Course Essentials
The Foundation Degree in Childhood Studies is an engaging and innovative work-based course. It is specifically designed to support people who work with children and young people in a school or similar educational setting to build and enhance their academic and professional knowledge. It offers the opportunity to study for a qualification while continuing to work.
The Course Team
Academic Calendar: Semesters
View key dates for this Academic Calendar for 2025-26 including when teaching starts and finishes and when you break for holidays.
You will use the professional experience from being immersed in an educational setting and enhance this with a deepening knowledge and understanding of how children and young people learn in different contexts. Through inquiry, debate, reflection, and a purposeful integration of literature and current evidence related to child development, you will make meaningful connections to develop your practice and impact.
You will be taught by a dedicated team of specialist staff and who will support and challenge you on your academic journey.
Attendance at all scheduled events is a mandatory expectation of the course, and key to your success.
We look forward to working with you.
"Through insightful modules and engaging discussion, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of childhood development and learning, which has greatly benefitted my work in an education setting." Level 5 Foundation Degree Student
Make a mind-map of childhood. (You can include your own ideas which you have developed through your workplace, the thoughts of colleagues, friends, professionals and of course, children themselves!*) (*non-compulsory)
This BBC Radio 4 website is helpful in highlighting some of the contemporary issues related to childhood.
Your welcome and induction event will take place on Saturday 20th September for students from all campuses (Canterbury, Medway and LSEC), from 9.30-12.30 and further details will follow.
Your pre-arrival Padlet contains relevant information on your Foundation Degree Childhood Studies course, including welcome information, timetabling, an overview of your study modules, campus information and student services available at Canterbury Christ Church University.
We will be adding any new or relevant information to the Padlet in the run up to the course starting, so please keep checking back for updates.
Beginning to engage with these resources will support you to begin thinking about some of the issues pertinent to the study of childhood, and to develop your own skills as a professional and academic learner.
Your Academic and Professional Success:
Issues in Childhood Studies:
It is useful to note that the University Bookshop offers 10% discount on most titles in print and have some price-beating book bundles. They also price match Amazon on core texts recommended in the module handbooks you will receive when you start in September. UK deliveries are FREE for orders over £10 and are usually dispatched within 48 hours.
International students: don't miss out! Make sure you register for our international student success programme which provides practical advice on preparing to live and study in the UK.
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