Overview
This course is also available with an integrated foundation year. Apply using UCAS code X371. Find out more here.
If you want to work with or for the benefit of children, it is vital that you gain a true understanding of the issues affecting them. On this course, you will gain a whole-child perspective, from pre-birth to early adulthood.
You will gain practical experience through a placement of your choice, such as in a school, nursery, children's charity, youth club or similar setting. You will develop a deep understanding of influences upon children and social rights issues, giving you the platform required to enter any career involving children, from teaching through to community development work.
Childhood and children's lives are considered from different perspectives. The experiences of children in different contexts, both national and global, are examined. Our staff come from a variety of professional backgrounds, adding depth and breadth to your course and you are encouraged to work together with fellow students to explore questions and issues.
Our course is structured around four strands:
The Sociology & Social Policy strand looks at the relationship between the child, family, community and state.
The Psychology & Development strand investigates the various influences upon child development.
The Contemporary Debates in Childhood strand explores current issues relevant to children and childhood, including children's rights, childhood research, and moral dilemmas.
The Critical Reflection strand assists you in monitoring and recording your growing expertise to honours graduate level, and planning a career pathway.
There is a vocational experience in year two that helps you focus on your intended career destination.
Research Excellence Framework 2014
Research Excellence Framework 2014: twice as many of our staff - 220 - were entered into the research assessment for 2014 compared to the number entered in 2008.
You are encouraged to challenge yourself and undertake a placement in an area you have little experience of so you can increase your understanding of children's issues.
We understand that full-time study does not suit everyone. That’s why we offer courses which give you the opportunity to decide where, when and how you can get involved in learning. Studying a distance learning course offers the convenience and flexibility to make education work for you. Whether you’d like to fit your studies around childcare, develop your skills while working or, quite simply, want to learn from the comfort of your own home, we can help you gain a qualification at a time and pace that suits your lifestyle.
Like our students on campus, you will have the same excellent teaching and learning resources, however you’ll find these online instead of in a lecture theatre. Not only are all the modules taught online, but you will also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Course Features
- Placements
- Part-time study available
- Specialist facilities
- Study abroad option
- Expert careers service
- 24/7 Library
- University accommodation
- TEF Silver Award
Life in Leeds
Entry Requirements
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Additional Requirements
GCSEs:
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy/Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma:
Pass overall with a minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points.Scottish Awards:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade B at Higher Level.Irish Leaving Certificate:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade C1 or above at Higher Level of which at least 3 must be at B2.Personal Statement:
You must also provide evidence of interest in and involvement with children. Applications from people already working with children are particularly welcome. Mature applicants need to show evidence of previous study at an appropriate level.Selection Criteria:
Due to the popularity of this course, we may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.Enhanced Criminal History Checks
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course. For further information on DBS checks, click here.The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants, those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency therefore require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will be required after enrolment.
International Baccalaureate
24 PointsIELTS:
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.Mature Applicants
Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu.If you wish to apply through this route you should refer to our University Recognition of Prior Learning policy that is available on our website.
Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Additional Requirements
GCSEs:
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy/Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma:
Pass overall with a minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points.Scottish Awards:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade B at Higher Level.Irish Leaving Certificate:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade C1 or above at Higher Level of which at least 3 must be at B2.Personal Statement:
You must also provide evidence of interest in and involvement with children. Applications from people already working with children are particularly welcome. Mature applicants need to show evidence of previous study at an appropriate level.Selection Criteria:
Due to the popularity of this course, we may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.Enhanced Criminal History Checks
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course. For further information on DBS checks, click here.The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants, those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency therefore require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will be required after enrolment.
International Baccalaureate
24 PointsIELTS:
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Careers
Careers
BA (Hons) Childhood Studies
“For as long as I can remember I've wanted to work with kids. It's been an amazing opportunity to do a placement as part of my degree and I've experienced all areas of the Museum, enabling children to learn through play. My experience also allowed me to work with disabled adults and children which was really rewarding.
Teaching and learning
Gain a deep understanding of children and childhood, developing critical awareness and anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory values, beliefs and attitudes, to prepare for a professional career working with children, young people and families. The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload will be informed by your core modules and the option modules you choose to study – the information provided is an indication of what you can expect and may be subject to change. The option modules listed are also an indication of what will be available to you. Their availability is subject to demand and you will be advised which option modules you can choose at the beginning of each year of study.
Core Modules
- Diverse Childhoods
Develop your understanding of the changing and contested concept of childhood. You will be introduced to the methods and principles of studying childhood, together with key concepts, such as social construction, ideology and discourse.
- The Childhood Specialist Student
Develop confidence, expertise in academic writing, critical engagement with literature and research, and reflective thinking skills, all of which will prepare you for careers in the Children's Workforce.
- Introduction to Psychology & Development
Explore contemporary issues and debates related to childhood. This module is specifically designed to increase your knowledge of such issues, and to develop skills in academic, evidence-led writing.
- Children's Rights & Entitlements
Discuss their rights and how they are upheld in families and in the courts throughout history and in the present day.
- The Sociology of Childhood
Learn to use sociology to understand the diverse social experiences of children and young people.
Core Modules
- Social Inequality & Social Policy
Study different sociological perspectives and research related to social inequality, childhood and youth. You will examine the overlapping influences of social class, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion and disability that generate different experiences in the transition to adulthood.
- The Childhood Specialist Professional
Embed the necessary personal and interpersonal skills, knowledge, attributes and attitudes for employment, with a supervised vocational experience in a professional setting and a three-week work placement.
- Philosophy & Childhood
Exploring childhood through the concepts of philosophy, you will delve into the definition of childhood and the relationship of children to rights, risks, moral responsibility and social education.
- Researching Childhood
Gain an introductory understanding of qualitative and quantitative research and the ability to critically interpret and evaluate research accounts in literature. You will consider appropriate research methods in the field of childhood and youth as well as ethical issues when undertaking research with children.
Option modules may include:
- Plus one professional pathway option module from the following
- Visual & Literary Perspectives on Childhood
Study how the changing meaning of childhood is described in visual culture and in literature.
- Child Wellbeing & Family Support
This module introduces you to the range of professionals and approaches in addressing child welfare and providing effective support for families, whilst making links with the employability aspects of the course.
- Issues in Early Childhood
You will learn to draw on a range of psychological, sociological and educational perspectives to create your own personal philosophy for working with children from birth to seven years.
- Young People & Society
Explore how the social construction of adolescence influences the experience of young people in contemporary societies.
- Research Internship
This module provides the opportunity to work alongside academic researchers as part of a live research project. Supported by a research mentor, you will learn how to design, manage and deliver research projects in real settings.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Core Modules
- The Childhood Specialist Graduate
Develop skills in effective application form and CV writing to help prepare for job interviews. Through the production of an e-portfolio, you will consider the skills, knowledge, attributes and values gained on the course and you will be able to critically reflect on your journey to becoming a graduate.
- Major Independent Study
Undertake a project of independent learning in an area of the curriculum that has particular personal interest and value to you.
Option modules may include:
- Plus one professional pathway option module from the following:
- Autism: The Needs of Children & Families
Learn evidence based approaches to dealing with the needs of children with autism and their families.
- Black / White Mixed-Race Lives: Identity, Childhood & Schooling
Explore the history of race, racism and white supremacy, particularly as it relates to those racialized as mixed-race. This module pays particular attention to the way that race impacts upon childhood and schooling.
- Young People, Community & Justice
Drawing on theory and research from criminology and childhood studies, you will consider different explanations for offending; the impact of inequalities related to social class, gender and ethnicity; and different forms of social and state intervention in the lives of children and young people.
- The Role of the Outdoor Environment
Critically evaluate a range of different outdoor environments such as those attached to early years settings and schools, the environment around the home and local community, woodlands, and places visited during educational visits.
- Working with Vulnerable Families
Learn to critically analyse the factors which impact upon vulnerable families in contemporary society and the role of the state in terms of a spectrum of interventions.
- Plus one professional pathway option module from the following:
- Health Promotion
Examine community development and healthy public policy relating to working with children, young people and families to promote their health.
- Children as Consumers
Explore how children's beliefs, culture, identity and agency is shaped by, and expressed in response to, their roles as consumers.
- Perspectives on Play
Children's play is significant for social, physical, cognitive, creative and emotional development and you will be expected to observe playgrounds and interview children to get a deeper understanding of these issues.
- Children & the Media
Develop an understanding of the role of media in children's lives, including consideration of how children and childhood are portrayed across a range of media, and the implications of this for patterns of social inequality.
- Children's Counselling, Coaching & Mentoring
Gain a practical and theoretical introduction to coaching and mentoring children. This module will equip you with a range of techniques and interventions suitable for addressing the emotional needs of children in an informal coaching and mentoring capacity.
Life in Leeds
Fees & funding
See further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our Bursaries and Scholarships.
Coaching and First Aid qualifications - You will have the opportunity to gain additional qualifications in coaching and First Aid. Individual costs will vary depending on the qualification.
Tuition fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC, laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Course specific
- Use of our School Practice Collection
- Field trips to York and Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Additional costs
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Course-specific essentials
- Placement travel costs
(Amount dependent on location)
Course-specific optional expenses
- Field trip to New York
(In years 1, 2 and 3, you will have the opportunity to go to New York. This will cost approximately £900 per trip) - Field trip to London
(In years 1, 2 and 3, you will have the opportunity to go to London. These trips includes an overnight stay, Natural History museum ticket and theatre visit. Each trip costs a maximum of £140 plus optional spending money) - End of semester meal
(End of semester 2, year 1 meal will be pre-organised at a set rate of no more than £18) - Christmas meal
(Year 2 Christmas meal will be at a set rate of no more than £18) - Graduation celebration meal
(Year 3 end of semester celebration meal will be pre-organised at a set rate of no more than £18)
Other study-related expenses to consider: books (the library stocks books from your module reading list but you may wish to purchase copies for yourself); placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery; field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations); PC/laptop (provided on campus in social learning spaces and in the library. However, you may prefer to have your own); mobile phone/tablet (to access University online services); academic conferences (travel costs); professional-body membership (where applicable); and graduation (gown hire and guest tickets).
This list is not exhaustive and costs will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental or living costs are also in addition to your course fees.
See further information on fees and finance on our Financing Your Studies webpage.
Coaching and First Aid qualifications - You will have the opportunity to gain additional qualifications in coaching and First Aid. Individual costs will vary depending on the qualification.
Tuition fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC, laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Course specific
- Use of our School Practice Collection
- Field trips to York and Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Additional costs
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Course-specific essentials
- Placement travel costs
(Amount dependent on location)
Course-specific optional expenses
- Field trip to New York
(In years 1, 2 and 3, you will have the opportunity to go to New York. This will cost approximately £900 per trip) - Field trip to London
(In years 1, 2 and 3, you will have the opportunity to go to London. These trips includes an overnight stay, Natural History museum ticket and theatre visit. Each trip costs a maximum of £140 plus optional spending money) - End of semester meal
(End of semester 2, year 1 meal will be pre-organised at a set rate of no more than £18) - Christmas meal
(Year 2 Christmas meal will be at a set rate of no more than £18) - Graduation celebration meal
(Year 3 end of semester celebration meal will be pre-organised at a set rate of no more than £18)
Other study-related expenses to consider: books (the library stocks books from your module reading list but you may wish to purchase copies for yourself); placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery; field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations); PC/laptop (provided on campus in social learning spaces and in the library. However, you may prefer to have your own); mobile phone/tablet (to access University online services); academic conferences (travel costs); professional-body membership (where applicable); and graduation (gown hire and guest tickets).
This list is not exhaustive and costs will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental or living costs are also in addition to your course fees.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
Facilities
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LibraryOur Library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, providing you with access to specialist books and journals, learning spaces, computers, multimedia facilities and media equipment hire. Tens of thousands of our Library's digital resources, including ebooks, ejournals and databases, can be accessed online at a time and place to suit you.
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Location
Headingley Campus
Home to our first-rate sporting facilities – Headingley Campus has a rich and diverse history having played to visitors such as Winston Churchill and Oscar Wilde. Set in 100 acres of parkland, with easy access to Leeds city centre, many of our buildings look out onto our grassy acre – a perfect place for hanging out, playing games and catching up with friends on long summer days. Headingley Campus has modern sport science laboratories, animation and music studios and the latest computing labs, as well as one of our libraries, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
