Liverpool Hope University, BA (Hons), Childhood and Youth Studies and Early Childhood Studies

Childhood and youth studies At level 1 the student is supported by their seminar tutor who helps them to develop their understanding of the subject; the student has opportunities to meet with this tutor on a one-to-one basis to review their progress and set targets to help them achieve academic success; this process continues at levels 2 and 3. Level 1: Core area of study: The Child, family and society; this examines the process of socialisation and the development of self-identity and self-esteem in children and youth; it considers the impact of the family on individuals as they grow up and also the role of society in this process. Level 2: core areas of study: mentoring children and young people; effective practice; additional choices may be made from a range of subject areas, including: youth: cultures, subcultures and lifestyles; youth work with world religions. Level 3: core areas of study: contemporary issues for children and young people; children and youth in society: legislation and social policy; additional choices may be made from a range of subject areas, including: motivating disaffected youth; youth and community work; leadership and management in education, training and care; research project; the they student may be able to pursue their own area of interest. Early childhood studies Level 1: The student studies an introduction to the philosophical and historical background to the early years tradition; the pioneers identified here will remain central to the course, providing the student with a historical understanding of current good practice that incorporates working closely with the family in relation to the needs of the child; this is followed by a holistic examination of child development in relation to physical, social and emotional development. Level 2: this level develops by looking at how young children think and learn and considers the links between cognition, language acquisition and playful learning; this sets the scene for studying how young children learn in the foundation stage, in comparison to international models; a range of other modules is offered which may include: motivation and well-being in young children; creativity and the young child. Level 3: a key area of study at this level is legislation, policy and strategy for early managers, in relation to early years settings and young children; legislation and social policy are constantly developing and the student examines these in relation to early years provision and leadership within a multi-agency workforce; a range of other modules are offered which may include: research project; surviving change, loss and grief in young children’s lives; using information and communication technology creatively.

This is a combined Honours programme which allows the student to combine the 2 subjects; children and young people are now recognised as being key groups in society; the government, and other service providers, are funding a wide range of initiatives aimed at children and youth in education, leisure, health, social services and other areas; the childhood and youth studies course reflects these exciting developments; early childhood studies is an academic subject that is a dynamic response to the government’s plan to integrate early years education and childcare provision; the student works towards achieving the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) as required by the Children’s Workforce Development Committee (CWDC); throughout the pathway, the student is required to experience early years via a placement so that 1st-hand observations of practice can be made in relation to early years pedagogy; the role of the educational professional is changing and will be almost beyond recognition within a few years