Childhood and Youth Studies
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    Certificate in Childhood and Youth Studies at The Open University UK

    The Open University UK
    The Open University UK
    United Kingdom
    United Kingdom, Milton Keynes
    Certificate in Childhood and Youth Studies at The Open University UK

    International students can study the Childhood and Youth Studies at The Open University UK on the Distance learning campus in Milton Keynes , United Kingdom. This Certificate degree is available as a Full Time program delivered online in English. The program has a duration of 1 year and is offered at the Distance learning campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on February 1, 2027.

    About Certificate in Childhood and Youth Studies

    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.

    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

    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.

    Read the detailed learning outcomes here

    Disciplines

    Early Years

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Certificate in Childhood and Youth Studies at The Open University UK

    Entry Requirements

    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.

    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 6.5

    Career Opportunities after Completing Certificate in Childhood and Youth Studies

    Skills for career development

    This certificate provides an effective foundation for a wide choice of career paths. It emphasises independent thinking, develops analytical and communication skills and will help you become a clear and confident writer – all attributes that are highly valued by employers. Specific skills you’ll develop include:

    • analysing, critically evaluating and effectively communicating information to others
    • competence in team and project work, supporting and/or supervising others
    • organising, synthesising and questioning opinions and arguments
    • evaluating the appropriateness of different approaches to problem-solving
    • managing and organising time, resources and information to support decision-making
    • reflecting on your own learning and performance and taking steps to improve it
    • using ICT effectively and being able to interpret data.

    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

    Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

    In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant employment areas as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):

    • Teaching
    • Counselling
    • Early years work, including play therapy and hospital play
    • Speech therapy
    • Voluntary sector work
    • Youth work
    • Education support and welfare
    • Social work
    • Probation work
    • Personal and careers guidance
    • Sport and fitness
    • Learning mentorship
    • Research and policy
    • Psychology
    • Youth justice.
    On to 'Entry requirements'

    Fee Information

    How to Apply

    1. Start registration

    To secure your place, you need to register – don't worry, there's nothing to pay at this stage. Go to your chosen qualification, select your preferred start date and click on 'Register Now'.

    2. Choose modules

    We'll ask you to select the module you intend to study in your first year. Some modules on your chosen qualification will be compulsory, while others may be selected from a list of options..

    3. Organise funding

    Tell us how you will be paying for your chosen module. For example, you'd like to pay by credit or debit card.

    4. Complete registration

    To complete your registration, you'll need to confirm your payment method.

    Certificate in Childhood and Youth Studies at The Open University UK
    The Open University UK
    The Open University UK
    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Milton Keynes

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