Childhood and Youth Studies and Sociology (English medium)

Highlights

Studying Childhood, Youth Studies and Sociology offers insight into the role and impact of social, political, cultural, and economic factors - from conception and infancy to adolescence, and adulthood. Teaching is informed by internationally renowned research in areas such as children’s rights, family law, education, social care, inclusion, politics and policy in mental health, poverty, welfare, and wellbeing. Strong emphasis on employability: network with leading providers in children’s services, develop skills as diverse as filmmaking for young people or communicating with children with learning difficulties.

Close links with charities, social care organisations, criminal justice agencies and local/national governments enable field trips, for example, to the UK and Welsh Parliaments. Part of this course can be studied in Welsh, and we offer a version taught entirely in Welsh (UCAS code X316), which is ideal for those wishing to work in Wales and/or through the medium of Welsh. Financial incentives are available for those students who would like to study part or all their degree in Welsh.

Course overview

This joint Childhood and Youth Studies and Sociology degree prepares you to work with, support, protect or advocate for the rights of children, young people, and their families in a range of care and community settings. Studying these two complementary disciplines provides a comprehensive understanding of how social conditions, situations and interactions impact the lives, behaviour, beliefs, and identities of children and young people. How they affect everything from education and development to employment, mental health, and wellbeing.

At Bangor University, we provide a multilingual and multicultural environment in which you are taught by internationally renowned staff at the forefront of research in sociology, psychology, children’s rights, linguistics, education, health and welfare. Their expertise addresses issues around identities (race, democracy, nation), society (housing, inequality), crime and justice, media, political action, and technology. Their insight and experiences prepare you to listen to what children and young people have to say, adopting an approach that places children and young people’s voices at the centre of discussions.

This BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies and Sociology degree examines childhood and youth experiences from conception to the transition to adulthood, including children’s rights, adolescence, development, identity, and diversity. You can explore the history of childhood, children’s rights, the nature of childhood, and the role of adults working with children in a national, European and international context. We place a strong emphasis on developing your employability.

Regular presentations help build your confidence in public speaking, while educational visits and guest speakers give you a head start building and engaging with professional networks. Guest lectures have previously covered racial equality by Race Council Cymru, children’s rights from Action For Children and domestic violence from Welsh Women’s Aid, for example. You will have opportunities to undertake work placements or voluntary experience.

Previous students, for instance, have provided assistance in schools and nurseries, for outdoor education centres and charities that support children and young people on a range of issues, from mental health to working with young carers. Others have obtained placements with Citizens Advice, Welsh Women’s Aid, Gwynedd Council, Llandudno Museum, Conwy Youth Services, and the Prison Advice and Care Trust, to name just a few. Read more Course options

Placement year

What is the Placement Year? This exciting opportunity allows you to spend a year working with a self-sourced, professional organisation relevant to your studies. You'll typically start between June and September of your second year and finish by the following June or September.

Placements can…