Childhood, Youth and Education Studies BA (Hons) with foundation year

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 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 look to develop links and engage with collaborative online learning with international collorators 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 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

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