University of Bristol United Kingdom

BSc Childhood Studies

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BSc Childhood Studies at the University of Bristol provides you with a comprehensive understanding of childhood and adolescence, exploring critical issues from birth to 19 years. You will delve into children's experiences and perspectives within education, care, justice, development, and health, examining these within national and international contexts. This interdisciplinary degree is ideal for those seeking to understand the complex construction of childhood, drawing on expertise from sociology, psychology, education, and law. You will develop a strong foundation in contemporary debates and the social science of childhood, preparing you for impactful future careers.

This full-time, on-campus undergraduate degree is studied over three years, offering a dynamic learning experience. You will engage with core units in your first year, such as Constructing Childhoods and Critical Skills for Social Scientists, before specialising in years two and three. The syllabus includes opportunities to explore areas like child and adolescent psychology, social research methods, and health, with optional units allowing you to tailor your studies. You will graduate with a deep understanding of childhood, equipped for diverse career paths in education, policy, research, social work, and children's charities.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BSc in Childhood Studies program offers a comprehensive exploration of childhood from diverse perspectives. Across three years, students will engage with core modules covering the construction of childhoods, contemporary global debates, critical social science skills, and introductory psychology. Optional units allow for specialization in areas such as comparative policy, education, health, and various social issues impacting children and young people, culminating in a dissertation in the final year.

1 Year 1 (2025/26 entry cohort)

Constructing Childhoods Mandatory
Contemporary Debates in Global Childhood Mandatory
Critical Skills for Social Scientists: Childhood Studies Mandatory
Introduction to psychology for Childhood Studies Mandatory
Education, Schooling and Diversity Mandatory
Comparative and International Policy Studies Optional
Segregation and Inequality in International Perspective Optional
Collective Action and Policy Change Optional
Responding to Crime and Social Harm Optional
Global Challenges Optional
Debates in Psychology of Education Optional
Choose open units Optional

2 Year 2 (2025/26 entry cohort)

Social Research Methods Mandatory
Introduction to Child and Adolescent Health Mandatory
Family Support Optional
Child and Adolescent Psychology Optional
Youth, Sexualities and Gendered Violence Optional
Youth Justice Optional
Work and Work Placements: Childhood Studies Optional
Social Care in Crisis Optional
Poverty, Social Exclusion and Social Policy Optional
Corporate Power, Corporate Crime and Corporate Harms Optional
Crime, Harm and Money Optional
Punishment in Society Optional
Curriculum Design for Learning Optional
Education Policy in International Perspective Optional

3 Year 3 (2025/26 entry cohort)

Dissertation (Childhood Studies) Mandatory
Guided Independent Study Optional
Childhoods in a Global Context Optional
Children and Young People in the Law A Optional
Children and Social Harm Optional
Child Nutrition, Activity and Health Optional
Quantitative Data Analysis for Policy Research Optional
Therapeutic Work with Children Optional
Disability in Society Optional
Gender based Violence Optional
Climate Emergency Optional
Violence, Migration and Borders Optional
Childhoods in a Global Context Optional
Leisure, Pleasure and Harm Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,468.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,468.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,468.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 103,405.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,285.00 - USD 2,164.00
Food & Groceries USD 1,048.00 - USD 1,402.00
Transport USD 355.00 - USD 693.00
Utilities & Bills USD 10,471.00 - USD 13,967.00
Estimated Total USD 11,874.00 - USD 16,062.00

Living cost estimates are based on Clifton campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

95%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesBlockchain & Emerging TechnologiesClinical Trials & DevelopmentConstruction Technology & Digital SolutionsData Science & AnalyticsEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEducation Policy & AdministrationEmergency Services & Disaster ResponseHardware & Semiconductor EngineeringRegulatory Affairs & Compliance

Top Employers Hiring for this course

European commission

NHS

North Bristol NHS Trust

United Nations

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust

University of Exeter

University of Oxford

Why Study BSc Childhood Studies at University of Bristol

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Bristol in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BSc Childhood Studies at University of Bristol

Can I work while studying?

As an international student in the UK, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time for degree courses and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English language requirements, you can provide TOEFL scores of at least 88 overall with minimum scores in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Alternatively, IELTS scores of 6.5 or PTE scores of 67 are also acceptable.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include Child Welfare Worker, Youth Counselor, Social Worker, Educator, and Family Support Worker.

What will I actually study in this course?

This interdisciplinary course examines social science topics related to childhood and adolescence, focusing on children's education and rights. You'll study issues in various contexts, including health and youth justice, enhancing your holistic understanding of childhood.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BSc Childhood Studies program at Bristol has an intake in September each year. Make sure to apply in advance to secure your spot.
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