Childhood Studies

Combining elements of Social Policy and Social Work, Childhood Studies is an exciting degree that considers the needs of children and young people from birth to 19 years of age. As part of your degree you will study childhood from a variety of multidisciplinary perspectives - from the development of children and adolescents, through their health, care and social welfare, to policies surrounding education services for children and young people. You will look at how services for children and young people are delivered both nationally and throughout the world.

Childhood Studies courses

BSc Childhood Studies (L520)

Why study Childhood Studies at Bristol?

Childhood Studies is concerned not only with children but also with their families, their communities and the political, economic and social environment in which they grow up. The course considers childhood from a variety of perspectives with teaching from a multidisciplinary team.

Independent study and research skills are developed throughout the programme as well as valuable transferable skills through working with others and delivering presentations. You will be assigned a personal tutor for individual support and advice.

What kind of student would this course suit?

We encourage any student who has an interest in children, childhood and families, and who may be considering a career in working with children. It will also be of interest to students wishing to take an interdisciplinary perspective on social issues.

How is this course taught and assessed?

The course is taught by a combination of lectures and small group seminars, which will help you to integrate your learning and see how it can be applied in practice. You will also work in small groups to consider real-life issues. Some units will require you to visit the various agencies involved in the provision of children’s services and observe children in a variety of settings. Other units are taught in collaboration with other degree courses (eg Social Policy and Psychology).

The degree is assessed by a combination of written examinations, written coursework and presentations over the second and third years, including a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice.

What are my career prospects?

An Honours degree in Childhood Studies provides an academic foundation for a career in a range of fields, such as education, early-years research and services, psychology, social work, social planning, law, management and administration. The Children Act 1989 and other national initiatives have created a strong demand for people with expertise in childhood studies who are able to work across traditional disciplinary and professional boundaries.

How will your degree help you to fulfil your career plans?

Childhood Studies has given me a taster of all aspects of childhood including education, development, psychology and policy. The Open Units scheme allowed me to try some psychology units which led to me planning a career in child psychology when I graduate.

Emily Henley
BSc Childhood Studies