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.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Are interested in young people’s development
Enjoy working with children or teenagers
Want a career in education or youth work
Are empathetic and patient
Like people-focused roles
Popular Career Fields
Education
Charity & NGO Sector
Healthcare & Public Health
Government & Public Sector
Your Personality Might Be:
Child-focused
Charity & NGO Sector
Empathetic
Developmentally aware
What is it?
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.
Course Summary
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.
What you'll study
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
Skills You'll Gain
A Childhood & Youth Development Studies degree helps you build both pedagogical and communication skills, including:
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.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates can work in a wide range of roles involving children and young people, including:
Youth Worker
Family Support Worker
Teaching Assistant or Learning Mentor
Pastoral / Wellbeing Support Officer
SEND Support Worker
Children’s Residential Care Worker
Community Development Officer
Outreach and Social Inclusion Worker
Work Experiences & Placements
Depending on the university, opportunities may include:
Youth work services and community organisations
Schools and alternative education provision
Family support and early help teams
Mental health and wellbeing projects
Residential childcare or mentoring programmes
Charities and social enterprises supporting young people
Experience is valuable for careers in youth work, education, and family services.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent. Most universities accept a broad range of subjects. Psychology, Sociology, Health & Social Care, Biology, or English are beneficial.
Personal Statement Tips
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.
What to do Next
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.
Wider Reading
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.