Childhood and Youth Studies (Q23)

Open University
Undergraduate BA (Hons) Distance learning 3-6 Years Social work, childhood, and youth studies

About this course

What makes young people tick? What shapes and influences children’s development? How can the adults who work with children support them more effectively? Childhood and youth studies is one of the UK’s fastest-growing academic disciplines. We’re a pioneer in this field and have developed this degree over the last two decades. You’ll explore fascinating topics affecting the lives of children and young people today, including child development and psychology, international childhoods, research with children and young people, and children’s literature. This wide-ranging interdisciplinary degree is suitable if you’re working with children and young people or have a general interest in the field.

Key features of the course

  • Spans the full age range from 0–24, offering insights into childhood and young adulthood

  • Study diverse topics such as child development, psychology, international childhoods, research with children and young people, and children’s literature

  • Gain unique perspectives by exploring children's and young people’s lives from different perspectives alongside students studying and working in different settings

  • Relevant to a wide range of careers in childcare, education, health and social care

    Please note that in England, this course does not provide Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and in Scotland, this course does not lead to SSSC registration in day care of children’s services. GCSE requirements may affect eligibility.

  • Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    1172 Social services managers and directors
    2317 Teachers of English as a foreign language
    2461 Social workers
    2316 Special and additional needs education teaching professionals
    2319 Teaching professionals
    2462 Probation officers

    Course Details

    Qualification
    Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
    Study Mode
    Distance learning
    Duration
    3-6 Years
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    Milton Keynes
    Scheme
    Undergraduate
    Subjects
    Social work, childhood, and youth studies