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Childhood & Youth Studies

Open University
W78

Develop your understanding of the factors influencing and issues facing children and young people in a range of social and cultural contexts.

Award Name Diploma of Higher Education at UK Level 5
NFQ Classification
Awarding Body Open University
NFQ Level
Award Name NFQ Classification Awarding Body NFQ Level
Diploma of Higher Education at UK Level 5 Open University
Course Provider:
Location:
Dublin City Centre
Attendance Options:
Full time, Part time, Online or Distance
Qualification Letters:
DipHE
Apply to:
Course provider
Number of credits:
240

Duration

How long it takes
Part time – 4 years
Full time – 2 years
Time limit – 12 years

Study method: Distance learning.

How much time do I need?
• Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.

However, two of the Stage 1 option modules do have recommendations that you gain exposure to a practice context:
• Learning and teaching in the primary years (E103) suggests that you observe practice in a formal educational setting for children aged 3–12 for up to 10 days.
• Exploring perspectives on young children’s lives and learning (E109) suggests practice experience in a setting for children aged 0–7 will support and enhance your study.

See the individual module description or talk to an advisor for more information.

Careers / Further progression

Career relevance
A diploma in childhood and youth studies gives you skills and knowledge relevant to many careers in childcare, health, education, working with families, play work, or working with young people. It will develop your understanding of practices and policies that affect children, and introduce you to many new aspects of the subject – helping you make informed choices about future career paths. This diploma is not a professional qualification, so many of our graduates choose to undertake postgraduate training before progressing to employment in specialist fields.

Other careers
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your diploma.

Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.

Course Web Page

Further information

Register for this course.
Start dates
• October 2024: Registration closes 05/09/2024
• Credit transfer: apply by 08/08/2024

Diploma of Higher Education in Childhood and Youth Studies
Develop your understanding of the factors influencing and issues facing children and young people in a range of social and cultural contexts. This engaging and wide-ranging interdisciplinary diploma is for anyone working with children and young people or with a general interest in the field. You’ll investigate policies, practices and issues affecting the lives of children and young people across a range of settings – developing your knowledge, your analytical skills and improving your practice.

Key features of the course
• Spans the entire childhood age range from 0–18.
• Topics include child development and psychology, international childhoods, and research with children and young people.
• Explore children and young people’s lives from different perspectives alongside students studying and working in different settings.
• Relevant to a wide range of careers in childcare, education, health, and social care.

This qualification has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

Each stage includes a compulsory 60-credit module.
You’ll also choose an optional 60-credit module at each stage.

See 'Course Web Page' link below for more information on modules.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
• Knowledge and understanding.
• Cognitive skills.
• Practical and professional skills.
• Key skills.

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Tel: +353 1 678 5399
Our advisers are available to take your call Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00, excluding public holidays.

Course Provider:
Location:
Dublin City Centre
Attendance Options:
Full time, Part time, Online or Distance
Qualification Letters:
DipHE
Apply to:
Course provider
Number of credits:
240