital setting.

Modules

Introduction to Professional Experience - 20 credits

You will have the opportunity to become motivated contributors: developing and applying your knowledge and skills in a practice setting, whilst developing and enhancing your understanding of your chosen areas of study. Reflective practice will be central within this module, and you will be encouraged to relate your practice activities to learning from across the degree programme. This module aims for you to gain employability skills such as agile thinking, problem solving, an understanding of leadership and an insight into the current roles working with children/young people².

Placements are sourced yourself with guidance from staff if required, and you are encouraged to source a placement close to university to cut down on any travel costs.

Compulsory

Multi-Disciplinary Practice: Methods and Models - 20 credits

Gain an understanding of multidisciplinary practice and the types of services which aim to meet children and young people’s education, health, well-being, development and care needs. The module examines theories which underpin models and methods utilised to support children and young people in a range of services. Multidisciplinary methods of working and the realities of these in practice will be central to this module. You will have the opportunity to consider professional codes, socially responsible ethics and frameworks across a range of professional contexts. You will benefit from sharing practice experiences to highlight the broad range of methods and models applied in different settings. The module also enables you to critically reflect on your personal learning and development needs and how you work with others, from an ethical and professional standpoint to encourage continuing professional development (CPD).

Compulsory

Psychology of Childhood, Youth and Education - 20 credits

Gain theoretical knowledge about the traditional and contemporary psychological theory and research that informs educational practices with children and young people. You will apply your learning to understanding and promoting children and young people’s development. You will explore issues, such as conformity, self and social understanding, and prejudice, which affects individual and group behaviour. This module aims to develop your understanding of current psychological interventions used to promote learning and development in education across national and international contexts.

Compulsory

Sociology of Childhood, Youth, and Education - 20 credits

Explore the value of sociology in understanding children and young people’s place in society. Students become agile and adaptable thinkers through considering how sociological understandings might inform the development of effective educational practice interventions aimed at supporting children and young people, including the most marginalised and vulnerable. Throughout the module you will be encouraged to link experiences of educational practice settings with insights from sociological theory.

Compulsory

Research Methods - 20 credits

This module will provide you with a solid grounding in the core skills and knowledge involved in researching educational practices and contexts. Teaching will provide you with a conceptual understanding of formulating research questions, developing effective research design, selecting appropriate research methods, and considering relevant ethical concerns. Content will cover both qualitative and quantitative research methods and contemporary research examples will be drawn on throughout to encourage you to engage with the use of research studies as an evidence-base for educational practice. You will be encouraged to explore international perspectives and research examples on children, young people, and education.

Compulsory

Health and Wellbeing Education - 20 credits

This module encourages you to develop an awareness of current health (physical and psychological) needs of children and young people, and the services that respond to these needs, both internationally and in the UK. It will also develop your understanding of prevention, intervention, and promotion of health, your understanding of theoretical models of health and their implications for practitioners.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final years of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

UK Work Placement - 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement - 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Your final year aims to prepare you for the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from years one and two. This includes a second professional experience placement² as well as the special and inclusive needs of children and young people, and contemporary practices. You will also work on a dissertation in an area of your interest.

Modules

Professional Experience - 20 credits

This module brings you further practice experience in your chosen area of study with children and young people². You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to a real-life setting, drawing on your learning from across the degree. In addition to focussing on your practice skills, this module will enhance employability by fostering your emerging professional identity and preparing your transition to employment. You should develop personal and professional insight into the evolving landscape of childhood, youth, and education practice.

Placements are sourced yourself with guidance from staff if required, and you are encouraged to source a placement close to university to cut down on any travel costs.

Compulsory

Innovation, Creativity and Change - 20 credits

This module aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of emerging global challenges and how these can be addressed in diverse communities through innovation and creativity in the context of children and young people’s services. You will critically assess opportunities for addressing disadvantage and inequalities (for example relating to gender, ethnicity, poverty) and will explore the methods and skills required to become a positive agent of change. You will draw on ‘real world’ examples of change through innovative and creative problem-solving strategies to achieve positive outcomes for children and young people. The module provides an opportunity for you to develop skills and behaviours that foster graduate attributes such as being socially responsible and globally competent in addressing issues of diversity and inclusion.

Compulsory

International and Comparative Perspectives - 20 credits

You will engage in a critical exploration of contemporary theory, policy and practice in relation to support services and educational provision for children and young people. You will identify and critically explore transitions, challenges, and changes in contemporary childhood and youth in both national and international contexts and the ways various societies are seeking to tackle or enhance educational outcomes. Socio-political and cultural differences will be analysed with their impact on outcomes. You will be offered an opportunity to critically reflect on your lives as individuals and professional practice in the light of contemporary social, political and economic developments at the national and international level. You will look to develop links and engage with collaborative online learning with international collorators to examine different practices.

Compulsory

Special and Inclusive Education - 20 credits

This module will explore theoretical perspectives and models of disability, to understand special education and inclusive education, and the differences in their approaches to understanding and meeting Special Educational Needs (SEN). It enables you to develop an understanding of the theory, policy and legislation, and practices involved in meeting the needs and facilitating the inclusion of students with SEN and/or disabilities in educational settings. The policy and legislative context, as well as practice requirements for special and inclusive education will be examined within the UK and internationally.

Compulsory

Dissertation - 40 credits

This module gives you the opportunity to develop and demonstrate the ability to establish, investigate and report on a specialised area of professional interest relevant to childhood, youth and education. The choice of topic will be determined by your personal interest and relevance to professional practice. The module makes an important contribution to enhancing your understanding of the important challenges faced by children, young people and practitioners in their chosen area of practice.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

The current teaching team is drawn from a wide variety of subject areas, such as psychology, education, youth and community work, which will help to enrich your learning experience by offering a breadth of professional perspective. In addition, the current teaching team hold academic and professional qualifications, such as teaching, youth work and social work including professional engagement with practice collaborators in the form of research activity and/or training and consultancy. (staff may be subject to change)

Upon successful completion of this degree, you will gain knowledge and develop critical and evaluative skills, as well as creativity and applied skills, through a structured series of lectures, tutorials, workshops, group work exercises (e.g. problem-based learning), independent learning activities, and practice-based modules². These are designed to foster active and experiential learning experiences. These are designed to foster active and experiential learning experiences. As part of your course, you will be expected to show at least 100 hours of experience with children or young adults. Placements and experience opportunities will be sourced by yourself, with help from staff if required. You are encouraged to source a placement locally to help cut down on your travel costs.

We have also developed a range of interactive online resources and practical sessions, in groups and virtually using online documents, incorporating the ‘problem-based learning’ approach, where you, supervised and assisted by a tutor, seek solutions to real-life problems. Role play has been used as a tool to simulate live practice experience of safeguarding children and young people for example, participating in a simulated professional multi-agency meeting.

You’ll have the opportunity to hear from a range of guest speakers (subject to availability) to give you additional insight into educational practices when working with children and young people. These have previously included experts in special educational needs, child protection, children and young people’s health and youth violence, from a broad range of statutory and voluntary sector organisations within the UK and abroad². These not only translate as opportunities for networking as communities of practice with practitioners, demonstrate working as a ‘multiagency’, but may also offer pathways for placement in settings otherwise considered restricted to social work or nursing.

All modules are supported by a virtual learning environment which supports student learning which houses the provision of all content related material and or links (weekly lecture content, reading lists, assessment support). This fosters an online learning community taking presence outside of the classroom and practice, whilst actively engaging students in a hybrid capacity.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 10 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods, to support and encourage application of newly acquired knowledge and skills to a variety of contexts. Primarily, this course is assessed by coursework which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

academic essays
reflective essays
a portfolio assessing placement
oral presentations
poster presentations
digital projects
research report.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Teaching across all subject areas is informed by international perspectives, and each year you may have the opportunity to take part in an international field trip². In the past, students have spent a week in South Africa, attending a range of settings in the Townships, including schools and youth clubs. On other occasions, they visited both Stenden University in the Netherlands and University of Graz in Austria. These involved visiting a range of educational and social care projects and attending local lectures to study and experience practice in an international context.

In your final year, your professional experience placement can be done within the UK or internationally². We currently have contacts with a range of placement settings including schools, children’s centres and youth clubs across the globe, in places such as South Africa, Spain, New York-USA, Malta, Austria, Finland, and the Netherlands (subject to change).

We have also developed a range of associations with institutions across the globe which currently include: the University of Graz in Austria, Stenden University in Netherlands, Stenden University in South Africa, Newton Paiva in Brazil, Laurea and Metropolia Universities in Finland, Calabria University in Italy and Loyola College in India (subject to change).

Please note that all UK and international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements, and are therefore not guaranteed².

Entry requirements

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UCAS details

1

Course name: Childhood, Youth and Education Studies BA (Hons)

2

Course code: L591

3

Course location: Coventry University (Coventry)

Typical entry requirements:

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,535 per year	Not available
EU	£9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary £16,800 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£16,800 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The Alison Gingell building provides facilities for teaching and research, featuring two full-size homes which can be used for workshops mimicking working scenarios with children, young people and their families.

Students participating in a role play scenario in the community house

Community houses

The Alison Gingell building features two full-size residential homes. Our students use these to simulate working scenarios with different client groups.

The Library

The Lanchester Library has a team of dedicated academic liaison librarians to give you specialist help and support. You’ll also have access to subject-specific databases of journal articles related to social work, social sciences, health and education.

Academic support

No matter which degree you’re studying, you’ll find a lot of support on campus, including the Centre of Academic Writing and sigma, which offers mathematics and statistics support.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

The practical nature of the course means, upon successful graduation, you should have substantial placement experience, practical knowledge and problem-solving skills which will support a move into a range of different child-related professions or to study towards further professional qualifications, such as the PGCE if you would like to enter teaching, or an MA in Social Work if a career as a social worker appeals. There may also be opportunities to branch out into other postgraduate courses such as the Psychology MSc for those interested in pursuing Educational Psychology (subject to further training, application and registration which may incur additional costs and have eligibility criteria).

Past students who have successfully completed this course have had the opportunity to enter directly into a range of exciting roles in a range of settings. Examples of these include teaching assistant, play specialist in a primary school, SENCO, learning mentor, LAC (looked after child) advisor/advocate, youth worker, children and family support worker, children and young person’s case worker, children’s residential worker (therapeutic), as well as potentially setting up your own social enterprise.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates have gone on to be employed in a range of practice settings including primary schools, children’s services, family support, residential care, youth offending institutions, alternative education providers and local and national children and young people’s charities.

Further study

You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

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How to apply

BA (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

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UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

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International students

International codes:
HLSU260

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2025/26. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.