Childhood and Youth Studies - BA (Hons)

Bangor University

At the heart of this course is a view of 21st Century children and young people as social actors: people with something to say, with resilience, with complex lives that are experienced amidst all the cultural, social, educational and political shifts that happen in the world around them. It can lead to a wide range of careers including teaching, social work, counselling and law where you’ll make a real difference to the lives of young people.This dynamic, multidisciplinary degree at Bangor University offers you the opportunity to study a diverse range of topics. These can support you in pursuing careers within a variety of areas including teaching, social work, counselling and law. Our teaching team have expertise and backgrounds in psychology, sociology, children’s rights, linguistics, education, forensics, health and welfare. This rich and diverse learning environment is a unique trait of our course, and gives you the opportunity to study childhood and youth from multiple perspectives.The 3-year course is designed around three pathways, with modules relating to psychological, sociological and educational perspectives on issues relevant to childhood and youth in theory and in practice. The first year is designed to provide you with a strong foundation in all three strands. The second year continues to build upon these strands and to develop effective practice by working with employers in the fields in order to develop working knowledge and to make important connections with future employers and service providers. This leads up to year three, where you can study at least four topics selected from the range of modules that are currently available across the pathways. In this final year you will also complete a major research project which enables you to deepen your expertise and knowledge in your chosen area. This course also includes guest speakers as well as opportunities to study abroad and opportunities to present at conferences helping you develop both your academic and employability skills. Every year you’ll have the opportunity to undertake placements to develop your understanding of aspects of children’s needs and development and to carry out research into current issues and practice.This Childhood and Youth Studies degree aims to address the present demand for well-qualified specialists able to work with children, young people and their families in a range of contexts, in the community and in institutions. The programme combines sound academic grounding with a practical and active dimension that will produce professionals well able to address the challenges of a contemporary, active society in a bilingual country.Placement Year and International Experience Year AvailableCareersThe multi-disciplinary approach of the degree prepares students for a broad range of career choices in education, psychology and sociology and allied professions in the public and private sector, including health, social care, youth and community work. Alternately, some students continue their studies on a masters programme or apply for a place on a PGCE Primary course. Should you decide to apply for the PGCE Primary course at Bangor, you will be offered an interview, if you meet the entry requirements.This BA Childhood and Youth Studies is suitable for students who want to follow a career relating to any of the three main pathways that underpin the course: Education, Psychology and Social Science. As this course includes perspectives from all three strands, it allows the students the opportunity to discover their main area of interest, which then leads on to various professions within that field. The depth of knowledge gained on our course provides a very strong foundation from which to go on to specialise in various fields. These include, for example, careers in children’s services, management, teaching, social work, counselling, therapies and the law.