Youth and Children’s Studies

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Children’s Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University is designed for those passionate about understanding and positively influencing the lives of young people. You will explore the complex social, cultural, and developmental landscapes of childhood and adolescence, gaining essential research strategies and practical skills. This undergraduate degree is ideal for students seeking to combine their studies with fields like Psychology, Women and Gender Studies, or Communication Studies, offering a versatile foundation for diverse career paths.

This full-time, on-campus program, studied over four years, provides a dynamic learning experience. You will engage with core subjects such as Children’s Rights, Picturing Childhood, and Indigenous Children and Families, alongside opportunities for practical application through community placements. Your studies will culminate in a capstone experience, preparing you to confidently step into roles within social services, education, policy development, or non-profit organizations, equipped with a deep understanding of youth and children’s needs.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive exploration of youth and children's studies, beginning with foundational courses in community engagement, indigenous studies, and psychology. Students will delve into the specific study of youth and children, with opportunities to explore electives in areas such as design thinking, criminology, and the nature of love. Upper-year courses provide advanced study in children's rights, media representations, adoption, and the social and cultural aspects of youth and sexuality, including a focus on indigenous children and families.

1 First-Year Courses

Foundations for community engagement and service
Introduction to indigenous studies
Introduction to psychology I
Introduction to psychology II
Studying youth and children: an introduction

2 Sample First-Year Electives

Design thinking I: foundations
Introduction to criminology
Love and it’s myths

3 Sample Upper-Year Courses

Children’s rights
Children, toys and media
Picturing childhood: representations of the child through time
Adoption: past and present
Youth and sexuality
Indigenous children and families

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,481.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,481.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,481.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,481.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 101,927.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 986.00 - USD 1,307.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,601.00 - USD 4,334.00
Transport USD 1,110.00 - USD 1,387.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,301.00 - USD 1,734.00
Estimated Total USD 5,012.00 - USD 7,455.00

Living cost estimates are based on Toronto Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

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

Common Graduate Roles

Beverage Production & DistributionClinical & Medical ServicesEdTech & E-LearningEducation Policy & AdministrationFood Marketing & Brand ManagementFood Safety & Quality AssuranceFood Science & TechnologyHealth Technology & Digital HealthQuality Assurance & TestingRetail & Grocery

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Conestoga College

Hamilton Health Sciences

London Health Sciences Centre

Shoppers Drug Mart

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

University of Health Network

University of Toronto

University of Waterloo

Why Study Youth and Children’s Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Life at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada

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 Youth and Children’s Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during term time and unlimited hours during breaks. They can also work unlimited hours on-campus without needing a separate work permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, you can take tests like Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Each test has specific score requirements that you'll need to meet for admission.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue roles such as youth worker, child advocate, community coordinator, educator, or program facilitator.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program explores the culture of childhood and adolescence while equipping you with research strategies and practical skills. You'll gain hands-on experience through placements in youth- and child-focused environments.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Youth and Children’s Studies program has intakes in January, May, and September. You can choose a start date that fits your schedule.
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