Childhood & Youth and Sport & Physical Education
Childhood and youth studies and sport and physical education is a combination that connects the multidisciplinary study of children's and young people's lives with the science and practice of physical education and sport. Childhood and youth studies draws on sociology, history, social policy, politics, and cultural studies to examine the social contexts in which children and young people grow up, the challenges they face, and the ways in which policy and practice can support their development. Sport and physical education brings a complementary lens, examining how physical activity, movement, and sport are taught, promoted, and experienced across different contexts, from school PE to community and elite sport.
At Liverpool Hope this four-year full-time programme includes a foundation year, which provides a preparatory stage before you enter the main degree. Across the programme you will develop a rich understanding of children's and young people's social worlds alongside the pedagogical and scientific knowledge needed to work effectively in sport and physical education settings. The combination is particularly relevant to careers in schools, youth work, community sport, and health promotion, where understanding both the developmental needs of young people and the role of physical activity in their wellbeing is directly applicable.
A sandwich year, a year abroad, and work placement experience are all available within the programme, giving you the opportunity to develop professional skills, international experience, and a practical portfolio alongside your academic work.
Graduates move into careers in teaching and school sport, youth work, community sport development, health promotion, coaching, sports administration, and social care. Many go on to postgraduate teacher training or further study in education, youth studies, or sport science. The dual focus of the degree also prepares you well for roles in policy and advocacy relating to children's rights and wellbeing.