Join our interdisciplinary Childhood and Early Years Studies MA. Gain a deeper understanding of the internal and external factors affecting children and early years and specialise in this area of expertise to really make a difference to young people's lives.

Why should I study MA Childhood and Early Years Studies?

The socio-cultural, economic and political contexts in which we live shape who we are. It is often argued that childhood is a social construction, but the role of space and place in shaping children’s everyday lives is not always understood. This course will provide a deep understanding and knowledge of children's rights and the lived realities of children's diverse experiences. You will explore ideologies and examine how today's society impacts children to help discover ways to change their experiences for the better.

On our MA in Childhood and Early Years Studies you will be guided by tutors who will encourage you to assume responsibility for developing your understanding of the subject.

You will work individually and collectively to develop and share your new understandings through reading, discussions, and assessment activities. This critical learning process is an important part of your development on this course involving you engaging with your peers and tutors, so ensuring you will be supported and encouraged.

As this interdisciplinary course looks at the child holistically, you'll be taught by a team of research active academics from a range of professional and academic backgrounds.  

Members of our team have previously worked in statutory, voluntary, and private organisations in early years, education, youth work, health, libraries, childcare guidance and counselling. This means that your learning will be led by real world experience and so you'll understand the practical realities of children's lives, not just the theory.

All members of the team engage in research as well as teaching. Some current research interests include; attachment informed practice in childhood settings, inclusive practice in schools, and the use of animals in therapeutic environments for children and young people. Staff are also active in presenting their work at conferences at home and abroad and publishing their research.

You will have access to broad range of learning resources including lectures, seminars and skills workshops directly informed by practitioner and service user perspectives.  

The course is based in our state-of-the-art facilities at our Coach Lane Campus.  

You will have access to our University Library and well-equipped working space, The Hub, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Technology is embedded throughout all aspects of your degree, and you will receive ongoing support through our innovative e-learning platform, Blackboard, where you can access module handbooks, assessment information, lecture presentations and reading lists.

Research-rich learning is central to our postgraduate education courses. We have designed this course to equip you with critical and independent enquiry skills that will last a lifetime.

You will develop skills in collaborative working, discipline-specific creativity and project management. You will be encouraged to examine, compare and contrast different world views. You will examine key theories and concepts and enrich your understanding of these through critical discussion with your peers, colleagues and lecturers.

All of this will feed into your own independent research project towards the end of the course, during which you can draw on our academics’ wide-ranging expertise.