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Childhood Studies

UCAS CODE: X311 (Full-time) or X314 (Foundation Year)
TARIFF: 104 - 128 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)
Jump to:
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: Three or Four Years
  • Start Date: September 2023

Have you always been fascinated by how children learn and experience childhood? Are you passionate about their emotional wellbeing, development and rights? If so, our BA (Hons) Childhood studies programme could be for you. You’ll develop into a thoughtful and flexible practitioner, acting as an amazing advocate for young children. You’ll benefit from practical work placements, one-on one professional support and experienced insight.

 

 

 

Coming to BNU has given me the opportunity to study in a focussed and supportive environment. On the open days I felt really welcomed and the course lecturers were keen to support me to achieve my career goal, this has been reflected during my time here.
Morwenna Bone
Morwenna Bone profile photo

Pathways

Our Childhood Studies programme gives you the opportunity to choose your specialism for your future career after your experience of the core curriculum in year one. Rather than having to make your big career decision before you join us, we introduce you to various specialisms and offer you the flexibility to choose the pathway which leads to your chosen career.

These pathways are also offered as four-year programmes, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate programme.

Black child playing with train set on floor
Childhood Studies with Early Years

What will I study on this pathway?

This pathway is ideal if you are considering a career in an early years related field. We’ll focus on things like teamwork, presentation skills, role play, and communication both with colleagues and, crucially, with the children and families you support. These skills are so important in the early years sector, as well as this, we will study pedagogy, play development, wellbeing and child development in early years.

You will graduate with BA (Hons) Childhood Studies with Early Years.

Small child reading a book on floor with lady figure
Childhood Studies with Primary Education

What will I study on this pathway?

This pathway is ideal if you are considering a career in an primary education related field. We’ll focus on things like teamwork, presentation skills, role play, and communication both with colleagues and, crucially, with the children and families you support. These skills are so important in the primary education sector, as well as this, we will study pedagogy, play development, wellbeing and child development in the primary education sector.

You will graduate with BA (Hons) Childhood Studies with Primary Education.

Why study this subject?

How children learn and experience childhood has never been more important, and together with a whole host of new contemporary research around emotional wellbeing, safeguarding and the rights of the child, there is no better time than now to gain a greater understanding of this important topic.

Meeting the learning and developmental needs of a young person is crucial to their wellbeing, mental health and academic ability. As a professional involved in this area, it’s important that you’re the best you can be and you’re keeping up with current research.

Education in the early years is about sharing engaging, worthwhile experiences with children, linked to their interests and what they already know, thus building on their fascination and wonder at the world around them.
Wendy Scott, OBE

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

Studying with us, you'll develop the deep insight and knowledge you need to become a valued and trusted support for the children and families you work with in your future career. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and work with front-line professionals who can help you feel confident and resilient for whatever path you choose beyond graduation.

Our lecturers are experts and have rich experiences to share that will make your learning come to life. They're all former practitioners themselves meaning they can tell you all about the realities of working with children in different settings. It also means that what you learn in the classroom will always be linked to real-life practice.

In addition to our strong professional backgrounds, we also pride ourselves on our friendly and approachable teaching staff, who make you feel included and valued as a student. And we feel it’s important to not only teach you the theory but give you examples of how the theory meets the practice.

Overall, we are a teaching first university, with a strong student community and a team of professional lecturers who are dedicated to teaching, you will be able to find the support you need at BNU in order to reach your personalized goals or explore your strengths and weaknesses.

Opportunity modules are a key part of the BNU curriculum. You’ll choose modules in both your first and second year from a broad selection in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, creativity, digital skills, personal growth, civic engagement, health & wellbeing and employment. Opportunity modules are designed to enable you to develop outside the traditional boundaries of your discipline and help you to further stand out from the crowd to future employers.

Small child reading a book on floor with lady figure
small girl coping image of alphabet onto paper
The quality of teaching is fantastic. The variety of teaching styles allows us students to get a range of skills and find ways we prefer to learn. Due to the slightly smaller scale of the university, you feel like you belong to more of a community. With BNU, there is something for everyone.
Morgan Wall

What facilities can I use?

Our library is packed with all the information you need for your assessments and there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study.

Whilst studying with us you will also use our Apps anywhere web service, which provides access to many of the software applications you use for learning and studying. Apps Anywhere can be used from your own device or from a University owned PC or laptop, from any location.

How will I be taught and assessed?

At BNU, your future career is always at the heart of everything we do. This programme will give you the opportunity to develop important employability and transferable skills, so you'll feel well prepared for the world of work.

The mental health and wellbeing of children is a core theme within this course, and we will be covering the difficult but important topic of supporting them through loss and grief. We’ll focus on things like teamwork, presentation skills, role play, and communication both with colleagues and, crucially, with the children and families you support. These skills are so important in the early years sector.

The delivery of this course has been designed in a way to allow you to have a part-time job or volunteer in an educational setting while you study. We assess your work in a number of different ways to reflect the different learning styles our students have, some of which are listed below:

  • essays and reports  
  • poster presentation or children’s books with explanatory rationale  
  • powerPoint presentations with explanatory rationale or reflective commentary  
  • collage (a series of images used to illustrate the benefits of play)  
  • images (a series of sequential images to illustrate an aspect of childhood)  
  • reflective commentaries.  
  • observations of practice 
  • projects and exhibitions 
  • micro-teaching sessions  
  • training materials 
  • professional discussion 
  • portfolio of evidence
All staff have gone above and beyond to ensure that I am supported in every module by providing tutorials, guest speakers and workshops. Also, staff appear to want the best for the students so are available by email in between lectures which I have found really helpful, so you do not have to wait for support until the next lecture.
Morwenna Bone
Morwenna Bone

BA (Hons) Childhood Studies Programme Specification

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Open Days

We understand that when it comes to deciding where you’d like to study, there are a lot of things to consider. Come along to our Open Day and discover why BNU could be the place for you. You can find out more about your course, meet the course team, and get all your questions answered.

Book your spot today
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Application Guide

For everything you need to know about applying, check out our Application Guide. You can find useful information for each stage of your application journey – from before you even apply to what to do if you receive an offer, and everything in between.

 

Read more 
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Students' Union

At BNU, we believe in putting our students first. That’s why we’re the only university in the UK to offer free access to such a diverse and exciting range of activities through our SU – all to enrich your university experience.

 

Get involved

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 104 - 128 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

Please note, a typical offer requires GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the three-year undergraduate programme, or those who do not feel fully prepared for a degree course, can apply for a four-year programme including a Foundation Year; find out more.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

This course has Opportunity modules.

Opportunity modules are a key part of the BNU curriculum. You’ll choose modules in both your first and second year from a broad selection in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, creativity, digital skills, personal growth, civic engagement, health & wellbeing and employment. Opportunity modules are designed to enable you to develop outside the traditional boundaries of your discipline and help you to further stand out from the crowd to future employers. Find out more.

Childhood Studies with Early Years Pathway
Core Modules
Credits
On this module, we will prepare you for successful progression into academic study while allowing you to learn about and prepare yourself for employment in the twenty-first century through inquiry-based learning, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.
This module enables you to begin developing the Bucks Graduate Attributes associated with leadership and self-development and social and ethical awareness and responsibility, which are essential for success in higher education and in the world of work.
Delivery of this module is based on ‘confirmation inquiry’ – a foundational level of inquiry geared for developing your understanding of key concepts and themes as well as basic methodologies and approaches to academic work, relevant to your discipline. You’ll then have the opportunity to analyse a problem or question that relates to your subject a...

Read more

The aim of the module is to introduce you to the social world. The module will introduce you to key themes, concepts and approaches in the social sciences, including criminology, sociology and applied areas such as sociology of Health. It introduces standard disciplinary language, definitions and ways of investigating society.
Core Modules
Credits
This module aims to provide you with an introduction to childhood studies, working in the early childhood and primary education sector. You will extend your knowledge of the wide range of issues surrounding children and childhood, including the sociology and social constructs of childhood and an introduction to how children learn through play.
This module supports the transition to higher education, providing you with the foundations for personal and professional development through academic study. It also serves as an introduction to reflective practice through your engagement with a variety of theoretical perspectives.
This module will engage you in preparation for placement and employment and introduce relevant professional standards (graduate competencies). It will provide you with the opportunity to prepare for an individually negotiated work placement linked to your chosen area of occupational interest.
This module covers a variety of complex issues relating to child protection. Situated within the context of safeguarding, learners will explore the concept of child protection, what constitutes abuse and encompassing children’s rights. We will explore the practitioners’ role and responsibilities within the safeguarding process.
This module aims to develop your understanding of how children develop in a holistic way, from conception to the age of eight, by examining dominant and competing theories, principles and concepts with recognition of the complex relationship between the environment and the child as an active agent in your own development.
This module will provide you with the opportunity to experience an individually negotiated work placement linked to a chosen area of occupational interest within early years or primary education sector. We will reflect on ethical principles and practice, through placement learning experiences to develop employability skills.
Core Modules
Credits
This module seeks to develop your understanding of the importance of play for the learning of children from birth to the end of primary education. We encourage you to analyse the various theories, issues, ideologies and practice of play including knowledge of the pedagogic role and importance of time and space for children.
You will consider the philosophies and issues surrounding inclusion in its widest context. The module will explore the challenges of social and educational inclusion including promoting the rights, voice and advocacy of children and/or adults in an educational context.
The aim of the module is to provide you with an introduction to research methods and the skills necessary for planning and conducting research and enquiry within your field of study, discipline or profession.  The course provides a foundation for further learning in specific research methods and will provide a basis for independent study.
This module seeks to develop your understanding of the diversity of families in the 21st Century by exploring family structures, parenting styles and the role of the parent or main carer as the child’s first teacher. The importance of developing professional relationships with families using effective communication will be reflected upon.
Optional Modules
Credits
This module aims to deepen your understanding of development from conception through birth to three years of age, to promote a holistic understanding of this phase of learning, considering the rapidly expanding knowledge in this field.  Learners will explore pedagogical approaches for working with babies and toddlers.
This module aims to introduce learners to the theories and concepts of grief and loss, developing understanding of children’s needs following bereavement or significant loss such as parental separation, migration, war and conflict, pet loss or loss of friendships through moving to a new house.
This module provides you with an understanding of the context and values that underpin the delivery of outdoor learning in the National Curriculum. Your will be encouraged to assess the potential benefits with outdoor learning experiences and understand the opportunities for personal, social and physical skills development.
Opportunity Modules

You must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 5 Opportunity modules from the Opportunity module catalogue.

Core Modules
Credits
This module will encourage debate on current and critical issues surrounding early years policy and practice. You can debate what constitutes good practice when leading pedagogy, supporting and managing change. Our module is designed to support you to reflect on and critically evaluate practice. 
This module is designed to build on current knowledge of research, allowing you to explore a topic of interest. Presentations and discussions will enhance knowledge of research including action research and evidence-based practice.
This module will develop learners’ skills and knowledge of contemporary leadership and management. It will examine the environment in which organisations function and the culture and professional standards and how these are adapted within the organisation. Learners will challenge assumptions and think in new and innovative ways.
Optional Modules
Credits
This module will explore children’s literature from a broad range of genres, including fairy tales, picture books and poetry. Consideration of a range of diverse and challenging topics will be examined to encourage theoretical analysis of individual authors.
This module will extend your knowledge of the psycho-social needs of children and families in current society. You will be introduced to issues such as attachment; the effects of separation; and the importance of developing resilience, self-regulation and good parenting to aid the development of healthy lifestyles at a young age. 
This module is designed to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the concept of sustainability and the interdependence of natural, social, economic and political systems at local, national and global levels providing you with an increased awareness of how sustainability is situated in the context of educational environments.
Changes to the way teaching happens can often feel driven by technology as opposed to pedagogical choice. This module provides a basis for you to consider the use of technology in placement or practice to enhance learning and teaching. You will explore the processes underpinning successful teaching and learning using technology.
Childhood Studies with Primary Education Pathway
Core Modules
Credits
On this module, we will prepare you for successful progression into academic study while allowing you to learn about and prepare yourself for employment in the twenty-first century through inquiry-based learning, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.
This module enables you to begin developing the Bucks Graduate Attributes associated with leadership and self-development and social and ethical awareness and responsibility, which are essential for success in higher education and in the world of work.
Delivery of this module is based on ‘confirmation inquiry’ – a foundational level of inquiry geared for developing your understanding of key concepts and themes as well as basic methodologies and approaches to academic work, relevant to your discipline. You’ll then have the opportunity to analyse a problem or question that relates to your subject a...

Read more

The aim of the module is to introduce you to the social world. The module will introduce you to key themes, concepts and approaches in the social sciences, including criminology, sociology and applied areas such as sociology of Health. It introduces standard disciplinary language, definitions and ways of investigating society.
Core Modules
Credits
This module aims to provide you with an introduction to childhood studies, working in the early childhood and primary education sector. You will extend your knowledge of the wide range of issues surrounding children and childhood, including the sociology and social constructs of childhood and an introduction to how children learn through play.
This module supports the transition to higher education, providing you with the foundations for personal and professional development through academic study. It also serves as an introduction to reflective practice through your engagement with a variety of theoretical perspectives.
This module will engage you in preparation for placement and employment and introduce relevant professional standards (graduate competencies). It will provide you with the opportunity to prepare for an individually negotiated work placement linked to your chosen area of occupational interest.
This module covers a variety of complex issues relating to child protection. Situated within the context of safeguarding, learners will explore the concept of child protection, what constitutes abuse and encompassing children’s rights. We will explore the practitioners’ role and responsibilities within the safeguarding process.
This module aims to develop your understanding of how children develop in a holistic way, from conception to the age of eight, by examining dominant and competing theories, principles and concepts with recognition of the complex relationship between the environment and the child as an active agent in your own development.
This module will provide you with the opportunity to experience an individually negotiated work placement linked to a chosen area of occupational interest within early years or primary education sector. We will reflect on ethical principles and practice, through placement learning experiences to develop employability skills.
Core Modules
Credits
This module provides extensive opportunities for learning which is integrated with the workplace, particularly professional practice in Early Years settings and Primary Schools. Within this module your will consider statutory guidance, theories and common practice (case studies).  
You will consider the philosophies and issues surrounding inclusion in its widest context. The module will explore the challenges of social and educational inclusion including promoting the rights, voice and advocacy of children and/or adults in an educational context.
The aim of the module is to provide you with an introduction to research methods and the skills necessary for planning and conducting research and enquiry within your field of study, discipline or profession.  The course provides a foundation for further learning in specific research methods and will provide a basis for independent study.
This module provides you with an understanding of values that underpin the delivery of the STEM subjects in the Primary National Curriculum. Learners will develop an understanding of curriculum expectations and strengthen their subject content pedagogy. This module provides extensive opportunities for learning, which is integrated in the workplace.
Optional Modules
Credits
This module aims to introduce learners to the theories and concepts of grief and loss, developing understanding of children’s needs following bereavement or significant loss such as parental separation, migration, war and conflict, pet loss or loss of friendships through moving to a new house.
This module aims to develop your understanding of the National Curriculum guidance from England and a range of other countries. Your will develop a thorough understanding of the National Curriculum from a range of perspectives, analysing the underlying concepts and principles of UK and international curricula.
This module provides you with an understanding of the context and values that underpin the delivery of outdoor learning in the National Curriculum. Your will be encouraged to assess the potential benefits with outdoor learning experiences and understand the opportunities for personal, social and physical skills development.
Opportunity Modules

You must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 5 Opportunity modules from the Opportunity module catalogue.

Core Modules
Credits
This module will encourage debate on current and critical issues surrounding primary education policy and practice. Knowledge from other modules and critical reflection gives you the opportunity to reflect, share and debate what constitutes good practice when leading pedagogy.
This module is designed to build on current knowledge of research, allowing you to explore a topic of interest. Presentations and discussions will enhance knowledge of research including action research and evidence-based practice.
This module will develop learners’ skills and knowledge of contemporary leadership and management. It will examine the environment in which organisations function and the culture and professional standards and how these are adapted within the organisation. Learners will challenge assumptions and think in new and innovative ways.
Optional Modules
Credits
This module will explore children’s literature from a broad range of genres, including fairy tales, picture books and poetry. Consideration of a range of diverse and challenging topics will be examined to encourage theoretical analysis of individual authors.
This module will extend your knowledge of the psycho-social needs of children and families in current society. You will be introduced to issues such as attachment; the effects of separation; and the importance of developing resilience, self-regulation and good parenting to aid the development of healthy lifestyles at a young age. 
This module is designed to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the concept of sustainability and the interdependence of natural, social, economic and political systems at local, national and global levels providing you with an increased awareness of how sustainability is situated in the context of educational environments.
Changes to the way teaching happens can often feel driven by technology as opposed to pedagogical choice. This module provides a basis for you to consider the use of technology in placement or practice to enhance learning and teaching. You will explore the processes underpinning successful teaching and learning using technology.

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home, Academic Year 2023 - 2024

£9,250 per year

International

Overseas/International, Academic Year 2023 - 2024

£15,000 per year

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.

You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

Contact our Enquiries Team:

0330 123 2023

advice@bnu.ac.uk

What are my career prospects? 

Once you’ve graduated with your degree in Early Childhood and Primary Education Studies, you’ll be well qualified to think about several different careers.

You could consider completing teacher training via School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), Early Years Initial Teacher Training, or even a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). You can also choose to study one of our postgraduate course like PGCert Practice Education here at BNU.

If teaching isn’t your thing, how about progressing into a position in social work, special needs, play therapy, charities and international development work. You could even consider training and assessment in the public or private sector – your options really are endless!

Course leader

A headshot of Janet Roberts wearing a scarf around her neck whilst stood outside and facing directly into the camera
Janet Roberts
  • Lecturer
Read full profile
Head and shoulders shot of a smiling Carol Rogers wearing glasses stood against a grey wall
Dr Carol Rogers
  • Senior Lecturer
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