Open University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
What makes young people tick? What shapes and influences children’s development? How can the adults who work with children support them more effectively? Childhood and youth studies is one of the UK’s fastest growing academic disciplines. We’re a pioneer in this field and have developed this degree over the last two decades. You’ll explore fascinating topics affecting the lives of children and young people today, including child development and psychology, international childhoods, research with children and young people, and children’s literature. This wide-ranging interdisciplinary degree is suitable if you’re working with children and young people or have a general interest in the field. Key features of the course
- Spans the entire age range from 0–18.
- Topics include child development and psychology, international childhoods, research with children and young people, and children’s literature
- Explores children and young people’s lives from different perspectives alongside students studying and working in different settings
- Relevant to a wide range of careers in childcare, education, health and social care
Modules
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits. Each stage includes a compulsory 60-credit module and an optional 60-credit module.
How to apply
To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
There are no qualification requirements for this course.
There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification. There are however requirements for two of the optional OU level 1 modules. For Learning and teaching in the primary years (E103), if you are not already working or volunteering in a school or related setting regularly, you will need to negotiate opportunities to spend some time during the module in a formal educational setting for children aged 3-12 (eg as a volunteer) to observe teaching and learning and practice in context. You also need to obtain the necessary criminal record clearance for the setting and country in which you work. It is your responsibility and that of the educational setting to ensure you meet these requirements, not The Open University’s. You should contact the relevant agency in your country for more information if you are in doubt about your eligibility, or to find out more. For Exploring perspectives on young children’s lives and learning (E109) you will need direct experience of working with young children (Birth to 7 years 11 months) and those not working with young children (employed or in a voluntary capacity) will need to negotiate opportunities to gain such practical experience.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £21816 | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £20952 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £7128 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £6954 | Whole course |
| Wales | £7872 | Whole course |
| EU | £22416 | Whole course |
| International | £22416 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £22416 | Whole course |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fee information is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually.
Provider information
Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ