Introduction to the BA (Hons) Childhood Studies Program

The BA (Hons) Childhood Studies program at the University of Essex is a unique, interdisciplinary degree that explores the social and emotional worlds of children from birth to 25. This program is designed for students who wish to deepen their knowledge about children's lives and forge a career in a wide range of professions, whether in frontline practice with children or by making a positive impact on children's lives through research, policy development, and advocacy.

Overview of the Program

• The program is based in the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, which is internationally recognized for its work on the role of unconscious processes in mental health and their wider influence in culture and society.
• Students will gain a deep understanding of child development, the ecology of childhood, and how concepts of childhood shape and condition children's lives.
• The program includes topics such as ideas of childhood across time and cultures, child development and attachment theory, developmental trauma, ADHD and ASD, safeguarding, children's literature and popular culture, infant observation, wellbeing and resilience, and childhood and the unconscious mind.

Structure of the Program

Year 1

• Introduction to Childhood Studies: Exploring childhood from a local and global perspective, covering topics including psychology, sociology, history, media, law, and education.
• Perspectives in Child Development: Focusing on developmental psychology, including psychoanalytic and psycho-dynamic theories.
• Placement Based Observation Skills and Reflective Practice: Learning observation skills and reflective practice to enhance working experience and professional practice, including a placement in the children's sector.
• Assignment and Research Writing for Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies: Developing abilities to undertake independent research, read critically, and write clearly.
• Understanding Individuals, Groups, and Organisations: An Introduction to Psychodynamic Concepts: Exploring how unconscious dynamics work in individuals, groups, and organisations.

Year 2

• Infant Observation: Focusing on child development, particularly infancy, with firsthand experience observing early developments.
• The Social History of Childhood: Exploring how the concept of childhood has developed, especially from the eighteenth century onwards.
• Safeguarding and Ethical Practice: Understanding policies, ethics, and professional conduct in the workplace regarding children.
• Professional Practice in Careers with Children: Developing understanding of childhood studies and childcare practice, exploring employability and career options.
• Psychoanalysis and the Child: Examining developments in psychoanalytic theory with a focus on the figure of the child.

Year 3

• Childhood Wellbeing: Play, Socialisation, and Resilience: Exploring children's wellbeing through play, socialisation, and resilience.
• Teaching and Learning with Children: A Psychosocial Approach: Understanding what facilitates education and factors that can hinder learning.
• Dissertation: Pursuing a research project based on a subject of choice, applying theory from the course to explore conscious and unconscious dynamics.
• Childhood Inc.: Disney and the Globalization of Childhood: Considering how diversity impacts children and how childhood is constructed differently based on race, gender, class, sexuality, nationality, religion, or disability.

Placement and Year Abroad Opportunities

• Placement Year: Gaining exciting and relevant work experience within an external organisation, enhancing employability and building CV.
• Year Abroad: Experiencing other cultures and languages, broadening the degree socially and academically, and demonstrating maturity, adaptability, and organisation to employers.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching includes lectures, seminars, skills-based workshops, debates, observation seminars, reflective groups, and presentations.
• Assessment is mainly through coursework, including essays, case studies, and reflective reports, with occasional exams.

Fees and Funding

• Home/UK Fee: ｣9,790 per year.
• International Fee: ｣21,500 per year.
• Fees increase for each academic year of study.
• Scholarships, bursaries, or discounts may be available to help with costs.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A-Levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-Levels.
• BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-Levels.
• IB: 30 - 29 points in the IB Diploma or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects.
• QAA-Approved Access to HE Diploma: 120-112 UCAS tariff points, depending on the subject studied.
• T-Levels: 120-112 UCAS tariff points, considered on a case-by-case basis.

International & EU Entry Requirements

• The University accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.
• Contact the Undergraduate Admissions team for specific requirements.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 6.0 overall, or specified scores in another equivalent test.
• Details of English language requirements, including component scores and accepted tests, can be found on the University's website.

Additional Notes

• A satisfactory enhanced DBS check will be required prior to starting any placement for this course.
• The University makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and up-to-dateness of programme specifications but reserves the right to make changes, for example, due to significant disruption or other reasons.

University of Essex

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Overview:

The University of Essex is a public research university located in Colchester, Essex, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and law. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and apprenticeships.

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Services Offered:

The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

Guaranteed, affordable accommodation for new undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Student Support:

A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

Careers and Employability:

The university offers resources and programs to help students develop their career skills and find employment.

Essex Sport:

A wide range of sports facilities and activities are available to students, including fitness classes, performance sport, and scholarships.

Faith:

The university provides support for students of all faiths.

Cost of Living Support:

The university offers financial assistance to students who are struggling with the cost of living.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Essex can expect a vibrant and diverse campus experience. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

The university is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.

Excellent Research:

The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

The university is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Excellent Student Support:

The university provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.

Beautiful Campus:

The university has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Essex offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, business, and science.

Postgraduate Programs:

The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional qualifications.

Short Courses and CPD:

The university offers a variety of short courses and continuing professional development programs.

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Other:

The university has three campuses: Colchester, Southend, and Loughton. The Colchester campus is the main campus and is located in a beautiful parkland setting. The Southend campus is located on the seafront and offers a more urban experience. The Loughton campus is home to the university's drama school, East 15 Acting School.

The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Research in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management (REIMI) and the Human Rights Centre.