Childhood Studies at Aberystwyth University

Our degree in Childhood Studies will allow you to explore a diverse range of areas that are pivotal to children’s lives and will equip you with the skills and expertise necessary to work in a range of child-related professions. Whatever direction you choose, this Childhood Studies degree from Aberystwyth University will give you a solid foundation of the knowledge and understanding, along with the critical and evaluative skills that employers are looking for. Also, as long as you meet the entry requirements, you will be guaranteed an interview for Primary PGCE at Aberystwyth.

Why study Childhood Studies at Aberystwyth University?

• The School of Education has been offering stimulating and innovative study programmes for over 100 years. We were the first establishment in the UK to offer an honours degree in Education and our Childhood Studies degree is a vital part of our provision.
• Our Childhood Studies programme will allow you to explore some of the sociological and psychological factors that influence the development of children. You will also develop an understanding of the political and legislative background to childhood and its implications for children and their families.
• At a more personal level, you will develop your capacity for critical thought, as well as improving your ability to work with others in a variety of different contexts. You will also be given the opportunity to learn about a variety of different careers, so that you can make an informed choice about what to do after Graduation.
• Support for students
• Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. As far as possible, this person will stay with you for the duration of your degree. You will be offered regular meetings, initially help you to settle into University, and later to talk about career prospects, analyse your assignment feedback and discuss other aspects of your life at University.
• The School of Education also makes sure that there is always a member of staff available if problems crop up during the working day – information about this is sent out at the beginning of term.

Employability

This degree has an excellent track record in the employability. Many of our graduates have pursued careers in: 

• Teaching and Education (including SEN);
• Social Care;
• Nursing;
• Speech therapy;
• Social work;
• Child welfare;
• Play therapy;
• The Leisure industry;
• Child Law;
• Childhood research.

Transferable Skills

Studying for a degree in Childhood Studies will equip you with a range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. These include:

• The ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form;
• Effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills;
• The ability to work independently;
• Time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines;
• Self-motivation and self-reliance;
• Team-work, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement;
• Research skills.