BSc Childhood studies
For prospective students
For new and current students
BSc Childhood Studies
What is the programme about?
Children’s development is shaped by a range of factors, from the child’s genetic inheritance and experiences of family life to the economic and social arrangements of the whole society. Class, gender, ethnicity and culture as well as the child’s physical and intellectual abilities all contribute to development. If we are to understand children and childhood we need to take into account these and other factors, and the interactions between them.
Within the programme students encounter ideas and theories about children stemming from the work of psychologists, sociologists and other social scientists; they consider how childhood is perceived in history, in current social policy, in the law and from the point of view of those offering welfare, health and education services; and they engage in their own independent research on childhood issues. The BSc in Childhood Studies at Bristol is therefore deliberately multi-disciplinary.
At all levels of the course, a constant and interweaving theme is the importance of children’s rights. Students taking the degree can thus expect to come into contact with diverse perspectives, practices, policies and understandings concerning children and childhood, as a result of which their own understandings will be broadened and deepened.
Download a programme leaflet for more information (PDF, 352Kb)
Who is it for?
Students enrol for many reasons. They may be seeking answers to questions about children’s development and the impact of cultural traditions or economic forces. Others may have had work or life experiences which have led them to want to study childhood, children’s development or childhood policy and provision in greater depth. Some may already be convinced that they wish to work with children, young people and their families and may have a particular career path in mind. Some will want to equip themselves with the knowledge and understanding necessary to contribute to policy development and planning in children's services or to carry out research.
The programme is suitable for anyone who falls into any of these categories. Enquiries and applications from both traditional school or college leavers and mature applicants are welcome.
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