Course summary

Our course is one of only a few in the country to combine education and childhood studies. You'll investigate different perspectives - philosophical, psychological, sociological, historical - to get a 360-degree view on educational theory, policy and practice. You'll discover some of the key issues surrounding child development and child psychology, and explore the themes that shape current educational policy and practice. The Employability Skills Development module in the second year will help to develop your knowledge and skills in the professional environment through a work placement or work-based project. In the first year, you'll take modules in child psychology and the sociology of education. You'll develop practical skills in discerning data to help you become a critical researcher. You'll also have the opportunity to study histories of education, explore the curriculum and look at how childhood has been portrayed in different societies at different times. In the second and third years, you choose from a list of subjects. Topics cover areas such as educational psychology, learning theory, globalising education, children and digital cultures, philosophies of education and education policy. We'll also train you in educational research methods. There's a small-scale research project in the second year and an extended dissertation in the third year.