Children and Childhoods

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information

Course summary

• Develop knowledge of theories, concepts and principles related to children and childhoods

• Study child development, therapeutic approaches and adverse childhood experiences

• Put learning into practice by working with children and families on real-world placements

• Apply theory, research and evidence as you develop as a critically reflective practitioner

We champion applied learning – partnering with over 600 schools and colleges to help you put your learning into practice. This course will support you to develop knowledge, understanding, skills and experience to be able to progress into a variety of in-demand roles or onto a range of postgraduate routes in education, health and social care.

How you learn
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

You’ll be taught by academics with specialist knowledge and expertise in a range of areas – from psychology and early years to teaching and counselling. You’ll collaborate with your tutors to model and create inclusive teaching and learning strategies and environments, and be supported to challenge accepted ideas and practices. You’ll also be joining a wider learning community of students and academics across the Sheffield Institute of Education.

You learn through:

• Diverse learning, teaching and assessment methods

• On-campus lectures

• Guest speakers

• Individual reflection

• Peers engagement

• Class debates

• Group tutorials

• Research-informed practice

• Collaborative projects

• Real-world projects and placements

• Opportunities to study abroad

• Coursework-based assessment

Key themes
You will explore topics including child development, mental health and wellbeing, therapeutic approaches, working with families and professionals, and adverse childhood experiences.

You’ll learn how to evaluate academic research, literature and policy while developing skills of reflection. You’ll also have chances to co-construct learning through dialogic teaching methods to improve the quality of classroom discussion.

We focus on applied learning, with innovative teaching to help you engage in problem-based, active learning with enriching educational experiences. As well as understanding the current practice, you’ll have the opportunity to apply research to real-world projects – gaining great experience that stands out to employers.

Applied learning
Placements
As part of your course you’ll work with employers in a range of ways. In your first year you’ll engage in applied learning with employers to support your understanding of the sector. In your second year you’ll apply for a four-week placement in a setting that supports children and families across a range of education, health and social care employers.

You’ll have the opportunity to complete a year-long placement between your second and third year. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.

In your final year, you can also tailor your research project to make a difference to the children and families within a particular setting.

Live projects
Throughout the course you’ll complete work-integrated learning modules. Here, our Careers & Employability Service will help you find work with organisations and employers on a range of problem-based learning tasks and projects.

You will also work with an organisation to critically review an element of their practice or a challenge they have. You’ll take responsibility for the process of reflection and review and completing a report to share your findings.