Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping, and parks - we've got it all. Leeds city centre has been named one of the Best Places to Live in the UK*.
*The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide, 2026
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Childhood Studies
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children and families? Discover how children and young people are shaped by society, culture, and context.
Course overview
-
X374 -
L27 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
21 Sep 2026
This dynamic degree takes you on a journey from early childhood through to young adulthood. Together, we’ll explore how people grow, learn, and are supported in families, communities, and early years settings (from birth to five years old).
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Study key ideas in child psychology, including development, behaviour, and learning
- Develop a deep understanding of influences upon children and families
- Explore how policy decisions impact children’s lives
- Personalise your learning experience with specialist modules, placements, and an independent project
The course emphasises both academic study and professional capabilities, equipping you with a range of transferable skills preparing you for rewarding and diverse future professions. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the knowledge, experience, and confidence for careers in education, family support, youth work, and beyond.
Your course structure
This course is structured around four themes:
- Sociology & Social Policy – examines the relationship between the child, family, community, and state
- Psychology & Development – investigates the various influences on child psychology and development
- Contemporary Debates in Childhood – explores current issues relevant to children and families, including children's rights, childhood research, and ethical dilemmas
- Critical Reflection and Research – strengthens your academic and professional skills, supporting your development to honours graduate level and helping you plan your future career
Study to suit you
Tailor the degree to your interests with specialist modules in areas such as early years, psychology and inclusion, children and society, and teaching and education.
Shaping the future
Build your confidence by undertaking an independent research project exploring factors that affect children and their families. You might focus on topics such as technology and neuroscience, social development, or the role of play. Your research will guide your learning and help you put best practice into action – supporting your development as a child-centred practitioner.
Breadth of learning
You’ll be supported by experienced staff from a range of professional and research backgrounds, enriching your learning and broadening your perspective.
Professional Experience
Across your degree, you’ll complete 270 hours of professional work in an area of your choice. This hands-on experience will help you focus your career goals and gain valuable insights into your chosen field.
Why study the BA (Hons) Childhood Studies course at Leeds Beckett University?
- Develop your professional identity by choosing modules that reflect your interests
- Gain transferable skills through hands-on professional experience and independent research
- Learn from a dedicated teaching team who offer personalised support
- Engage with a contemporary, inclusive curriculum that champions social justice
- Benefit from coursework-based assessments with real-world relevance – and no exams
Explore videos and blogs
BA (Hons) Childhood Studies graduate profile | Natalie Dean's Prize winner Natalie Lennox talks about why she chose Childhood Studies and how she improved a child's life while on placement.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
104
points required
If you’re unsure how to work out your UCAS points we have a UCAS Tariff Calculator which will do it for you. All you need to do is enter your qualifications and let the UCAS Tariff Calculator do the maths.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
104
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 104 points required.
(Minimum 64 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs
GCSE English Language at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
104 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
104 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
104 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
DBS Check
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course, (processed through the University only). The University is unable to accept DBS checks obtained through another institution (this includes those registered with the DBS Update Service); the checks undertaken by the University are appropriate to the course of study and relevant regulated activity placements. For important information on the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requirements please refer to the Guidance on DBS and Additional Checks.
Self Declaration Check
You will be asked to complete this online form as part of the DBS check process. You will be asked to identify on the self-declaration form if you have any cautions/convictions that would not be filtered out on a DBS certificate. Please refer to the following website for guidance on filtering. The form will also ask if you have resided outside of the UK after the age of 16, to establish if an Overseas Police Record check may be required.
Overseas Police Checks/Letter of Good Conduct
The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants; those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency of 12 months or more after the age of 16; therefore, require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country(ies) prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will also be required prior to enrolment; the DBS team will send you guidance on how to apply following your offer of a place. The application process and timeframes for Overseas Police checks can differ from country to country and so it is recommended that you start the process as soon as possible after you have been made a conditional/Unconditional offer to ensure you have enough lead in time to obtain the check prior to enrolment. For some countries, an individual can only apply in person and so it is preferable for those applicants still resident in the relevant country, to apply before entering the UK.How we assess your application
At Leeds Beckett we look for students who demonstrate a good knowledge, curiosity and passion for your chosen course and would benefit from the University’s learning environment.We aim to give every student a fair chance to progress and succeed on their chosen course and we recognise that your grades may not always reflect your true potential. Therefore, when assessing your application, we will consider the following:
- Your completed qualifications (such as GCSEs, A Levels, and their equivalents).
- Your predicted grades in future examinations.
- Your personal statement.
Our offers
All our offers are made by trained professionals who are committed to making offers that are appropriate to each applicant, regardless of their background.* They have the discretion to vary the level of offer to ensure every student with the potential to succeed at Leeds Beckett receives an offer that is achievable for them. This could mean that you may receive an offer to study on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.  Your offer will be based on our belief that you are capable of benefiting from, and successfully completing, your course. We believe that it is people who think differently, independently, people with ‘unlike-minds' that make big things happen.*We operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we consider a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.
Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part-time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part-time applicants).
Our place as an Anchor Institution
To further strengthen our position as a key provider of education and training for West Yorkshire we apply an Anchor Institution Policy in our admissions process. Students who apply to us from any of the five Local Authority areas in West Yorkshire (BD, HD, HX, LS, WF) may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points.Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade 4 in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
International baccalaureate
104 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
DBS Check
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course, (processed through the University only). The University is unable to accept DBS checks obtained through another institution (this includes those registered with the DBS Update Service); the checks undertaken by the University are appropriate to the course of study and relevant regulated activity placements. For important information on the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requirements please refer to the Guidance on DBS and Additional Checks.
Self Declaration Check
You will be asked to complete this online form as part of the DBS check process. You will be asked to identify on the self-declaration form if you have any cautions/convictions that would not be filtered out on a DBS certificate. Please refer to the following website for guidance on filtering. The form will also ask if you have resided outside of the UK after the age of 16, to establish if an Overseas Police Record check may be required.
Overseas Police Checks/Letter of Good Conduct
The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants; those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency of 12 months or more after the age of 16; therefore, require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country(ies) prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will also be required prior to enrolment; the DBS team will send you guidance on how to apply following your offer of a place. The application process and timeframes for Overseas Police checks can differ from country to country and so it is recommended that you start the process as soon as possible after you have been made a conditional/Unconditional offer to ensure you have enough lead in time to obtain the check prior to enrolment. For some countries, an individual can only apply in person and so it is preferable for those applicants still resident in the relevant country, to apply before entering the UK.Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
There are no traditional exams on this course.
What you'll learn
Explore contemporary issues and debates relating to childhood. This module is designed to expand your knowledge of these issues while developing skills in academic, evidence-based writing. Drawing on a choice of topics, you'll produce a written assignment in the form of a literature review that considers a range of perspectives. Throughout your studies, you'll build a strong understanding of key concepts, theories, and methodologies relating to human development and the phases of childhood. You'll be equipped to compare different psychological explanations of child development and behaviour. By the end of the module, you'll be able to organise and communicate clear ideas, arguments, and opinions about the wide range of factors that influence children’s development. You'll also learn how to apply developmental theory to a variety of global contexts in which children live and grow.
Develop your understanding of classical sociological perspectives, models, and the values underpinning social policy in relation to childhood and youth. This module explores key inequalities affecting childhood and youth, including those relating to class, gender, ethnicity, religion, and impairment or disability. You'll also examine concepts such as cultural capital and social wealth, and their influence on agency, wellbeing, and life chances. In addition, you'll consider the role and impact of the media in shaping experiences of childhood and youth.
This module introduces a range of key interpersonal and transferable skills to support your academic development and ease your transition into higher education. It's designed to help you become confident and competent in your engagement with academic learning, while also recognising your roles and responsibilities as a learner in higher education. Through a series of skill-based sessions – covering subjects such as critical analysis and academic writing – you'll build essential academic skills and develop a strong personal and academic identity.
You'll build your knowledge and skills to increase your employability after graduation. You'll secure a two-week placement in a setting of your choosing to gain experience of working with or for the needs of children, young people or their families. You'll draw upon learning from your other modules to critically reflect on this experience and demonstrate knowledge of the main policies and ethical principles that underpin the profession. Drawing upon research and theory, you'll reflect on your own personal and professional development, and how this relates to your graduate employability portfolio.
This module explores the development and implementation of children's rights through global human rights frameworks. These include the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. You'll examine the distinction between rights and other entitlements, along with the theoretical and philosophical foundations of human rights and their relationship to ideas of citizenship. You'll also engage in debates around whether children should have rights, what kind of rights they should have, and how these rights should be enacted. The module concludes with a critical examination of rights implementation and the extent to which human rights legislation has shaped the everyday experiences of children across the globe.
Develop your understanding of the changing and contested nature of childhood. Through a range of historical and cultural contexts, including accounts and representations by both adults and children, you'll build your ability to interpret diverse experiences of childhood. You'll be introduced to the methods and principles involved in studying childhood, along with key concepts, such as social construction, ideology, and discourse. By the end of the module, you'll have developed an awareness of the similarities and differences in how childhood is understood across time, cultures, and social groups. These may include differences shaped by social class, gender, and ethnicity.
What you'll learn
Explore a range of psychological, sociological, and educational perspectives that influence provision and practice for children from birth to five years. Drawing on these perspectives, you'll begin to develop your own personal philosophy for working with young children. Throughout the module, you'll also engage in a series of learning activities, including interactive lectures and seminars, tutorials, video workshops, and collaborative group work.
Explore how philosophical thought has shaped conceptions of childhood across a broad historical period – from ancient Greece to the modern world. This module applies philosophical analysis to key questions, including how childhood is defined, and how ideas around children's rights, risk, moral responsibility, and social education have developed over time. By the end of the module, you'll demonstrate an understanding of the historical origins and development of Western philosophy, and the relationship between ideas and the socio-economic contexts in which they emerge.
Further develop the knowledge and skills you gained in your first year as you increase your employability after graduation. You'll secure a three-week placement in a setting of your choosing to gain experience of working with or for the needs of children, young people or their families. You'll draw upon learning from your other modules to critically reflect on this experience and demonstrate knowledge of the main policies and ethical principles that underpin the profession. Drawing upon research and theory, you'll reflect on your own personal and professional development, and how this relates to your graduate employability portfolio.
This module introduces a range research methodologies and explores the ethical considerations involved in conducting research. It provides a solid foundation for developing your major independent study project in your final year. You'll learn to identify key debates in social and educational research, and develop a critical awareness of the values and assumptions that underpin different methodological approaches. Throughout, academic literature will inform your understanding. Upon completion, you'll have a well-rounded understanding of common data collection methods used in education and social research.
Understand the key approaches to support children and families across a variety of circumstances, including family support and social work. This module explores a range of theoretical and practical issues related to children's welfare and family support. Throughout your learning, you'll engage in a host of activities, including interactive seminars, tutorials, video workshops, and small group work.
Option modules may include
Develop your knowledge and understanding of how play based pedagogical approaches support and promote learning in early childhood. You'll apply a range of perspectives on the holistic development of children in the 0-5 age range and consider the characteristics of play. This module will explore the importance of social and cultural contexts, including the home, school and wider community, for the development of playful pedagogies. You'll identify and evaluate the many ways in which children’s interests and priorities are expressed through their playful engagements, as they arise from their own life experiences. You'll learn about the multiple ways in which children make meaning of these through their play.
Gain an in-depth understanding of the concept of neurodiversity and its implications for education. Through a critical lens, this module will examine the social and cultural factors that shape our understanding of neurodiversity and the impact of traditional educational practices and policies on neurodivergent learners. You'll also explore alternative approaches to education that are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of diverse learners. You'll develop knowledge and skills for working with neurodivergent learners, including strategies for creating supportive and accessible learning environments, fostering positive relationships with learners and their families. This will include how to advocate for the rights and needs of neurodivergent individuals within educational contexts. By the end of the module, you'll have a deep understanding of the importance of embracing neurodiversity in educational settings and the role you could play in creating more inclusive learning environments.
Examine broader aspects of education, beyond statutory schooling. This module will explore the diverse forms of education available in a range of settings. For example, alternative and related off site provision, further education, higher education, libraries, museums, Youth Offending Institutions, prisons, and community provision. You'll examine both the theoretical and practical issues involved in delivering education in these settings and the value of these broader forms of education. We'll also focus on the potential of these broader education experiences in terms of your future career options.
Explore, explain, and analyse complex and challenging childhood issues through the medium of film. Your studies on this module will use film as a vehicle to examine the paradigm of the child and how the idea is socially contested and constructed across time and place. You'll develop the skills and understanding you'll need for informed, inclusive practice when working with children and families. Working with children and families can include numerous contexts and cover many professional disciplines such as education, social work, health and law enforcement. Use of film will enable you to develop new ways of seeing, applying theory and analysis to better understand the lived lives of children and their experience of childhood.
What you'll learn
Examine the key challenges facing contemporary society and the potential impact on children and families. You'll explore aspects of policy and legislation in relation to the sustainability agenda. This module will enable you to engage with theory, research and academic literature and gain an understanding and knowledge of the impact this may have on the UK and other societies. You'll be encouraged to reflect on how to equip yourself for the challenges of your career and future practice.
Build your knowledge and skills to increase your employability after graduation. You'll secure a four-week placement in a setting of your choosing to gain experience of working with or for the needs of children, young people or their families. You'll draw upon learning from your other modules to critically reflect on this experience and demonstrate knowledge of the main policies and ethical principles that underpin the profession. Drawing upon research and theory, you'll reflect on your own personal and professional development, and how this relates to your graduate employability portfolio.
Complete a research-based inquiry into an area of education/educational concern. This module will cover all
aspects of the research process, from design through to presenting a written dissertation. You'll choose your own research focus, linked with your individual career aspirations. You'll need to put together a research proposal and a mandatory university ethics approval. Your dissertation will demonstrate engagement with the research process, analytical skills, and the ability to mobilise theory and evidence in synthesising new arguments.
Option modules may include
Develop an insight into the varied nature of the transitions that young children experience, both inside and outside the early years setting. This module situates those transitions within a broader theoretical context. You'll explore change more widely, considering the nature of families, key life experiences, and their impact on young children. As part of your learning, you'll examine and reflect on key theoretical models – physiological, sociocultural, and ecological. These include models by Bronfenbrenner, Maslow, and Bourdieu, and their application to early years policy and practice.
Engage with a diversity of approaches, such as literature, research and practice, to gain a greater understanding of how to work with vulnerable families in the UK. You’ll be equipped to critically analyse the factors which impact upon vulnerable families in contemporary society and the role of the state in terms of a spectrum of interventions.
This module explores childhood, youth and the criminal justice system, drawing on theory and research from criminology and childhood studies. You’ll consider different explanations for offending; the impact of inequalities related to social class, gender, and ethnicity; and different forms of social and state intervention in the lives of children and young people.
Build upon your experiences within the arts and your knowledge of pedagogy and representation. This module will focus on how your knowledge of arts and pedagogy can support daily teaching and specific interventions through an inclusive lens. You'll explore the role of creative practitioners, cultural organisations, specialist therapy providers and Inclusive storytellers within Inclusive Education. You'll study how the creative arts can lead to innovative learning and have a positive effect on children’s development and well-being. You'll understand best practice in relation to promoting creativity and learning within inclusive education. This module will address creative practice within inclusion, such as through specific interventions, and will consider how the creative arts can support the learning, wellbeing, and development of different learners.
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the forest school pedagogy and approach. You'll focus on children learning in the outdoors, in an outdoor area defined as a forest school space, where experiences are about play and are child-led as far as possible. Teaching and learning will combine fundamental principles of forest school with both class based and practical learning experiences.
Explore the dynamics of race in education and how it affects the life chances of global majority students. You'll pay particular attention to debates around participation, attainment, and labour market characteristics. The module will also touch on issues of student decision making, engagement with curricula which includes teaching, learning, and assessment. You'll develop a general understanding of race and ethnicity and how racial dynamics can be analysed within educational settings, as well as the broader outcomes of discrimination on global majority students.
Explore the various influences on the health of children and families. You'll evaluate key principles and approaches to health promotion, including community development and healthy public policy. This module will help you understand the major health issues you might encounter when working with children and families. Upon completion, you'll be able to critically evaluate the core principles of health promotion and health education. With this knowledge, you'll be able to develop effective strategies to promote the health and wellbeing of children and their families.
Combine practical study of Makaton and Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) with theoretical understanding. You'll study the role of inclusive practice in meeting language and communication needs within wider educational settings. This module will combine a theoretical understanding of language and communication needs in UK education settings with a focus on cutting-edge research. You'll analyse contemporary issues, pedagogies, and research focused upon inclusive practice. You'll also study enabling pedagogies relating to language and communication within mainstream, SEN, and alternative education settings.
Fees and funding
£9,790
UK
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
£16,840
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Fees and funding
£9,790
For students entering in 2026
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- The cost of studying the NSPCC safeguarding legislation and guidance accredited course, Compulsory Child Protection: An Introduction, in your second year is covered by your tuition fees.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are covered by your course fees. Please see essential costs below for more info.
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you'll need to pay for any additional travel.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/or occupational health (OH) check. The cost of these checks is covered by your course fee, but you'll need to pay for your ID documents to be verified (£12.80 as of August 2025). Your DBS check is valid for the duration of your course. New checks are only required if you have a break in your studies outside of the normal holiday periods. If you misplace your certificate during your studies, you'll be charged £49.50 for a new certificate.
Optional Costs
- Local school, education centres and relevant visits may vary throughout the course. These visits are accessible by public transport and you'll need to pay for your own travel.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,840
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- The cost of studying the NSPCC safeguarding legislation and guidance accredited course, Compulsory Child Protection: An Introduction, in your second year is covered by your tuition fees.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are covered by your course fees. Please see essential costs below for more info.
Essential Costs
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you'll need to pay for any additional travel.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/or occupational health (OH) check. The cost of these checks is covered by your course fee, but you'll need to pay for your ID documents to be verified (£12.80 as of August 2025). Your DBS check is valid for the duration of your course. New checks are only required if you have a break in your studies outside of the normal holiday periods. If you misplace your certificate during your studies, you'll be charged £49.50 for a new certificate.
Optional Costs
- Local school, education centres and relevant visits may vary throughout the course. These visits are accessible by public transport and you'll need to pay for your own travel.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
93%
of students on BA (Hons) Childhood Studies were positive about the way teaching staff explain things
Our new home
Our new home in Caedmon Hall features a university seminar classroom which combines a traditional lecture theatre with more intimate tutorial scenarios, to accommodate flexible teaching methods. It also has communal social and study areas, brand new conferencing facilities and a number of flexible high-spec teaching and learning areas. Including the following bespoke spaces:
- Science Laboratory - complete with the latest state-of-the-art equipment
- Art and Design room - bespoke facilities designed to maximise the range of possible activities
- VR/Augmented Reality Lab - state-of-the-art specialist area for the practice, development and delivery of immersive technology in education
- Early Years Room - carefully designed for early years teaching
- Primary Maths Space - designed to be flexible and support the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning
These dedicated spaces will allow our team to innovatively deliver accessible, inclusive, quality education and promote lifelong learning for all.
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Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
Our BA (Hons) Childhood Studies degree prepares you for a wide range of meaningful careers supporting children, families, and communities. Many of our graduates move into roles such as:
- Family support worker or mental health support worker
- Early years practitioner
- Housing officer
- Charity or voluntary sector worker
- Trainee teacher through in-school routes such as SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training) or EYITT (Early Years Initial Teacher Training)
With further postgraduate study, you could pursue careers in education, teaching, social work, youth and community work, or youth justice. This course also opens pathways to advanced study, including our MA Education with Early Years (pathway) or one of our PGCE programmes, or competitive graduate schemes with local authorities or the NHS.
Verity Ward
Lecturer / Carnegie School of Education
Verity is a Lecturer within Interdisciplinary Studies at the Carnegie School of Education. She teaches modules relating to academic and professional development, research methods, autism, and inclusive education.
Helen Young
Senior Lecturer / Carnegie School of Education
Helen is an Early Years specialist who teaches across a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses focused on the 0-5, and 0-18 age range. She is the Year Group Leader for the BA (Hons) Early Years, teaching and leading a range of modules.
Louise Aston
Lecturer / Carnegie School of Education
Louise is an Early Years and Childhood specialist based within the Carnegie School of Education. She lectures and supervises on a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, leading a variety of modules within the interdisciplinary field of education.
The course team are all highly skilled professionals from a range of backgrounds. We have experience covering early years through to schools, and from social work through to community organisations. Our dedicated team are here to help you make the most of this course and to assist you work towards your postgraduate career choice."
Dr Nicole Gridley
Head of Subject
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
We’re ranked in the Top 10 universities in the UK for job prospects
(Student Crowd, 2025 - the only awards based entirely on student reviews).
Find out why...
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Explore Leeds Beckett
Step inside our immersive 360° virtual tour and discover cutting-edge facilities, dynamic learning spaces, and everything our campus has to offer.
Thinking of staying at home for your studies?
It’s a great option for lots of our local students
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
