Childhood and Youth Studies with Criminology BA (Hons)

University of Portsmouth

Overview

Our experiences in childhood and adolescence can have a huge influence on the choices we make and how society sees us.

On this Childhood and Youth Studies with Criminology degree, you'll explore the issues affecting children and young people aged 8–18, and the role of the criminal justice system and the causes of crime – as well as how these subject areas interconnect.

Learning from academic researchers and staff with experience as practitioners in the field, you'll focus on young people’s development, learning and relationships, and delve into the complex policies, practices and societal pressures that impact them.

You'll also have the chance to focus your childhood and youth studies on a particular specialism - education and teaching, community and youth/family provision, or leadership and enterprise.

After the course, you'll graduate with the skills and knowledge for a rewarding career working with children and young people in a variety of settings, including youth intervention, youth justice and social work.

• Spend two-thirds of your time at the School of Education and Sociology, examining topics around child development, education, psychology, health and social work
• Spend your remaining time studying at the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, learning about crime, punishment and rehabilitation
• Practise real-world scenarios in our Family Assessment Room, where you'll examine how parents and children feel during family meetings, and explore your responsibilities as a practitioner
• Tailor your studies to your career goals and interests, and have the option to complete pre-entry qualifications for a career in probation work or community justice
• Enrich your learning and build relationships with potential employers by volunteering, studying abroad or doing a work placement alongside your studies
• Develop a set of key transferable life and career skills, including critical thinking, team working, empathy and problem solving

Careers and opportunities

Understanding the factors that shape the early years helps us support young people as they move through life, especially at times of difficulty.

With its two distinct yet interrelated subject areas, this Childhood and Youth Studies with Criminology degree will prepare you for a range of careers working on behalf of children and young people.

You'll graduate with the knowledge and insight to advocate for young people's futures in relation to the challenges they face, including those connected to crime and the law.

There's significant demand for graduates who have the expert skills and knowledge to work with young people and children in the community in this way, particularly since the pandemic and its impact on education.

What can you do with a childhood and youth studies with criminology degree?

After the course, you could work in areas such as:

• youth work
• law enforcement and the police
• social work
• social justice
• children's rights
• social policy
• probation
• educational welfare
• health promotion
• teaching

Placement year and work experience

After your second year, you can do a paid placement year in a youth work setting. You'll have the opportunity to make a positive difference to young people while applying your knowledge and boosting your employability.

Previous students have put their skills to work at organisations such as:

• Portsmouth in the Community (PitC)
• KidsOut
• Victim Support

We’ll help you secure a placement that fits your ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support to get the most out of your placement year.

This course also allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option. This means you can earn credits towards your degree for work, volunteer and research placements that you do alongside your study.

We can also help you identify additional work experience, internship and voluntary opportunities that complement your studies.