Childhood, Youth and Education Studies with foundation year

Childhood, youth and education studies is a discipline that examines the social, cultural, historical and political forces shaping the lives of children and young people. It draws on sociology, psychology, social policy, philosophy and education theory to ask fundamental questions about childhood as a social construct, about how young people experience the institutions and structures that govern their lives, and about what effective, ethical and inclusive educational practice looks like. It is a field that rewards curiosity, empathy and a genuine commitment to understanding the perspectives and rights of children and young people.

At Coventry University this four-year full-time programme includes a foundation year, which prepares you for degree-level study by building the academic skills and conceptual grounding you need. The degree also incorporates a sandwich year for extended professional experience, a year abroad and embedded work placement opportunities, giving you a rich combination of academic depth and practical engagement. You will explore child and adolescent development, educational policy and practice, social inequalities in childhood, safeguarding and child protection, inclusive education and the global dimensions of childhood.

The professional placements allow you to work in schools, early years settings, youth organisations and community contexts, where your theoretical learning is tested and enriched by direct experience.

Graduates pursue careers across the full range of settings where professionals work with children and young people. Teaching is a common destination, typically requiring an additional PGCE or School Direct qualification. Others work in early years education and childcare, social work (with further training), youth work, educational psychology, family support services, community education and the charitable sector.

The policy and sociological dimensions of the degree also open pathways into educational policy, research, advocacy and public administration. Postgraduate study in education, social work, educational psychology or childhood studies provides further specialisation.