Childhood, Youth and Education Studies

The Childhood, Youth and Education Studies degree is designed for people who want to contribute to the learning and development of children and young people across a variety of educational settings.

A Childhood, Youth and Education Studies degree can open the door to a range of rewarding areas of practice working with children and young people.

• Our course offers you a flexible learning experience where you will have the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed to pursue a particular area of work with children and young people you are most passionate about.

• You will have the opportunity to explore important areas of educational practice, formal and informal, through both in-class learning and practical work experience*.

• Get the opportunity to take part in a range of exciting international and UK based educational experiences*.

Key Course Benefits
If you are passionate about achieving the best outcomes for children and young people and you want to learn alongside like-minded people in an innovative learning environment, then the Childhood, Youth and Education Studies degree aims to both excite and challenge you.

Investing in the education of children and young people is essential for the growth of individuals and communities that flourish. This internationally focused course has employability at its core, and you can learn from academics and practice partners who currently collectively have experience across a range of relevant areas of study and practice.

We have designed our course to help prepare you for a range of careers, such as social, youth and community work, family support or progression to teacher training.

You’ll have the opportunity to hear from a range of guest speakers (subject to availability) which have previously included practice experts in special educational needs, child protection, children and young people’s health and youth violence, or those practising in contexts such as youth work, pastoral care, social care or primary/secondary education.

*For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website.

The information on this page is for 2024-25 entry and should be used as guidance for 2025-26 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Year one
The first year will introduce you to the key themes within the degree including childhood and youth in context, theory and practice of education and skills for working with children and young people. You will begin to develop an understanding of some of the challenges faced by children and young people including safeguarding, exclusion and social justice. You will also consider the impact of digital media, technology and popular culture on children and young people’s development.

Modules
Childhood and Youth in Context - 20 credits
Theories of Education - 20 credits
Personal and Academic Development - 20 credits
Skills for Working with Children and Young People - 20 credits
Curricula for Learning and Development - 20 credits
Safeguarding Children and Young People - 20 credits

Year Two
The second year builds on first year themes, exploring the major disciplines of psychology, sociology and approaches to research within education. This also includes an introduction to professional experience spanning the first semester in a children’s and or young people’s setting. The types of placements may vary significantly, reflecting the range of interests on the course, but you will have an opportunity to access a wide range of practical support and signposting to help you find the right placement for you2. Examples of work undertaken by previous students include teaching or SEN support within a primary school, pastoral and mentoring support in a secondary school, youth support work in community settings and play therapy within a hospital setting.

Modules
Introduction to Professional Experience - 20 credits
Multi-Disciplinary Practice: Methods and Models - 20 credits
Psychology of Childhood, Youth and Education - 20 credits
Sociology of Childhood, Youth, and Education - 20 credits
Research Methods - 20 credits
Health and Wellbeing Education - 20 credits

Placement Year
There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,250. For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Final Year
Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from year one and two. This includes a second professional experience placement2 spanning the first semester, alongside highlighting special and inclusive needs of children and young people, and contemporary practices. You will also work on a dissertation in an area of your interest, with the support of a supervisor and your Academic Personal Tutor.

Modules
Professional Experience - 20 credits
Innovation, Creativity and Change - 20 credits
International and Comparative Perspectives - 20 credits
Special and Inclusive Education - 20 credits
Dissertation - 40 credits

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. Before accepting any offers, please check the website for the most up to date course content. For full module details please check the course page on the Coventry University website.