Childhood Studies

Entry requirements

A UK 2.2 (or above) degree in a related discipline (for example childhood studies, education, psychology, sociology, mental health), or its equivalent.

Applications will be considered if you have significant relevant work experience.

You will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (previously known as a Criminal Records Bureau, or CRB, Check).

You may also be asked to attend an interview.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our MA Childhood Studies programme offers an interdisciplinary exploration of childhood in contemporary society. It will equip you with the knowledge and critical skills to support children and families across diverse settings.

Through a blend of theory, policy, and practice, you will examine; child health and development, play, children’s rights, and the social, cultural, political and education contexts that shape childhood. The programme fosters reflective practice and research skills, preparing graduates for roles in children services including education, social care and policy. With flexible learning options and a strong research foundation, it supports both professional development and academic progression.

Why Childhood Studies at Swansea?

At Swansea, you will join a programme grounded in a child‑centred, rights‑based philosophy where you are an active contributor to your own learning. You will explore childhood through both global and local lenses, gaining a deep understanding of how cultural, political and economic contexts shape children’s lives.

Your learning experience is interactive, participatory and rooted in research. You will be encouraged to question dominant narratives, examine structural inequalities and reflect on your own perspectives as you study childhood. You will also engage with international scholarship and policy frameworks, including the UNCRC and the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring what you study is relevant across a wide range of professional and cultural contexts.

You will benefit from an interdisciplinary curriculum that draws on sociology, psychology, education, health, and social policy to explore complex issues such as children’s rights, social justice and the climate emergency. Through collaborative learning, case‑based discussions and authentic assessments that mirror real‑world practice, you will develop advanced analytical and reflective skills that prepare you to advocate for equity and sustainability in childhood‑related sectors.

You will also examine how climate change and environmental degradation affect children’s health and wellbeing, with a focus on the disproportionate impact on disadvantaged communities.

Your Childhood Studies Experience

On our MA Childhood Studies programme, you will be welcomed into a vibrant, inclusive and supportive learning community. From the very start, you will study in an environment that values collaboration, diversity and mutual respect. During Welcome Week, you will take part in a team‑building afternoon, giving you the chance to connect informally with your peers and begin building a sense of belonging.

Teaching is delivered over two days per week, which is designed to support students with caring or professional commitments and help you balance your academic and personal life. You will also have opportunities for individual meetings, particularly if you are studying part‑time or returning to education, ensuring you feel seen, supported and fully integrated into the cohort. Group assessments further strengthen this sense of connection and encourage collaboration across the programme.

Throughout your studies, you will develop a critical and interdisciplinary understanding of childhood by drawing on sociology, psychology, education, health and social policy. You will explore how cultural, political and economic contexts shape children’s lives and examine key issues such as child development, children’s rights, social justice and the impact of services and policy on families and communities.

You will also cultivate advanced analytical, reflective and research skills, enabling you to critically evaluate policy, practice and current debates in childhood studies. Ethical, inclusive and participatory approaches are embedded throughout, encouraging you to centre children’s voices and experiences across diverse local and global contexts.

This programme also supports your professional development, helping you progress in sectors such as education, social care, youth work, research and policy, or providing a strong foundation for further academic study.