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BA (Hons) Childhood Studies

Gain an interdisciplinary perspective on the key issues that are important for, and to, children and young people.

Year of entry: 2027/28

  1. Overview
  2. Course content
  3. Fees and funding
  4. Teaching and assessment
  5. Careers
  6. Entry requirements
UCAS code
L520
Institution code
Y50
Start date
September 2027
View semester dates
Length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
ABB
Full entry requirements
School/department
Department of Education
UK (home) fees
£9,790
International and EU fees
£26,900

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Why study Childhood Studies at York?

Engage with issues that matter to, and for, children and young people from around the world. Our BA Childhood Studies centres the voices - and the rights - of children and young people and explores conceptualisations and experiences of childhood and youth, and how they differ across cultures and contexts.  You will focus on understanding their rights and amplifying their voices in a range of real-world contexts.

Make a difference to the lives of children and young people in a wide variety of settings and situations. Throughout your studies you will build up a substantial body of expertise in what it means to be a child, and how children and young people are best nurtured by their immediate caregivers as well as wider society, along with a toolkit of skills for critical thinking, data analysis and communication. This expertise will help you become well prepared for careers in social work, health, education, policy, and the voluntary sector, among others.

Learn from leading experts in sociology, language and psychology. The Department of Education at York is home to world-leading experts on childhood and youth, with specialist expertise that enables a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary exploration of the field. You will be exposed to key research and have opportunities to critically engage with some of the researchers who designed and conducted it and to explore, with them, what it means for children and young people. 

Gain transferable skills and work experience in community-focused projects and in schools. During your degree you will have opportunities to gain relevant work experience through initiatives such as York Students in the Community (YSIC) and York Students in Schools (YSIS). You can also increase your experience through our optional placement module and/or a year abroad that will add to the skills and knowledge developed through this degree.

=81st in the World
and in the World top 100 for Education and Training in the QS World University Rankings by subject, 2026
Research Excellence
We’re ranked 5th in the UK for research according to the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results (2021)
Work placements
Gain classroom experience alongside your course with our York Students in Schools programme

Course content

  • Year 1 - six core modules.
  • Year 2 - four core modules and two option modules.
  • Year 3 - two core modules, including a dissertation, and three option modules

From second year you will begin to specialise by choosing optional modules that reflect your developing interests and aims for the future. You will develop your knowledge, understanding and skills through lectures and seminars led by experts in, for example, child language development, cognitive development, play, children’s literature, philosophy for children, working with children and families, social policy and children’s rights. 

Year 1

Core modules

Academic integrity module

In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.

This module covers some of the essential skills and knowledge which will help you to study independently and produce work of a high academic standard which is vital for success at York.

This module will:

  • define academic integrity and academic misconduct
  • explain why and when you should reference source material and other people's work
  • provide interactive exercises to help you to assess whether you've understood the concepts
  • provide answers to FAQs and links to useful resources.

Year 2

Core modules

Option modules

You will also study two option modules. Examples include:

The options available to you will be confirmed later in the year. For further information, please get in touch.

Elective modules

You may be able to replace one option module with an elective module, studying a complementary subject, a language or an interdisciplinary topic.

Year 3

Core modules

Option modules

You will also study three option modules. Examples include:

The options available to you will be confirmed later in the year. For further information, please get in touch.

Elective modules

You may be able to replace one option module with an elective module, studying a complementary subject, a language or an interdisciplinary topic.

Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.

Study abroad

There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course:

Placements

Roughly a third of our students do a placement with York Students in Schools (YSIS) every year. Opportunities range from Teaching Assistants, Speech and Communication Assistants, Transition Support Mentors and more. 

Real-world experiences

Find your edge by gaining practical experience that boosts your employability. Explore diverse opportunities to apply your knowledge and build vital professional skills, such as placements, internships and part-time jobs.

Learning outcomes

Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Learning outcomes for this course
  • Synthesise knowledge, skills and critical understanding from linguistics, psychology and sociology and apply this interdisciplinary perspective to debates that are relevant to children and young people at local, national and international levels.
  • Inform approaches to understanding and supporting children and young people by identifying and evaluating relevant data in terms of its reliability, validity and appropriateness, and presenting the information and data in accessible formats.
  • Support and/or challenge dominant understandings of, and approaches to, supporting children and young people based on engagement with, and effective analysis of, qualitative and quantitative data from a wide range of research and policy sources e.g. UNESCO, NSPCC, World Health Organisation.
  • Operate in an ethical and professional manner, applying safeguarding principles and legislative frameworks (e.g., UNCRC) to real-world scenarios.
  • Develop well-structured, well-evidenced arguments and present them in written, oral and digital formats to support multi-sectoral initiatives focused on children and young people.
  • Critically reflect on personal and professional development to identify and articulate transferable skills to diverse professional stakeholders
  • Design and carry out a small-scale research project on a specific issue within the broad, interdisciplinary field of Childhood Studies.
  • Manage specific childhood-focused projects by defining the project focus, producing project plans, carrying out project tasks and evaluating project results.

Fees and funding

The fees and funding information here is for students starting in the 2026/27 academic year.

If you take a year abroad or year in industry you'll pay a reduced rate of fees for that year.

Annual tuition fees

UK (home) International and EU
£9,790 £26,900

The UK government has announced its intention to increase tuition fees from £9,790 to £10,050 for the 2027/8 academic year. We expect this to apply to new UK (home) undergraduate students starting their studies in September 2027.

UK (home) or international fees?

The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.

Fees for subsequent years

  • UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap in subsequent academic years. We will notify you of any increase as soon as we can.
  • International fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).

More information

For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.

Funding

We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2026/27 throughout the year.

Living costs

You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.

York, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial

Just four UK universities are rated Gold for teaching and top ten for research* in the latest national assessment exercises.

* Awarded joint 10th in the Times Higher Education ranking of the Research Excellence Framework 2021.

Teaching and assessment

You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Teaching format

We use a variety of teaching methods, including:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Group activities
  • Supervisions
  • Guided reading
  • Practical online learning

Weekly lectures and seminars are a chance for you to debate and discuss topics with fellow students and your tutors. You will be encouraged to think for yourself, to engage in academic debate and to develop and present your arguments with confidence and skill. You will also have access to placement opportunities and employability-focused workshops.

In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.

Facilities

On Campus, you will have access to classrooms that allow for interactive, discussion-based teaching as well as large lecture-style sessions. You will also have access to a departmental study and social space, situated at the heart of our estate, which is set up for you to relax and get to know each other and to be able to study together in small groups.

Teaching location

You will be based in the Department of Education, which is located in Derwent College on Campus West. Most of your teaching will take place in a variety of locations on Campus West.

About our campus

Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.

Assessment and feedback

You'll be assessed in a number of different ways, depending on the modules you choose. Forms of assessment may include:

  • Essays
  • Open examinations
  • Presentations
  • Reviews
  • Posters
  • Policy briefs

You'll receive written feedback on all assessed work, helping you to understand your strengths and identify areas for improvement. You can also discuss your work with your tutors and your personal supervisor to help guide your development.

226
The community here feels close-knit and encouraging. My lecturers know me by name, students help each other out, and the atmosphere in general is warm and collaborative. In my opinion, the department truly reflects the values it teaches: inclusion, understanding and making space for every learner.
Mathyn, BA Education. Read Mathyn's blog post.

Careers and skills

Alongside developing academic skills you'll have many opportunities to enhance your employability. You can gain classroom experience on our well-established York Students in Schools programme, as placements taken alongside your course are an opportunity to explore alternative careers in education and make connections with local employers.

Career opportunities

Our graduates work in a huge range of industries related to education including:

  • Teaching
  • Social work
  • Youth work
  • National and international voluntary or charitable organisations
  • Local government
  • Policy organisations or think-tanks
  • Children's rights organisations
  • Education (policy or practice)

Transferable skills

  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Analysis of data and ideas
  • Computer literacy
  • Networking
  • Time management
  • Project management

Careers and employability

Turn ambition into achievement with our expert guidance and connections. From your first day here to life after graduation, we'll help you find your career advantage.

Entry requirements

Qualification Typical offer
A levels

ABB
Access to Higher Education Diploma 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher
BTEC National Extended Diploma DDM

We consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. For example:

Distinction, Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Diploma plus B at A Level

Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate plus AB at A level

Distinction, Distinction in 2 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificates plus B at A level
European Baccalaureate 75% overall
International Baccalaureate 34 points
T levels Distinction overall including grade A in the Core in T Level in Education and Early Years

Distinction overall in following T Level subjects:
Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction; Digital Business Services; Digital Production, Design and Development; Digital Support and Services; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Health; Healthcare Science; Legal Services; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Marketing; Science
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers Scottish Highers - ABBBB

Advanced Highers - not required for entry

We may also be able to consider three Advanced Highers or a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers, where an applicant does not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone. Please contact us to discuss your qualifications.
Other international qualifications Equivalent qualifications from your country

Alternative offers

Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify you for an alternative offer.

Criteria Adjustment
Widening participation BBC
This is conditional upon successful completion of the WP programme including the YorJourney module (Black Access Programme, Next Step York) or successful completion of Realising Opportunities More about widening participation.
Contextual offer BBB
EPQ If you achieve C or higher in the EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.
Core Maths If you achieve B or higher in Core Maths, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.

English language

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

Qualification Minimum requirement
IELTS (Academic) 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
IB English A score of 4 in English A or 5 in English B (Higher Level or Standard Level)
Cambridge CEFR 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component
Oxford ELLT 7, with a minimum of 6 in each component
Oxford Test of English Advanced 136, with a minimum of 126 in each component
Duolingo Integrated subscores: 120 overall, with a minimum of 105 in each component
GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language) Grade C / Grade 4
LanguageCert SELT B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
LanguageCert Academic B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
Kaplan Test of English Language 478 Main Flight score with 444 in each component
Skills for English B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component
PTE Academic 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component
TOEFL 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component (taken before January 2026)
4.5 with 5 in Listening and 4.5 in each other component (taken after January 2026)
Trinity ISE III Merit in all components
Other English language qualifications We also accept other English Language qualifications, including various school-leaving certificates.

For more information see our undergraduate English language requirements.

If you haven't met our English language requirements

You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.

The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.

After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.

Applying

To apply to York, you'll need to complete an online application via UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

Next steps

Contact us

Get in touch if you have any questions

Dr Eleanor Brown

eleanor.brown@york.ac.uk

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