Manchester Metropolitan University, BA (Hons), Childhood and Youth Studies and Outdoor Studies

Childhood and youth studies Year 1: This year provides the student with an introduction to psychological and sociological perspectives on children’s development, together with an examination of the meanings of childhood and youth in different settings and cultures, and the associated research methodology; study options offer the possibility to explore the broader links with a chosen area of social science in relation to social policy or health. Year 2: the student pursues their own research interests and skills through a group project; further focussed study of children’s intellectual and language development and critical evaluation of research and educational testing is also provided, together with the opportunity to examine significant issues connected with schooling, children’s rights and health. Year 3: in the final year social science perspectives are applied to contemporary issues affecting children and young people; the student may complete a dissertation on a topic of their choosing. Outdoor studies Year 1: This year focuses on risk control and performance enhancement; the student studies safety and movement in the land environment, and the water environment; in addition the student selects options from a range which may include: performance and health in the outdoors; learning and employability; developing outdoor performance. Year 2: this year concentrates on issues that are relevant to the student if they are seeking a career instructing and managing others; the student studies risk evaluation and control and the outdoor environment. Year 3: the student explores the rapidly increasing vocational opportunities in the outdoors through study of professional outdoor perspectives and outdoor issues; the student selects study units from a range of options which may include: a project; education in the outdoor environment; mountain studies European (which requires the student to have a sound background in outdoor activities).

This is a combined Honours course which allows the student to study 2 subjects at degree level; the childhood and youth studies course uses a multi-disciplinary, social science approach to the study of children and young people; it has a commitment to reflexive practice and learning; students studying the outdoor studies course benefit from facilities include climbing wall and abseil and rescue teaching platform; the Department is a member of the Institute of Outdoor Leadership (IOL) and a validated centre for the OCR award; Kayak awards training is available; this combined course is studied at the Cheshire Alsager and Crewe Campuses.