BA (Hons) Childhood Studies (Top-Up)

Three Childhood and Youth Studies students are sat at a table, working on a card sorting exercise.

This programme is fantastic for anybody looking for, or already working in, a career with children and young people. This course enhances practice and facilitates professional progression through the acquisition of transferable skills, such as reflecting in and on practice, working collaboratively and effectively as a team member, and conducting research using appropriate tools and methodology.

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This programme is subject to validation / revalidation by UEA, ready to accept new entrants from September 2025. Therefore, for next year there may be some changes to this advertised course content following this process.

Level: 6
Entry Point: Sep 2025
Duration: Full Time, 1 year
Venue: Norfolk House campus
CCN Course Code: F0107

Reasons to study
this course

In addition to the wide variety of transferable skills that are taught, study of this programme will enable you to analyse ethical and professional conflicts that arise in practice and to develop the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas in your own existing or prospective settings.

This course offers the opportunity to gain a holistic understanding of the range of experiences and factors affecting children and young people, as well as equipping you with the knowledge and skills to support children and young people with diverse and complex needs effectively.

Jasmine Presley - Course Leader BA (Hons) Childhood Studies (Top-Up)

My name is Jasmine , and I am the course leader for BA (Hons) Childhood Studies (Top-Up). I am committed to inspiring, guiding, and supporting students as they work toward their goals. Whether you are straight out of school or returning to education later in life, my aim is to make learning both enjoyable and rewarding. With experience spanning primary and higher education, I have had the privilege of working with students at different stages of their learning journeys. I have been a Higher Education lecturer with City College Norwich since 2017, and some of the highlights of this role include: designing and delivering engaging modules across undergraduate levels, helping students explore a range of childhood related subjects and areas, and supporting students’ academic and personal growth.

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Where will this
course take you?

Many of the students who have taken this programme are now pursuing fantastic opportunities in nurseries, schools or schools for students with special educational needs. The programme could also open up opportunities for post-graduate study leading to other qualifications, for example in teaching or social work.

Learning Mentor

Average salary £23,000pa

Learning mentors offer support and guidance to children and young people who are struggling with social, emotional or behavioural issues that affect their ability to learn.

As a learning mentor, you'll support, motivate and guide pupils, including gifted and talented learners, to help them overcome barriers that are preventing them from achieving their full potential. You'll work closely with teachers and other staff to identify the needs of learners who require help and plan how to support them.

Source: Prospects
Social Worker

Average salary £33,000pa

Social workers play a vital role in giving a voice to those who need it, having a positive impact on an individual and their family's wellbeing and quality of life.

As a social worker, you'll support individuals and their families through difficult times, helping to find solutions to their problems, with the aim of improving future outcomes for them. You'll work to ensure that vulnerable people, including children and adults, are safeguarded from harm and are able to live more independently with the support they need.

Source: Prospects
Teaching Assistant

Average salary £23,000pa

As a teaching assistant (TA), you'll support pupils in their educational, emotional and social development either individually, in groups or as a whole class.

You'll also support the teacher by undertaking duties that will free up their time for teaching, such as preparing the classroom for lessons, making resources and creating displays of children's work.

Source: Prospects

Student stories

“I loved all the lecturers, they were so supportive with everything. I recently emailed them to let them know I had a teaching job because I felt really proud of myself, and I wanted to let them know because they were such a big part of my journey.”

– Alicia

Course structure

The course is studied full time over one year. The programme is delivered over one day a week - 30 teaching weeks per year.

Level 6 modules

Creativity and Applications in Practice Compulsory

Discover how creativity supports the holistic development of children and young people across education, health, and social care settings. This module examines innovative approaches to enhance cognitive, social, and emotional growth, while fostering problem-solving, critical thinking, and inclusive practice. You’ll engage with key theories and research, learning how to design creative initiatives that meet diverse needs, including for children with SEND. Through reflective practice, this module equips you with the skills to apply creative methods to real-world challenges in meaningful ways.

Assessment:

Seminar (100% of module weighting)

International Perspectives Compulsory

Gain a global understanding of childhood and youth by exploring how cultural, social, and political contexts shape their experiences. This module examines education, health, and welfare across different nations, exploring the role of international organizations like UNICEF and the UN in advocating for children’s rights. You’ll analyze global challenges such as child poverty, trafficking, and access to education, and consider how policies and movements influence outcomes for young people. By engaging with case studies from around the world, you’ll develop the ability to critically evaluate the diverse factors impacting children’s lives globally.

Assessment:

Report (100% of module weighting)

Leadership and Management Compulsory

Learn how effective leadership transforms childhood and youth work settings by exploring leadership theories, management strategies, and team dynamics. This module focuses on building personal leadership skills, promoting positive workplace cultures, and improving team performance through effective communication and support systems. You will analyse real-world scenarios to understand the impact of leadership on organisational success, preparing you to lead and inspire in multidisciplinary settings.

Assessment:

Oral Exam (100% of module weighting)

Specialised Support and Interventions Compulsory

Understand the range of targeted and universal interventions available for children and young people facing challenges. This module explores trauma-informed approaches, SEND practices, and multiagency frameworks, emphasising the importance of family and community support. You’ll examine how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect young people and learn how to design interventions that promote resilience and well-being. This module equips you with the knowledge and skills to support children and young people with diverse and complex needs effectively.

Assessment:

Professional Discussion (100% of module weighting)

Dissertation (Research Project) Compulsory

Conduct independent research on a topic of your choice within childhood and youth studies, showcasing your ability to think critically and contribute original insights. This module guides you in developing ethical research practices, producing literature reviews, and linking theory to practice. Your dissertation will demonstrate your ability to analyse complex issues and propose solutions that have real-world relevance, preparing you for advanced study or professional practice. Assessment:

Dissertation (100% of module weighting)

Course details

Assessment methods

This programme is assessed using a variety of methods including written assignments, individual presentations, creative workshops, field research, seminars, portfolios and examinations.

Awarded by

This course is awarded by the University of East Anglia and regulated by The Office for Students.

Entry requirements

Foundation Degree

Applicants should have a Foundation Degree in a relevant subject area (achieving 240 credits).

International Students and Non-native Speakers

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. For International students, we require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading); the required minimum is: IELTS Academic (SELT) 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components).

Please contact the advice shop for advice and guidance. International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the International Students webpage.