Childhood Studies BA

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Leeds

Program Overview

This degree explores childhood and youth through a broad interdisciplinary lens, combining psychology, sociology, social policy and education so you understand children’s lives in local, national and global contexts. It’s ideal if you’re drawn to careers working with children and young people—such as in education, social work, charities or youth services—because you’ll gain both theory and practical insight.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In the first year you’ll establish the foundations of the discipline. You’ll take modules such as Psychological Approaches to Child Development and Education, What is a Child: Social Construction of Childhood, Children’s Rights and Social Justice and Children, Young People, Families and the State, which introduce how childhood is shaped, seen and lived in different contexts.
Year 2
In the second year you deepen your understanding of core issues. You’ll study modules like Research Methods (equipping you with skills to investigate childhood), Child Welfare and Health, Well-being, Childhood and Youth, and you may choose optional modules such as Teaching and Learning in Primary and Early Years, giving you experience in actual educational settings.
Year 3
In your final year you bring everything together through advanced study and independent work. You’ll complete a Final Year Research Project (a major piece of independent research), take Children, Families and Cultural Diversity: Philosophical Perspectives, and Critical Debates in Childhood and Youth Research. You’ll also have optional opportunities like the Students in Education module, giving you practical time in schools or youth-settings.

Focus areas

Research; child development; children’s rights, social justice & policy; sociology of childhood.

Learning outcomes

You will develop analytical and critical understanding of childhood and youth in broad contexts; you’ll learn how to design and conduct empirical research into childhood issues; you’ll gain practical experience working alongside children and young people; and you’ll build a professional toolkit of skills relevant to education, youth work, policy and support services.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

While the programme itself is not explicitly BPS-accredited (as it is not solely a psychology degree), it is delivered by the School of Education at Leeds and offers strong employability and career-preparation pathways in childhood, youth, education and social services.

Reputation (employability rankings)

School of Education, University of Leeds is ranked 1st in the UK for Childhood & Youth Studies by the Complete University Guide 2026.
According to the course page, you’ll be learning within a world-ranked School of Education, and the degree is designed with practical experience and career readiness in mind.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA Childhood Studies programme at Leeds is designed to provide you with practical experience and exposure to real-world settings, ensuring that you not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop the skills necessary for your future career. Here's how the programme integrates experiential learning:

Work Placements: The programme includes opportunities for work placements, allowing you to gain firsthand experience in various settings related to childhood studies.
Research Opportunities: Engage in research projects that explore key concepts of childhood and youth through a multidisciplinary approach.
Access to Facilities: Benefit from state-of-the-art learning facilities, including libraries, PCs, and the virtual learning environment, which support your academic development.
Optional Modules: Choose from a range of optional modules that allow you to tailor your degree to your interests and career ambitions.
Personal Tutor Support: Receive guidance and support from a personal tutor who will help shape your academic and personal development.
Peer-Assisted Study Sessions: Participate in sessions led by trained second and third-year students, providing a relaxed environment to discuss various topics.
International Opportunities: Explore options for study abroad or placements in international settings to broaden your experience.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to enhance your understanding and prepare you for a successful career in childhood studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA Childhood Studies program at the University of Leeds are well-prepared for a variety of roles in sectors such as education, social work, and community services. The program's interdisciplinary approach equips students with a deep understanding of childhood and youth, enabling them to pursue careers in primary teaching, social work, local government, and the charity sector.

University Services Supporting Employment:

Careers Service: Offers tailored advice, workshops, and networking opportunities to help students secure employment in their chosen field.
Work Placements: Optional placements in education settings allow students to gain practical experience and enhance their employability.

Employment Statistics:

95% of students go on to work and/or study within 15 months of graduation.

University–Industry Partnerships:

The University of Leeds collaborates with various organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships and job placements.

Long-Term Accreditation Value:

The program's accreditation ensures that the degree meets high professional standards, enhancing graduates' employability both in the UK and internationally.

Graduation Outcomes:

Graduates benefit from the university's strong industry connections, facilitating access to internships and job placements.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA Childhood Studies, you can pursue advanced studies such as the MSc Educational Psychology or MSc Clinical Psychology. The program's interdisciplinary approach provides a solid foundation for these postgraduate qualifications. Additionally, the university offers opportunities for research-led learning, allowing you to engage in projects that can further your academic and professional aspirations.

Additional Information & Requirements

CBSE (India – Standard XII): Applicants should achieve an overall score between 75% and 90% in Class XII, preferably with strong marks in science or related academic subjects that reflect consistent academic performance.
American Curriculum (GPA / SAT / ACT): Students following the U.S. system must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 along with SAT 1290 or ACT 26. Taking AP-level courses in mathematics, science, or social studies is highly recommended for a competitive profile.
UCAS: Applications must be submitted via UCAS, including a personal statement, references, and predicted grades. Ensure the correct course and institution codes are used for accurate processing.
International Baccalaureate (IB): Candidates undertaking the IB Diploma should obtain a total of 34 points, with 6, 5, and 5 at Higher Level subjects. A strong performance in key subjects relevant to the course will enhance competitiveness.
A-Level: Applicants must achieve ABB at A-Level, reflecting solid academic strength across three key subjects. High grades in relevant disciplines are essential to demonstrate readiness for university-level study.
GCSE: A minimum of Grade 4/C or above in English Language is required to satisfy the English proficiency criterion. Equivalent qualifications or approved English language certifications are also acceptable in place of GCSE English.
IELTS: An overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual component below 6.0, is required to prove adequate English language proficiency for academic study. This ensures capability in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
TOEFL: For TOEFL iBT, an overall score of 88 is required, with minimum section scores of 20 in reading, 19 in listening, 22 in speaking, and 21 in writing. These thresholds ensure a balanced command of English skills.