Childhood and Early Years Studies

Childhood and early years studies is the academic examination of childhood as a social, cultural and developmental phenomenon, asking what it means to be a child in different times and contexts, how children develop cognitively, emotionally and socially, what risks and opportunities they face, and how the professionals who work with them can do so most effectively. It is a degree that combines developmental psychology, sociology, education theory, social policy and child welfare research to build a rigorous, multidisciplinary understanding of children and childhood.

At Northumbria University, this four-year full-time extended degree is designed to develop the knowledge, insight and analytical skills needed to work with or on behalf of children, young people and their families. The extended structure gives you additional time to build both academic and professional foundations before the main degree content, supporting students who benefit from a longer developmental arc. You will study child development from birth to adolescence, the social and cultural contexts in which children grow up, approaches to inclusive practice, the legal and policy frameworks governing child welfare in England, and the professional values and reflective skills that characterise effective early years and childhood practitioners.

Typical entry is around 120 UCAS tariff points.

Graduates move into roles in early years settings, primary schools, children's centres, family support services, youth work, social care and community development. Many use the degree as a foundation for further professional training, including routes into primary teaching through PGCE programmes, social work qualifying degrees, or specialist postgraduate study in child and adolescent psychology, educational psychology or early childhood education. The analytical and professional skills developed make graduates well suited to any career committed to making a genuine difference in the lives of children and families.