Childhood, Youth and Education Studies BA (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
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The Childhood, Youth and Education Studies 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.

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

L591

Start date

September 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
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Course overview

A Childhood, Youth and Education Studies 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 with children and young people you are most passionate about.
  • You will have the opportunity to explore important areas of educational practice, formal and informal, through both in-class learning and practical work experience2.
  • Get the opportunity to take part in a range of exciting international and UK based educational experiences2.
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Why you should study this course

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 degree aims to both excite and challenge you.

Investing in the education of children and young people is essential for the growth of individuals and communities that flourish. This internationally focused course has employability at its core, and you can learn from academics and practice partners who currently collectively have experience across a range of relevant areas of study and practice.

We have designed our course to help prepare you for a range of careers, such as social, youth and community work, family support or progression to teacher training.

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.

No.16

Childhood and Youth Studies

The Complete University Guide 2023

What you'll study

The first year will introduce you to the key themes within the degree including childhood and youth in context, theory and practice of education and skills for working with children and young people. 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

  • 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

  • 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 also 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

  • 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 personal and professional learning and development which is threaded throughout the course. This will particularly focus on developing and understanding 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 HE and to develop a critical perspective that can be applied across all modules and throughout the course of your study.

    Compulsory

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

    The module is designed to enable you to develop a range of skills to work with individuals and groups, which will prepare you for your practice modules. In addition, the module will evaluate the processes and dynamics of individual and group working, enabling you to apply this knowledge in practice.

    Compulsory

  • 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 also 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

  • You will be introduced to safeguarding as a key aspect of practice in working with children, young people and their families across a range of contexts. 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 in the view of illustrating the breadth of presenting factors. You will also explore multidisciplinary ways of working towards effective safeguarding of children, young people and their families.

    Compulsory

The 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. The types of placements may vary significantly, reflecting the range of interests on the course, but you will have an opportunity to access a wide range of practical support and signposting to help you find the right placement for you2. 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

  • The aim of this practice-based module is for students to explore an area of practice which includes educational working with children and/or young people2. 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 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. You will gain employability skills such as agile thinking, problem solving, an understanding of leadership and an insight into the current roles working with children/young people.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is for students to gain an understanding of multidisciplinary practice and 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

  • This module enables you to gain theoretical knowledge about traditional and contemporary psychological theory and research that will inform educational practices with children and young people. You will have the opportunity to apply psychological theory and research 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 will develop your understanding of current psychological interventions used to promote learning and development in educational contexts across national and international contexts.

    Compulsory

  • The overall aim of this module is to 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 children and young people. Throughout the module you will be encouraged to link experiences of educational practice settings with the insights from sociological theory. Specifically, you should begin to understand the centrality of the contribution which sociology makes to professional practice, in the global age.

    Compulsory

  • The overall aim of this module is to provide you with a solid grounding in the core skills and knowledge involved in researching educational practices and contexts. Teaching will focus on providing 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

  • This module encourages you to develop an awareness of current health (physical and psychological) needs of children and young people, including 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. It will further develop an 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 year 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.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

  • 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

  • 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

Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from year one and two. This includes a second professional experience placement2 spanning the first semester, alongside highlighting 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, with the support of a supervisor and your Academic Personal Tutor.

Modules

  • The aim of this practice-based module to enable you to gain further practice experience in your chosen education related setting 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.

    Compulsory

  • 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

  • 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 also develop links and engage with collaborative online learning with international partners to examine different practices.

    Compulsory

  • 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 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 Special Educational Needs (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

  • 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 also hold academic and professional qualifications, such as teaching, youth work and social work including professional engagement with practice partners in the form of research activity and or training/consultancy.

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 modules. These are designed to foster active and experiential learning experiences.

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 unique opportunities for networking as communities of practice with practitioners, demonstrate working as a ‘multiagency’, but 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

You will receive around 10 hours of teaching contact time per week. This is made up of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. You will also be supported by APT (academic and personal tutor), a student success coach and Vygo mentoring scheme. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study each week of approximately 12-15 hours depending on the demands of individual modules. As you progress through the course there will be an increased expectation for self-directed study as you have developed independent learning skills.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

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 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 third 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).

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
A level BCC, excludes General Studies
GCSE Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 4 / C including English and Maths
BTEC DMM
IB Diploma 27 points
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit or higher. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above

Students will be required to undergo a DBS check for placements.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Public Health will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Students will be required to undergo a DBS check for placements.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component area

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £16,800 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

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.

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)

  • 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 government's 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 families4.

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.

 

 

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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.

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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.

 

 

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 are also opportunities to branch out into other postgraduate courses such as the Psychology MSc for those interested in pursuing Educational Psychology.

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.

This course allows you to explore different avenues around working with children and young people, in order to have a better idea of exactly what you would like to do in the future, and with which age group you prefer working with/are better suited to.

Cristina Roberts, 2019
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How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, 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 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 COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the 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.

    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.

    4Facilities

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. 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.

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