Childhood & Youth Development BA/BSc
Study of how children and young people grow, learn, and experience the world, exploring development, wellbeing, education, social influences, and the support systems that help them thrive from early childhood through adolescence.
YOUR PERSONALITY MIGHT BE:
Child-focused
Patient educator
Empathetic
Developmentally aware
POPULAR CAREER FIELDS
Education
Charity & NGO Sector
Healthcare & Public Health
Government & Public Sector
Is this for you?
Childhood & Youth Development BA/BSc
Is this for you?
WHAT IS IT?
Study of how children and young people grow, learn, and experience the world, exploring development, wellbeing, education, social influences, and the support systems that help them thrive from early childhood through adolescence.
CAREER OPTIONS
CURRENT APPRENTICESHIPS, INTERNSHIPS & WORKPLACES
Internships
Apprenticeships
Uni Open Days
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About the Course
What is a Childhood & Youth Development degree?
A Childhood & Youth Development degree examines the biological, psychological, and social factors that shape childhood and adolescence.
You’ll study how children and young people develop emotionally, cognitively, socially, and physically, as well as how families, communities, schools, and services influence their wellbeing.The degree blends theory with real-world application, preparing students for careers in youth work, education, family support, community development, wellbeing roles, and further professional training in teaching or social care.
It suits students who want to support young people through periods of rapid growth and change.Why study Childhood & Youth Development?
If you’re passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people, this degree offers both depth and flexibility.
It helps you understand:How development differs across childhood and adolescence
How identity, relationships, and mental health evolve
How education, social environments, and digital culture influence growth
How youth services, safeguarding, and family support operate
How to work effectively with young people facing challenges
The degree is well suited to those interested in wellbeing, education, social justice, and youth empowerment.
Most Childhood & Youth Development degrees include studying:
Child and adolescent development
Youth culture, identity, and mental health
Education, learning, and social environments
Family and community support
Safeguarding, risk, and wellbeing
Research methods and applied practice
Understanding of child and youth development – enabling you to support young people effectively at different stages.
Communication and relationship-building – helping you work with children, families, and professionals with empathy and confidence.
Observation and assessment skills – allowing you to analyse behaviour, needs, and developmental progress.
Research and critical thinking – enabling you to evaluate evidence and apply theories to real-world challenges.
Professional and reflective practice – preparing you for roles that require ethical decision-making and emotional awareness.
A-levels or equivalent. Most universities accept a broad range of subjects. Psychology, Sociology, Health & Social Care, Biology, or English are beneficial.
Show enthusiasm for working with children or young people.
Mention relevant experiences: mentoring, youth work, childcare, volunteering, clubs, coaching.
Reflect on issues facing young people today (mental health, inequality, digital impacts).
Highlight empathy, communication, resilience, and problem-solving skills.
The Teenage Brain – Frances E. Jensen
A clear, engaging explanation of how adolescent development shapes behaviour and decision-making.Children & Young People’s Worlds – Montgomery, Kellett & Holbrook
A comprehensive introduction to childhood and youth studies from multiple perspectives.The Spirit Level – Wilkinson & Pickett
A powerful exploration of how social inequality affects wellbeing and development.How to Talk So Teens Will Listen & Listen So Teens Will Talk – Faber & Mazlish
A practical guide to communication with adolescents.
Gain experience in youth services or education settings.
Explore specialist pathways such as mental health, SEND, or family support.
Stay informed about youth policy, safeguarding, and wellbeing research.
Think about whether you want to progress into teaching, social care, or youth support.
Youth Work - Youth worker, youth development officer, detached youth worker, youth support worker
Family Support Services - Family support worker, family outreach worker, family intervention worker, family liaison officer
Early Years Practice - Early years practitioner, nursery practitioner, childcare worker, early childhood educator
Children's Services - Children's services officer, child welfare officer, safeguarding officer, children and families worker
Play Therapy - Play therapist (with further training), therapeutic play worker, play therapy assistant, child therapist
Education Welfare - Education welfare officer, attendance officer, pupil welfare officer, student support officer
Children's Advocacy - Children's rights officer, children's advocate, participation officer, youth voice coordinator
Youth Programming - Youth program coordinator, youth services coordinator, youth activities manager, youth project leader
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