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Childhood and Youth: Theory and Practice at University of Sussex - UCAS

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Course summary

1st in the UK for our research impact in Education in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education) 2nd in the UK for Childhood and Youth Studies (Complete University Guide 2025) About the course What is it to be a child? What do children and young people need from the professionals supporting them? This course and our interdisciplinary approach help you explore these questions. You’ll find out how children and young people’s lives are shaped by their position in society. And you learn how professionals can work to promote rights, democracy and justice in their everyday lives. During your studies, you’ll: discuss contemporary issues, debates and challenges in global childhood learn about different theoretical and practical approaches to working with children and young people, and their families develop yourself as a practitioner in the field of childhood and youth by building an understanding of collaborative working, safeguarding and reflective practice explore the relevance of wellbeing and digital technologies to the lives of children and young people today and for their futures take electives from other subjects – from philosophy to law and modern languages – to open your mind to other disciplines and tailor your degree to your interests. Through two professional placements you’ll experience different practice settings. These might include a nursery, a play scheme, a youth club, a children’s charity or a school. You’ll be taught by active researchers who are passionate about their areas of expertise. Our multidisciplinary Centre for Innovation and Research in Childhood and Youth influences policy. It informs the work of those working at the forefront of practice with children and young people, nationally and globally. This degree is for you if you want to make a difference to the lives of children and young people. When you graduate, you’ll have the critical academic, research and practice skills needed for a range of future career paths. These could include youth work, social work, health care, therapeutic work, education, social policy or international development. About Sussex Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution. Location Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.

Modules

See the modules you will study by year by going to the 'view course details' link.


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
L590
Institution code:
S90
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

We welcome applications from both recent school leavers and those returning to education. For non school leavers, we look for evidence of recent study and/or relevant experience and may require you to produce a piece of written work in order to assess your academic level. Initial selection, however, is based on the strength of your UCAS application. You're invited to contact the admissions tutor to discuss any queries you may have about your eligibility. Selection decisions will normally be taken on the basis of your UCAS application only. There will be no mandatory interviews for Childhood and Youth: Theory and Practice. In certain circumstances you may be accepted onto the course if you can demonstrate the ability to study at the appropriate level. You may be accepted onto the course if you have equivalent professional qualifications and/or professional experience. We particularly welcome applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential, enthusiasm and commitment to study.

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Including at least 5.5 in each component. We accept IELTS One Skills Retake. We do not accept IELTS Online.
PTE Academic59Including at least 59 in all four skills. We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.
TOEFL (iBT)80TOEFL (iBT), including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing. We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
69%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
85%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £22575 Year 1
International £22575 Year 1

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

Note that your fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis as the Government reviews the fee levels.
Childhood and Youth: Theory and Practice at University of Sussex - UCAS