Study child studies abroad

Child studies, often referred to as childhood studies, is a fascinating, interdisciplinary subject that focuses on the development of children and the issues that influence them.

As a child studies student, you’ll study a range of areas and topics that are important to children’s lives. You will look at the social, historical, and psychological factors that impact childhood, while developing the skills you’ll need to work in a range of child-rated careers.

Choosing to study child studies abroad as an international student means exposing yourself to the best programs the world has to offer. You’ll also broaden both your academic and personal horizons by studying in another country and experiencing a new culture.

Child studies programs are available at a range of degree levels and types. As an undergraduate, you can study for a foundation degree, diploma, certificate, or bachelor’s.

At the bachelor’s level, the majority of child studies programs are offered as a BA, but some are offered as BSc degrees. Most child or childhood studies programs are offered in the UK, but programs like child development are available in the USA.

If you do choose to study for a bachelor’s in the US, your program will usually last four years. Under the liberal arts college model, you’ll get the chance to study a range of minors before you declare your major in the final two years.

Child studies is also available at the postgraduate level. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field, you could choose to study a master’s as an MA or MSc, depending on the university. These programs usually last between one and two years and combine taught classes with your own research.

The method of teaching on most child studies programs will be lecture-based, but you can also expect regular tutorials, seminars, group work, and placements. The subjects and modules you’ll be taught will be different for each program, but some of the topics you can expect to cover include:

• Contemporary debates in global childhood
• Psychology for child studies
• Education and diversity
• Perspectives in child development
• Professional practice in careers with children
• The social history of childhood
• Development of literacy in children

A degree in child or childhood studies will give you the skills and knowledge required to pursue a range of careers working with children. Some of the most popular roles for child studies graduates include:

• Child psychotherapist
• Child counselor
• Speech and language therapist
• Children’s nurse
• Care worker
• Early childhood teacher
• Support worker

For some of the careers above you will need additional qualifications, so make sure you know exactly what you need for your dream career before you apply.

Make use of your university’s careers advice team - they can help you find relevant placements and work experience, or give you advice on which career could be right for you.