Childhood & Youth and Early Childhood BA (Hons)

CHILDHOOD & YOUTH

If you’re curious about how children and young people’s lives are shaped by the world around them and want to make a real difference then Childhood & Youth could be the perfect degree for you. 

This thought-provoking course explores the experiences of children and young people in today’s society, both in the UK and across the world. You’ll examine the issues that affect their lives, including inequality, mental health, education, identity, family life and social media, while developing the knowledge and skills to understand how positive change happens. 

Drawing on sociology, politics, history, social policy and cultural studies, you’ll gain a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing children and young people today. Throughout the course, you’ll explore questions such as how childhood has changed over time, why some children face greater challenges than others, how factors such as poverty, gender, disability, ethnicity and social class shape opportunities, and how children and young people can influence their communities and shape the future. You'll also investigate the policies that affect children's lives and discover how research helps create meaningful change. 

At Liverpool Hope, you'll be encouraged to think critically, ask challenging questions and develop the confidence to make your voice heard, with a strong focus on social justice and creating fairer opportunities.

EARLY CHILDHOOD

If you’re passionate about helping young children thrive and want to understand how their early experiences shape the rest of their lives, then Early Childhood Studies is the course for you. 

This degree explores how babies and young children grow, learn and develop, while encouraging you to think about the social, cultural and global factors that influence childhood. You’ll examine the opportunities and challenges children face from birth to the age of eight, considering how we can create a fairer future where every child has the chance to flourish. 

Throughout the course, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of children’s development, learning, wellbeing and rights. You’ll also explore important issues such as inequality, inclusion, family life, play, education and policy, helping you understand how professionals can support children and families in meaningful ways. 

At Liverpool Hope, you’ll learn in a friendly and supportive environment where your lecturers know you as an individual and are committed to helping you succeed. Drawing on expertise from Sociology, Education, Philosophy and Psychology, you'll gain a rich and varied perspective on childhood. Through guest speakers, visits to organisations and community spaces across Liverpool, and teaching informed by the latest research, you'll connect your learning with real-world practice while developing the confidence to think critically and become an advocate for young children's rights and wellbeing.