Childhood Studies @ The University of Edinburgh

What is Childhood Studies?

Childhood Studies is a vibrant, interdisciplinary area. Children are no longer seen as simply passive recipients of services and care but as active participants in their own lives and the lives of others. This change is underpinned by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which is the most ratified convention in the world.

Childhood Studies brings together a range of disciplines - from social policy to geography, from anthropology to psychology - to ask such questions as:

• What are children's relationships - with peers, families and communities?
• How do children develop?
• What are children's rights?
• How do children create culture?
• How do children use spaces and places?
• How have ideas about childhood changed over time?
• Do current policies meet children's rights?

Why study children and childhood?

Childhood Studies interests people because:

• they want to work with children
• they already work with children and want to improve their skills and knowledge
• they want to find out what children have to say
• they want to put children's rights into practice

There is increasing interest and recognition that those working with children need to be well-qualified and informed. Studying Childhood Studies could help you to:

• Gain promotion in your present workplace
• Build on your skills as a child care practitioner
• Equip yourself with transferable skills for future career choices

The BA in Childhood Studies could equip you to:

• Apply for postgraduate initial training as at teacher, social worker or health promotion worker
• Progress to the MSc in Childhood Studies
  

The MSc in Childhood Studies could lead you to:

• A PhD in 3 years, having already completed your initial research training
  
• A position in policy, research or service organisations, that requires advanced skills in policy analysis, research and/or consulting directly with children and young people