Children and Childhoods

Children and childhoods as a field of academic study takes seriously the idea that childhood is not simply a stage of development but a social and cultural construction that varies across time, place and circumstance. The discipline draws on sociology, psychology, education, social policy and law to examine how children experience the world, how institutions shape those experiences, and how policy and practice can better serve children's rights and wellbeing. At Sheffield Hallam University, this three-year full-time degree includes a foundation year and a sandwich placement with a work placement component, giving you both the theoretical grounding and the direct professional experience that roles working with children and families require.

You will study child development and wellbeing alongside the social structures and inequalities that affect children's lives, exploring themes such as family, poverty, education, safeguarding and participation. The placement opportunities are a distinctive strength of the programme, allowing you to apply your learning in real settings across education, health and social care. Sheffield Hallam's emphasis on applied learning means that academic frameworks and practical engagement develop in parallel throughout your studies rather than sequentially.

A typical entry tariff of around 120 points is expected.

Graduates pursue careers in social work, early years education, teaching, children's services, youth work, family support, safeguarding and policy development. The degree provides a well-recognised foundation for postgraduate routes including social work qualifying programmes, education training and specialist study in child psychology or family therapy. The field consistently needs qualified, reflective professionals, and the combination of academic depth and placement experience this degree provides is valued by employers across the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors.