University of Sunderland

BA (Hons) Childhood Studies with Integrated Foundation Year

University of SunderlandOn campus, United Kingdom

Course overview

Are you passionate about working with families, children, and their communities? The BA (Hons) Childhood Studies degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to understand child development, children’s needs, and the historical, social, and cultural factors that impact their lives. You’ll also gain insight into the individual child and their place within society and the family.

Our teaching team comes from diverse backgrounds and is actively involved in research in areas such as inclusive education, early years practice, children’s literature, education for sustainable development, and childhood identity in the digital age. The expertise of our staff is integrated into the course modules, ensuring you receive a well-rounded learning experience. This degree also offers the opportunity to register for the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies pathway.

This exciting option allows you to demonstrate your commitment to working with children by completing relevant placements

Key highlights

  • Covers child development, children's needs and social, historical and cultural influences
  • Explores the child's place within the family and wider society
  • Teaching informed by staff research in inclusive education and early years
  • Research specialisms include children's literature and childhood identity in the digital age
  • Optional Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies pathway with relevant placements

Entry requirements

  • UCAS tariff points: 96-112 — Our typical offer is 96-112 UCAS Tariff points from a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A Levels, T Levels, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Dipl…
  • Additional condition: dbs_check — You must have a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check before you can start this course and you'll also need to complete a medical pro forma.
  • GCSE: C or above — You also need three passes at GCSE grade C or above.

Scholarships

  • Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship

    The scholarship will award the following in each year of study (based on academic progression): £2,000 cash payment; a tuition fee discount of 20%; a 20% discount on university-managed accommodation.

  • East Durham College Partnership Award

    This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study, helping you access higher education with greater ease.

    Up to £1,500

  • First Choice Travel Award

    This award provides £500 cash in your first year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping students access higher education with greater ease.

    Up to £500

  • Global Leaders Scholarship

    £6,000 tuition fee reduction for undergraduates, £4,000 for MPharm Pharmacy students, or £5,500 tuition fee reduction (postgraduates).

  • Helen McArdle Nursing Scholarship

    There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,200 in each year of study.

    Up to £1,200

  • Interview Travel Reimbursement

    Up to £100

  • Open Day Travel Reimbursement

    Up to £100

  • Sir Bob Murray Health Scholarship (Psychology)

    There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,000 in your first year of study.

    Up to £1,000

  • Sunderland College Award

    Our Sunderland College Award provides £1,500 plus a £250 voucher, in each year of continuous study. This will support you financially throughout your time at university.

  • Tees Valley Travel Award

    This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping you access higher education with greater ease.

    Up to £1,500

  • The Mary and Brian Archer Experience Scholarships

    Up to £750.

Careers this course leads to

  • Early years practitioner
  • Family support worker
  • Teaching assistant
  • Children's centre worker
  • Youth and community worker
  • Early years teacher (with further training)

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,760 per year | International: £17,500 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Sunderland, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.

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