COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA (Hons) Childhood at the University of York is a three-year, full-time degree exploring the multi-disciplinary field of childhood studies, integrating sociology, education, psychology, philosophy, social policy, health, and disability studies. In Year 1, students undertake requisite modules—Understanding University, Health and Wellbeing, Child Development in Context, Childhood, Care and Education, Children in Society, and Diversity, Rights and Inclusion—alongside the mandatory Early Childhood Graduation Practitioner module. These courses establish a foundational understanding of childhood through social science perspectives, covering child development, societal roles, and inclusive practices. In Years 2 and 3, students choose from five specialized pathways: Disability, Health and Wellbeing; Education; Children, Rights and Social Justice; Education with Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner; or Children, Rights and Social Justice with Social Pedagogy Practitioner. These pathways allow students to tailor their studies to specific interests, such as health, education, or social justice, while deepening their ability to analyze and address complex issues affecting children. The curriculum fosters critical thinking, research skills, and practical application, preparing students for careers in education, social services, or policy development. By emphasizing diverse perspectives and real-world relevance, the program equips graduates to support children’s development in varied contexts. The flexible structure, with a mix of requisite and pathway-specific modules, ensures students can pursue their passions while gaining a robust academic and professional foundation, aligning with contemporary challenges in childhood studies.