BA Joint Hons Childhood and Youth Studies and Sociology (English-medium course)

3 Years On Campus Joint-bachelors Program

Bangor University

Program Overview

The Childhood and Youth Studies and Sociology BA (Hons) at Bangor University blends the study of childhood and youth development with a broad sociological understanding of society, institutions, and social structures. It suits students who care about children, young people, and social justice, and who wish to analyze childhood, youth, and social dynamics in context — preparing them for roles in youth work, social policy, community services, research, or social care.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year, students explore foundational topics covering childhood and youth from historical, social, and developmental perspectives, alongside introductory sociology themes. Typical modules might include Children and Society (exploring how childhood is shaped by sociocultural factors) and courses addressing children’s communication, language, and early literacy. Meanwhile, sociology coursework introduces basic sociological theory and the study of social structures, institutions, and everyday social life — giving students a dual lens from the very start.

Year 2
In the second year, students deepen their understanding of youth development and social processes. On the Childhood and Youth side, they might study inclusion, additional learning needs, wellbeing, and young people’s mental health and social challenges. On the Sociology side, they examine social stratification, identity, social policy, and how societal institutions influence children, families, and communities — blending social theory with the lived realities of youth and social environments.

Year 3
In the final year, students specialise and integrate their learning. They might choose advanced modules dealing with identities in youth, the influence of family, culture, and community on young lives, or issues like substance use and social inequality affecting families and children. Sociology modules could address global social issues, policy, institutions, and social change. This year also offers opportunities for research projects or community-based engagement, enabling students to apply theory to real-world social contexts and prepare for professional or further academic paths.

Focus Areas
“Child & youth development · Social institutions & policy · Childhood & social justice · Inclusion & diversity · Family, community & youth wellbeing · Social structures, identity & sociology of childhood”

Learning Outcomes
“Gain a deep understanding of how childhood and youth are shaped by psychological, social, cultural, and institutional factors; analyse social structures, policies, and their impact on individuals, children, families, and communities; evaluate issues of inclusion, inequality, identity, and wellbeing among young people; apply interdisciplinary knowledge in roles involving youth work, community support, social care, research, or advocacy; develop skills for analysing, researching, and addressing social challenges affecting children and youth.”

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The combined honours nature of the degree — blending childhood/youth studies with sociology — equips graduates for a wide range of careers in social care, community services, youth work, policy and social research, education support, welfare, and non-profit sectors. Its broad scope and emphasis on social context make graduates well placed to contribute meaningfully to social and youth-focused roles.

Reputation (Employability & Suitability)
The multidisciplinary design of the Childhood and Youth Studies and Sociology BA (Hons) at Bangor University is recognised for delivering both academic rigour and practical social relevance. By combining child/youth development perspectives with sociology, it appeals to students aiming for socially impactful careers — giving them flexibility and a strong foundation for both employment and further study.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in this joint honours programme combine practical experience in childhood and youth studies with sociological research and analysis. From the first year, they engage in placements and projects that allow them to apply theoretical learning in real-world contexts.

Students benefit from:

Work placements in schools, youth organisations, or community settings, providing hands-on experience in supporting children and young people.
Field visits and community projects that link academic study to practical application, including observations of social structures, policies, and childhood experiences.
Group projects and collaborative learning, enabling students to develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills while tackling real-life social and youth-related issues.
Access to research tools and digital databases, supporting sociological analysis and evidence-based study of youth and society.

Academic Structure & Curriculum Depth

The programme integrates modules from both Childhood and Youth Studies and Sociology. Students explore child development, youth culture, socialisation, social inequality, policy analysis, and research methods.

This interdisciplinary approach equips graduates with a broad understanding of how social structures influence childhood and youth, and prepares them to apply sociological insight in educational, social, or community settings.

What Sets This Programme Apart

A combination of applied and academic learning, giving students both practical experience with children and young people and the analytical tools of sociology.
Opportunities to develop transferable skills in research, critical thinking, advocacy, and project management.
Students gain direct experience in English-medium contexts, preparing them for careers in schools, youth services, social policy, or community development.
Close support from faculty and placement mentors ensures students are prepared for professional practice and postgraduate study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BA Joint Hons Childhood and Youth Studies and Sociology (English-medium) program at Bangor University are well-prepared to work with children, young people, and communities, combining insights from social science and education. They typically pursue careers in youth work, social services, community development, or research and policy roles:

University Career Services: Bangor University’s Careers and Employability Service provides guidance on career pathways, CV and interview preparation, and access to graduate schemes in social work, community development, and research sectors.
Employment statistics & salary: Graduates often secure employment within six months of graduation. Entry-level roles in youth work, social services, and community engagement generally offer starting salaries of £20,000–£27,000, with opportunities for career growth and specialization.
University–industry partnerships: The program includes practical placements with schools, youth organizations, social services, and local community projects, providing real-world experience and networking opportunities.
Long-term accreditation value: The degree equips graduates with recognized qualifications and practical skills valued in community, education, and social research roles.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates gain the knowledge and experience to work in youth services, community engagement, social research, or policy development, and are prepared for roles that require understanding of social dynamics and child development.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue postgraduate studies in childhood and youth studies, sociology, social work, education, or community development, enhancing their professional expertise and expanding career opportunities in both research and applied settings.