BSc Childhood Studies (L520)

2024 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

This course focuses on policy and the rights of children and young people from birth to 19 years, exploring contemporary debates within a global context. Our research-based teaching includes the expertise of lecturers from related disciplines, including education, psychology, sociology, history, social work and law.

You will consider childhood in the contexts of families, peers and society at both a national and international level. Topics of study include children's rights, development, education, therapeutic work with children, safeguarding, youth justice, social harm and child and adolescent psychology, among others.

In the first year you will develop a solid understanding of the social, psychological and historical constructions of childhood. In the second and third years you can choose optional units from a wide range of subjects, including a work placement unit, allowing you to pursue different routes through the degree toward a career path that is right for you.

The interdisciplinary nature of this course makes it ideal for students from a range of different backgrounds who want to develop a holistic understanding of childhood. Our graduates go on to careers in areas as diverse as education, children's therapy, social work, law and social justice, children's charities, government and the civil service.

Course structure

All our degrees are designed to introduce you to the interdisciplinary study of childhood and adolescence and allow you to specialise as you progress through the degree.

The first year enables you to explore constructions of childhood and to discuss contemporary issues, debates and challenges in global childhood. You will begin to develop an understanding of child psychology and education that will further your critical academic and research skills.

Subsequent years allow you to develop your own specific pathway through the degree, depending on your particular interests and career choice. For example, you might follow a pathway in education, psychology, early years provision, social work, or law and justice, or you may choose a mix of units from other social science degrees.

During the second year there is an opportunity to gain real-life experience of working in a range of organisations and supporting children and families through our work placement unit.

Sample units may include:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychology
  • Children and Young People in the Law
  • Youth Justice
  • Youth, Sexualities and Gendered Violence
  • Children in a Global Context.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

ABB
DDM in any Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

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32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level
29 points overall with 14 at Higher Level

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77% overall
Advanced Higher: AB, and Standard Higher: AABBB
Access to HE Diploma in Education, Humanities, Social Science, Science, Law or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include 15 credits at Distinction and 30 at Merit or above.

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Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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