DEGREE GUIDE

Childhood Studies

What do Childhood Studies degrees involve?

Childhood Studies degrees teach you about child development, education, and the social factors that influence children's lives. You will explore key areas such as psychology, child health, safeguarding, play and learning, and social policy. These courses help you develop strong analytical, communication, and practical skills while understanding how children grow, learn, and interact with the world around them. Early Childhood Studies degrees focus specifically on the development and care of young children, particularly in their early years. You will also gain hands-on experience through placements in schools, nurseries, or community settings, preparing you for careers in education, social care, and child advocacy.

Example
Modules

Psychological Approaches to Child Development: Explore key psychological theories of how children grow, learn and form relationships, and their impact on education.

Children’s Rights and Social Justice: Examine how children’s rights shape education, law and care, and explore how fairness and equality influence childhood policy.

Perspectives on Early Childhood Education: Trace the evolution of early years education, looking at play, creativity and key thinkers in child-centred learning.

Common Degree Names

💼 Placement opportunities are common, especially in schools, early years settings or youth services.
🌍 Study abroad is offered at some universities.

BA (Hons) Childhood Studies
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies
BA (Hons) Education and Childhood Studies
BA (Hons) Childhood Studies and Psychology

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Childhood Studies explores how children develop, learn, and experience the world – drawing on psychology, sociology, and education. There are no required subjects because the field itself is interdisciplinary. Universities want to see genuine interest in understanding children and young people, along with good communication and analytical skills.

Subjects that can strengthen your application:

Psychology or Sociology – useful for understanding child development and behaviour
Health & Social Care or Child Development – helpful if your school or college offers them
English or History – show strong communication and essay-writing skills
Biology – useful if the course includes elements of child health or development

✨ A combination of essay-based and social science subjects shows the skills you'll need and keeps your options open.

Universities may also accept:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in Health & Social Care, Childcare, or Early Years—commonly accepted for direct entry
T-levels in Education and Early Years are also accepted by many universities

✨ Exact requirements can vary, especially between academic and vocational routes—always check the university website for the most accurate course entry criteria.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

Most courses ask for:

GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent such as National 5s or MYP

📘 Many Childhood Studies courses have a numeracy and literacy requirement, especially if they include placements in schools or nurseries.

Some universities may also ask for Science at GCSE (or equivalent).

💬 Interviews
Some Childhood Studies courses include an informal interview or applicant day. This is your chance to talk about your interest in working with children and any relevant experience.

📝 Admissions Tests
There are no standard admissions tests for Childhood Studies.

🔍 DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service)
If your course includes working with children, you’ll need to complete a DBS check, this is usually arranged by the university after you’ve been accepted.

🎓 Work Experience
Not essential—but if you’ve volunteered or worked with children in schools, clubs, or nurseries, this will help your application stand out and strengthen your personal statement.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Foundation Year in Education, Health or Social Science
If you don’t meet the typical entry requirements, many universities offer a foundation year leading into a Childhood Studies degree. This is ideal for students returning to education or changing subjects.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Education, Health or Social Science)
An Access to HE course focused on Education, Early Years, or Health and Social Care is widely accepted—particularly for mature students. Aim for Merits and Distinctions in relevant units.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships in Early Years, Teaching Assistant, or Youth Work can support your application—especially if combined with further study or a foundation year.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in a Childhood Studies degree

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

Not sure what your Holland Code is? Want to get a better understanding of yourself to help you understand if this would fit you? Explore our pages on Self-Knowledge here.

Interests that would make a Childhood Studies degree a good match for you

Careers a Childhood Studies degree could lead you to