Course summary

What influences development and why do children behave the way they do? On this Childhood Development degree, you’ll explore key issues in children’s development, learning and behaviour, from a range of perspectives. You’ll learn about cognitive, biological, social, and emotional development throughout childhood and adolescence. You’ll recognise the complex influences that shape the lives of children and adolescents, including how play affects children’s development and motivation. A key element of the Childhood Development course is the opportunity to gain a short period of hands-on experience working with children and adolescents in a range of settings, including schools, child and family welfare charities, and youth justice. You’ll be offered clinical experience on campus and will have the opportunity to undertake short courses and work placements, as well as completing additional qualifications such as Safeguarding Children (Level 1). You’ll develop an understanding of children’s behaviour from an analytical perspective, taking on board the various environmental factors that contribute to behaviour. You’ll also be taught how to design effective intervention strategies to help children and young people become successful at home, at school, and in their communities. You’ll learn to understand and analyse factors that influence development, and explain a range of challenging behaviours, including those associated with ADHD, conduct disorder, autism, and learning disabilities. Your understanding of historical, contemporary and international perspectives of education and learning will allow you to explore how culture and society influence the changing concept of childhood and education. You will investigate key issues around curriculum, pedagogy and practice. This course is based at our Treforest campus. USW Treforest is surrounded by green open spaces. Our students say they love the warm and friendly welcome and community atmosphere, as well as the convenience of living and studying in the same place. From listed buildings to new, modern structures, Treforest reflects the University’s history and its ambitions. Here you will find everything you need in one place - halls of residence, the library and sport centre, cafes and bars to eat and drink, and friends to spend time with.