Childhood & Youth Studies
This engaging and wide-ranging interdisciplinary certificate 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.
| Award Name | Certificate of Higher Education at UK Level 4 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Open University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Higher Education at UK Level 4 | Open University |
Duration
Part time – 2 years
Full time – 1 years
Time limit – 7 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 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 certificate in childhood and youth studies gives you skills and knowledge relevant to many careers in childcare, health, education, working with families, playwork, or working with young people. It will develop your understanding of research, 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 certificate is not a professional qualification, so many of our graduates choose to undertake further/additional training before progressing to employment in specialist fields.
Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.
Further information
Register for this course.
Start dates
• October 2024: Registration closes 05/09/2024
Credit transfer: apply by 08/08/2024
Interested in how social, cultural and psychological influences impact on the lives of children and young people? This engaging and wide-ranging interdisciplinary certificate 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.
This qualification has one stage, comprising 120 credits.
It includes a compulsory 60-credit module.
You’ll also choose an optional 60-credit module.
Key features of the course
• Spans the entire childhood age range from 0–18.
• Topics include child development and child psychology, international childhoods, learning and development.
• Explores 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.
Stage 1 (120 credits)
You’ll study a module that brings together perspectives on the development and lived experiences of children and young people – from psychology, anthropology, and sociology. You’ll also choose a complementary module that fits your needs and interests.
You'll study the following:
• Introduction to childhood studies and child psychology (E104) 60 credits
You'll choose one from:
• Encountering psychology in context (D120) 60 credits
• Exploring perspectives on young children's lives and learning (E109) 60 credits
• Learning and teaching in the primary years (E103) 60 credits
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.