Childhood and Youth Studies with Criminology BA (Hons)

Overview

If you want to fuse a desire to make a positive impact on children aged 8–18 with a solid understanding of youth justice and law enforcement, this BA (Hons) Children and Youth Studies with Criminology degree is ideal.

Learning from academic researchers and staff who have experience as practitioners in the field, you’ll explore the issues affecting young people and children and get a solid foundation on the role of the criminal justice system and the causes of crime.

You'll focus on young people’s development, learning and relationships, and delve into the complex policies and practices that impact them. You can shape your degree to match your interests and ambitions.

You'll have opportunities to apply your knowledge and make a positive difference to young people on a work placement in year 2 and an optional paid placement year before your final year.

This degree is ideal preparation for rewarding careers in areas such as youth work and youth justice – and offers a pathway into postgraduate training in Probation.

What you'll experience

On this degree course, you'll:

• Spend two-thirds of your time at the School of Education and Sociology, examining topics around child development, education, psychology, health and social work
• Spend your remaining time studying at the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, learning about crime, punishment and rehabilitation
• Develop skills and knowledge for working with children and young people in a variety of settings, including youth intervention work
• Analyse theories and contemporary issues for children and young people in today’s society
• Tailor your studies and final year research project to focus on areas that meet your career goals and interests
• Practise professional meetings in our Family Assessment Room, where you'll learn how parents and children feel during family meetings, and explore your responsibilities as a practitioner
• Use professional facilities including play/sensory rooms and crime scene simulation rooms

You'll also have the opportunity to:

• Spend a sandwich year studying abroad or doing a work placement after year 2
• Complete pre-entry qualifications for a career in probation work and community justice
• Boost your career prospects and link your learning to the wider world by volunteering or doing a work placement alongside your studies

Transferable skills you'll learn, which you can apply to any area of your life and career, include:

• critical thinking
• problem solving
• team working
• oral and written communication
• time management
• empathy

Careers and opportunities

Societal changes and the coronavirus pandemic have had a major impact on children's behaviour and the way they engage with education. Criminals also continue to take advantage of vulnerable children.

This means there's a significant demand for graduates who have the expert skills and knowledge to work with young people and children in the community.

What can you do with a Childhood and Youth Studies with Criminology degree?

Areas you can work in or do additional study in after you graduate include:

• youth work
• law enforcement and the police
• social work
• social justice
• children's rights
• social policy
• probation
• educational welfare
• health promotion
• teaching.