Childhood And Youth Studies

Childhood and youth studies is a multidisciplinary degree concerned with the lives of children and young people across childhood and adolescence, drawing on education, sociology, psychology, social policy and health studies to develop a comprehensive and theoretically grounded understanding of how young people grow, learn, experience and navigate the social world. It is a field shaped by a recognition that children and young people are social actors in their own right rather than simply objects of adult concern, and that understanding their perspectives, needs and rights requires both scientific rigour and genuine respect for their experience.

At Bangor University, this three-year degree examines childhood and youth through multiple disciplinary lenses, developing graduates who are equipped to work in a wide range of contexts with children, young people and the families and communities around them. The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad and work placement opportunities, providing structured routes to develop professional experience and international perspective in a field where practical knowledge and direct experience of working with young people are highly valued by employers.

You will study child development across cognitive, emotional and social dimensions, educational theory and practice, safeguarding and child protection, youth work and community development, mental health and wellbeing in childhood and adolescence, social policy affecting children and families, and the legal and rights frameworks that govern how society treats its youngest members. Placement experience is central to the programme.

Graduates go on to work in early years services, schools, youth work, family support, children's mental health, social care, charitable organisations, local government children's services and policy. Many pursue further professional qualifications in teaching, social work, youth work or counselling. Further study in childhood and youth studies, social policy, education or psychology is also a common route.