Childhood

The BA (Hons) Childhood programme explores the multi-disciplinary nature of the study of childhood. It embraces academic disciplines such as sociology, education, psychology, history, philosophy, social policy and health, allowing for the diverse, multi-faceted experiences of children to be explored and interrogated.

Within the programme, a variety of discreet pathways are available, related to: ‘education’, ‘disability, special needs, health and wellbeing’, and ‘society and welfare’. These pathways allow students to acquire knowledge and understanding in specialised aspects of childhood and their associated career opportunities and are specifically named in the final degree award.

The first year of the program provides students with an introductory knowledge of child development, health, education and social policy. From the second year onwards, students can choose to focus on one of the three distinct pathways. These pathways will support individual students’ interests and employability outcomes. Students seeking a wider perspective on childhood, can choose modules from across the different pathways.

Pathway 1: Disability, Health and Wellbeing: offers a grounding in human development from an ecological perspective; health, well-being; and disability, from both a bio-psycho-social perspective and the disability-studies, rights-based approach.

Pathway 2: Education: examines early and primary education and the underpinning values of professional practice. Practice modules are available within this pathway. You can work towards an optional Early Childhood Graduate Competencies certification, developed by the Early Childhood Degree Network (ECSDN) and supported by the Department for Education (DfE).

Pathway 3: Children, Rights and Social Justice: is underpinned by empowerment, rights, and agency in childhood(s) and families across differing contexts and will enhance students’ ability to elevate voices of children and families. You will gain practical experience of working with children and families, such as placements with charities and the public sector, as part of preparation for employment with children.

Work experience and development of employability skills are embedded throughout the programme and practice modules are available within specific pathways. Within the Education pathway, students can work towards Early Childhood Graduate Competencies, developed by the Early Childhood Degree Network (ECSDN) and supported by the Department for Education (DfE). This will be offered as an additional certificate promoting the understanding, knowledge and skills required for work in the contemporary and dynamic early years sector. Students who opt to pursue and complete these competencies will receive a certificate of Early Childhood Studies Graduate Practitioner Competencies, alongside their degree.

The Childhood programme and its pathways provides the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of childhood for students who aspire to work directly with children, their families and/or with the services that support them. Employability has always been central to the Childhood programme here at the University of Suffolk. We encourage all students to undertake work/practice experience in whatever form is most accessible and appropriate for the individual student. This programme enables students to go into a range of careers working with children and their families as well as further graduate education such as Initial Teacher Training, Postgraduate Certification, and further studies at Masters’ and/or Doctorate level. Graduate destinations have previously been situated within the areas of education, early years provision, family support work, social care, therapeutic settings and charitable organisations.