BSc Childhood Studies (L520)
2025 entry | view 2024 entry
Course summary
Childhood Studies is the social science of childhood and adolescence. At Bristol, our interdisciplinary BSc Childhood Studies course focuses on children from birth to 19 years. We explore issues relating to perspectives on, and children's experiences of, education, care, justice, development, health, and rights and responsibilities in a national and international context.
Our research-based teaching includes the expertise of lecturers from related disciplines, including education, psychology, sociology, social policy, history, social work and law.
You will consider childhood in the contexts of families, peers, communities, and society at a national and international level. Topics of study include children's education, rights, development, physical and mental health, psychology, safeguarding and protection, youth justice, and social harm, among others.
In the first year, you will develop a solid understanding of the psychological, sociological and historical constructions of childhood, as well as contemporary issues affecting children such as child labour, child poverty and children's education. 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 children and childhood. Our graduates go on to careers in areas such as education, psychology, research, policy, children's therapy, social work, law and social justice, children's charities, government, business, 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, education, and the sociology of childhood 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, sociology, social work, or law and justice, or you may choose a mix of units including options from other social science degrees.
During the second year, there is an opportunity to gain real-life experience working in a range of organisations and supporting children and families through our work placement unit.
Sample units on the course may include:
- Child and Adolescent Psychology
- Children’s Rights: Legal, ethical and political challenges
- Youth, Sexualities and Gendered Violence
- Therapeutic Work with Children
- Disability in Society
- Children in a Global Context
- Children and Social Harm
- Researching Children.
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.
Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
More about Access to HE entry requirements
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Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Childhood Studies can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement - The admissions statement above relates to 2024 entry. The statement for 2025 entry will be available in summer 2024.