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Childhood, Education and Inclusion BA(Hons)

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

3 years full-time

UCAS Tariff

112-104

Recent Awards For Excellence

Education - QS 2025
Find out more about these awards
About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Tailor your degree to your interests with pathways in Education, SEND and Inclusion, or Working with Children and Families..
  • Gain hands-on experience through a 120-hour work placement, developing practical skills valued across education and social care.
  • Learn from expert tutors and explore real issues like safeguarding, inclusion, and children’s wellbeing to prepare for impactful careers.

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children, young people and their families?

Our rewarding and flexible degree places children, young people and their families at its heart, drawing on disciplines such as education, childhood studies, special educational needs, social work and social policy, psychology, and sociology. With a team of highly respected and experienced tutors who are experts in their fields, you’ll learn from some of the best in the industry.

Why study Childhood, Education & Inclusion BA(Hons) at Huddersfield?

One of the unique aspects of this degree is its flexibility. Following a core year, where you will develop an understanding of the wider concepts, you then tailor your studies more to your interests and career goals by choosing your pathway from our three routes:

  • Education
  • SEND and Inclusion
  • Working with Children and Families

This allows you to specialise in the area that most resonates with your passion and career aspirations.

Our course allows you to:

  • Explore the nature of childhood and youth in contemporary society.
  • Examine relevant social theory and research.
  • Focus on current policy and practices, to prepare you for the future.
  • Develop your knowledge and skills to create inclusive spaces for children and young people.

You’ll gain insight into children’s voices, their wellbeing and development, social policy, children’s rights, youth identities and cultures, safeguarding vulnerable children and young people, and supporting their inclusion and sense of belonging.

You'll have the option to specialise in areas such as neurodiversity and autism, supporting social, emotional and mental health in education and mentoring and counselling, which will provide you with the essential skills needed for supporting children and young people with diverse needs, a crucial competency which is valued by employers in education, health, and social care sectors.

In Year 2, you will undertake a work-based placement, gaining a minimum of 120 hours of real-world experience . This practical experience, combined with our unique blend of theory and practice, will equip you for a fulfilling career. Our graduates have gone on to work in the early childhood sector, primary, secondary, and further education, or in specialist roles such as domestic abuse workers, family support workers, and Local Authority SEND case workers. These roles require essential communication and specialised support skills, which our graduates are well-equipped with, enabling them to effectively support and advocate for children and young people

In the National Student Survey 2025, Childhood and Youth Studies is ranked top in Yorkshire for teaching on my course, assessment and feedback and organisation and management.

After completing your degree, you might choose to pursue further study, including an Early Years Teaching Status, Primary and Secondary teaching and SEND PGCEs, which may lead to Qualified Teacher Status. Many of our students have advanced to study MSc Social Work and MSc Child Nursing, among other specialised fields.

The top five job titles advertised in the UK for graduate roles associated with Childhood courses are Nursery Practitioners, Early Years Practitioners, Early Years Teachers, Nursery Assistants and Nursery Managers.**

**Lightcast data extracted from Graduate Career Explorer – job postings from Dec 2023 to Nov 2024 showing jobs advertised associated with a selection of relevant graduate.

Career opportunities after the course *

Nursery Practitioners

Early Years Practitioners

Early Years Teachers

Room Leaders

Nursery Assistants

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

BBC at A Level.
112-104 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.
DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Merit at T Level.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
112-104 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

In addition you must also:

  • have GCSE English Language at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme.
  • provide an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and health clearances.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum of IELTS 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

This module introduces you to a variety of key skills intended to support your transition into higher education. The module encourages the development of academic study and communication skills necessary for success on your course along with academic tenacity and resilience. It encourages you to harness your organisation skills, have aspirations and develop self-efficacy.

This module develops your understanding of society. Firstly, it examines social policy issues in society, such as poverty and inequality, and how the state responds to them through ‘welfare’, as well as through ‘rights’ and ‘citizenship’. You will then investigate the formation of identity and social differentiation by examining key sociological concepts such as social class, gender, the family, ethnic identity and disability.

This module explores concepts of childhood and youth and how psychology, sociology, history and philosophy contribute to understanding the experience of childhood.

This module introduces significant theories and research which underpin development and learning for children, young people and adults. It considers a range of key concepts to explain the basis of development and learning. It identifies the different dimensions of development (cognitive, linguistic, social, moral) and locates these aspects of development in their cultural and social context and in an international context. It focuses on different transitions that children and young people must make as they develop into adulthood and introduces students to different perspectives on the processes involved in learning and development.

The programme of study will nurture your independent learning and emphasise the importance of a holistic approach to enhancing your own professionalism and practice through structured workplace learning. You will explore work-based learning opportunities/employability together with occupational and professional concepts, principles and techniques, including reflective practice and using established analytical tools. You will develop and maintain a systematic approach to evidencing and reviewing your professionalism/employability. There will be an emphasis on you setting your own work related learning objectives, developing reflective practice and using learning agreements. Your development will normally be supported in the workplace through supervision arrangements.

Raise your awareness of current legislation, policies and procedures which exist to promote children and young people’s rights and to keep them safe. Knowledge, skills and qualities required to work with children, young people, their families and carers and other professionals in safeguarding contexts. Critically explores broader safeguarding concepts (such as CSE and PREVENT).

Education Route:

This module explores the impact of different philosophical systems on the way that education is conceived and put into practice. You will have the opportunity to design an ideal educational system based on your own unique philosophy and representing your own values.

SEND and Inclusion Route:

You will study theories of child development from historical, psychological and sociological perspectives, exploring how neurodivergent and autistic children are constructed within these narratives. You will explore atypical development, examining a range of neurodivergent experiences of education, and analysing pedagogical approaches utilised to strengthen inclusive practices for neurodivergent children and young people in a range of educational settings. You will explore the impact of autism and neurodivergence on individuals and their families and demonstrate critical understanding of support systems within and beyond educational settings.

Working With Children and Families Route:

The aim of this module is to provide those intending to work with children, young people and families with the key knowledge and skills to work inclusively and in partnership in response to children’s needs. You will critically examine contemporary family structures and germane developments in legislation and policy including the need for interagency collaboration when undertaking an assessment of a child in need. You will develop an intervention to meet the particular needs of a child. In addition, you will evaluate models of partnership, methods of intervention and research related to child centred approaches which encourage effective working and good outcomes.

You will also choose 1 optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

This module focuses on differing theoretical and ideological understandings of social inclusion, and the role of social policy in response to experiences of exclusion in modern British society.

This module develops your understanding of language acquisition in children and young people. You will learn about why speech, language and communication (SLC) skills are important to children and young people’s development and how this potentially impacts on their life. You will also explore curriculum and pedagogical strategies that underpin educational resources to support speech, and communication needs, producing two activities.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Education Route:

This module will help you to learn how to design and conduct a final year project. It does this by exploring a range of research and design approaches, strategies and methods. The module helps you to design a project that utilises your knowledge and abilities, carry it out and evaluate its outcomes. Your final year project will focus on an empirical research, policy or practice development, documentary research, policy analysis, entrepreneurship activity, or other options in negotiation with your tutor. The module guides you towards gaining a thorough, critical understanding of project planning and evaluation, research protocols, methods, ethics and ways of doing data analysis. By the end of the module you’ll be confident and capable of designing your own rigorous and valid project.

This module allows you to pursue your academic and work-related interests and to demonstrate the breadth of knowledge, understanding, and strengths that you have developed during your degree studies. You will review critical understanding of project planning and evaluation, research protocols, methods, ethics, and analysis. You will be supported in the selection of a focus for your final project, in the development of an application for ethical approval, and at each stage of your study. Your final year project will focus on an empirical research, policy or practice development, documentary research, policy analysis, entrepreneurship activity, or other options in negotiation with your tutor. This module is your opportunity to work together with a supervisor to confidently and rigorously undertake a valid project.

This module helps students to understand theories and models concerning the voice of children and young people. The module will encourage students to evaluate and consider the complexities of international, political, socio economic, ethical and cultural implications within the context of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN 1989). It creates the opportunity for students to develop their analysis of children and young people’s capacity and opportunity to express their voice and encourage them to participate meaningfully to influence policy in a range of differing contexts. Students will explore the significance of voice and identify appropriate responses. The module is designed to improve the effectiveness of students in responding to the needs of children and young people to have a voice within a variety of contexts. This module is designed to improve your ability to respond to the needs of children and young people to have a voice and to enhance your understanding of different definitions, theories and models of voice.

This module explores the context of and responses to a range of social, emotional and mental health needs in educational settings. Your understanding of different techniques that can be used to promote positive social, emotional and mental health plus behaviours for learning will be developed. You will explore causes of social, emotional and mental health needs, and look at how these can lead to dysregulated behaviour as well as the way that emotional and other difficulties can be recognised in one-to-one, small group encounters and whole class contexts. You will also consider theoretical aspects of supporting positive social, emotional and mental health, alongside behaviour management.

SEND and Inclusion Route:

This module will help you to learn how to design and conduct a final year project. It does this by exploring a range of research and design approaches, strategies and methods. The module helps you to design a project that utilises your knowledge and abilities, carry it out and evaluate its outcomes. Your final year project will focus on an empirical research, policy or practice development, documentary research, policy analysis, entrepreneurship activity, or other options in negotiation with your tutor. The module guides you towards gaining a thorough, critical understanding of project planning and evaluation, research protocols, methods, ethics and ways of doing data analysis. By the end of the module you’ll be confident and capable of designing your own rigorous and valid project.

This module allows you to pursue your academic and work-related interests and to demonstrate the breadth of knowledge, understanding, and strengths that you have developed during your degree studies. You will review critical understanding of project planning and evaluation, research protocols, methods, ethics, and analysis. You will be supported in the selection of a focus for your final project, in the development of an application for ethical approval, and at each stage of your study. Your final year project will focus on an empirical research, policy or practice development, documentary research, policy analysis, entrepreneurship activity, or other options in negotiation with your tutor. This module is your opportunity to work together with a supervisor to confidently and rigorously undertake a valid project.

This module helps students to understand theories and models concerning the voice of children and young people. The module will encourage students to evaluate and consider the complexities of international, political, socio economic, ethical and cultural implications within the context of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN 1989). It creates the opportunity for students to develop their analysis of children and young people’s capacity and opportunity to express their voice and encourage them to participate meaningfully to influence policy in a range of differing contexts. Students will explore the significance of voice and identify appropriate responses. The module is designed to improve the effectiveness of students in responding to the needs of children and young people to have a voice within a variety of contexts. This module is designed to improve your ability to respond to the needs of children and young people to have a voice and to enhance your understanding of different definitions, theories and models of voice.

You will examine definitions and different understandings of inclusion and models of disability, considering a national and global context. You will explore the impact these different definitions and models have on educational policy and practice. You will critically analyse current approaches to inclusion in a range of settings. You will develop your understanding of approaches to inclusive planning, teaching and assessment that ensures accessibility, challenge and achievability for all pupils.

Working With Children and Families Route:

This module will help you to learn how to design and conduct a final year project. It does this by exploring a range of research and design approaches, strategies and methods. The module helps you to design a project that utilises your knowledge and abilities, carry it out and evaluate its outcomes. Your final year project will focus on an empirical research, policy or practice development, documentary research, policy analysis, entrepreneurship activity, or other options in negotiation with your tutor. The module guides you towards gaining a thorough, critical understanding of project planning and evaluation, research protocols, methods, ethics and ways of doing data analysis. By the end of the module you’ll be confident and capable of designing your own rigorous and valid project.

This module allows you to pursue your academic and work-related interests and to demonstrate the breadth of knowledge, understanding, and strengths that you have developed during your degree studies. You will review critical understanding of project planning and evaluation, research protocols, methods, ethics, and analysis. You will be supported in the selection of a focus for your final project, in the development of an application for ethical approval, and at each stage of your study. Your final year project will focus on an empirical research, policy or practice development, documentary research, policy analysis, entrepreneurship activity, or other options in negotiation with your tutor. This module is your opportunity to work together with a supervisor to confidently and rigorously undertake a valid project.

This module helps students to understand theories and models concerning the voice of children and young people. The module will encourage students to evaluate and consider the complexities of international, political, socio economic, ethical and cultural implications within the context of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN 1989). It creates the opportunity for students to develop their analysis of children and young people’s capacity and opportunity to express their voice and encourage them to participate meaningfully to influence policy in a range of differing contexts. Students will explore the significance of voice and identify appropriate responses. The module is designed to improve the effectiveness of students in responding to the needs of children and young people to have a voice within a variety of contexts. This module is designed to improve your ability to respond to the needs of children and young people to have a voice and to enhance your understanding of different definitions, theories and models of voice.

This module develops your understanding of theories concerning counselling, coaching and mentoring. In doing so, it will improve your effectiveness in responding to and working with the needs of individuals in a variety of contexts. You will have an opportunity to develop your helping skills and evaluate the use of different helping approaches.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

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Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

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Interested in a placement?

Placements

Placement experience is highly regarded by employers and enables you to understand practice alongside experienced mentors and practitioners. Placements are a key part of the course and are managed and supported by an experienced team of tutors, who work closely with mentors in the placement settings.

You will undertake a minimum of 120 hours in a work placement in Year 2 and you can choose to focus on educational practice, supporting children with special educational needs or settings that focus on supporting families. Previous students have completed placements in nurseries, primary, secondary and specialist education provision, family support teams, domestic violence teams, charities and other wider settings that support children and young people.

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I've really enjoyed my school placement. We have the chance to find and choose our own placements, so I was able to find a great local school to practice in. The staff there were very welcoming and encouraging, and I learnt so much from them.

- Joe Tymon
Second Year Student

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

The flexible pathways (Education, Inclusion, and Working with Children and Families) allow you to specialise in areas that align with your career goals, opening doors to roles in teaching, social work, special education, and family support. This specialisation can make you more competitive for jobs that fit your passion.
Practical experience gained through placements, combined with the theoretical knowledge in areas like neurodiversity, child safeguarding, and social policy, ensures you have the competencies valued by employers across sectors such as education, health, and social care.

Upon graduation, you will be well-prepared for further study, including teaching qualifications like PGCE or advanced fields like MSc Social Work or Child Nursing, leading to professional qualifications like Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Early Years Teaching Status (EYTS). This broadens your career prospects significantly.
*86.5% of undergraduate graduates from the School of Business, Education and Law who are in work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduation. (HESA Graduate Outcomes 21/22, UK domiciled graduates)

86.5%
of undergraduate graduates from the School of Business, Education and Law in work or further study within fifteen months of graduating

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 21/22, UK domiciled graduates, other activities excluded.

Education is so broad—you learn about children from diverse backgrounds and see how society’s norms shape families. It opened my eyes to how privilege impacts opportunities and inspired me to think about challenging inequalities so everyone can succeed.

- Ainaa Imran
Second Year, Childhood Student.

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£9,790 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£17,600 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required to enable you to undertake placements in settings with children. We arrange this as part of the application process. Please note that there may be a charge for the DBS check.

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What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

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If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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Our purpose built primary teaching room is in the

Primary teaching room with books, seating and play kitchen

Practise your skills in our purpose-built primary

Primary Education classroom with paint and sandbox

Train in a realistic classroom designed for future

Primary education bookshelf

Get classroom-ready in our dedicated primary teach

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Develop confidence in our hands-on primary classro

Primary education classroom table and games

Experience real scenarios in our specialist classr

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Education at Huddersfield

Curious about studying Education at Huddersfield? Hear directly from our students and staff about the course, the community, and how it prepares you for a career that makes a difference.

Why I’m Studying at Huddersfield

Hear from Joseph Tymon, a student on our Primary Education Studies (Non-QTS) Accelerated Degree BA(Hons) at the University of Huddersfield. If you’re passionate about making a difference or exploring routes into teaching, this gives insight into life at Huddersfield and our Primary Education courses.

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Visit our Undergraduate Open Day to explore our courses, tour the campus, and meet academics and students who can answer your questions.

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Student Life at Huddersfield

When it comes to student life at Huddersfield, our students are best placed to give you the low-down on what it's like here. Read Joe's profiles to discover his experience of applying to and studying here, and get a feel for if the University of Huddersfield is the right place for you.

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Why Hud

Explore the unique opportunities and resources that make our institution a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and future-focused education.

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Explore Huddersfield

Make Huddersfield your home. A Yorkshire town, surrounded by beautiful countryside, with easy access to neighbouring cities; Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. You’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink, shop and socialise, there’s ambitious plans for future development. Our campus is situated next to the town centre - making your commute a breeze.

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Your Student Experience

Get involved in great opportunities helping you to make friends from all across the world and create lifelong memories. Join one of over 100 societies with the Students’ Union, experience new cultures through global events, earn whilst you learn and build your skills via our Global Professional Award.

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Budget Friendly

Huddersfield is not only one of the friendliest towns, it also offers you a lower cost of living than most big cities. This means you could have more money to spend, making your uni experience even better. On campus you’ll also find plenty of facilities and services to help you budget and make your money go further.

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Sustainability Matters

We’re committed to sustainability and aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. Our plan includes reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and improving wellbeing through sustainable buildings. We’re investing in digital solutions, low-impact travel, and embedding sustainability into teaching and research, investing over £1m in carbon reduction.

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Committed to Your Future

Since 2015, we’ve invested £198 million to create spaces where you can learn, collaborate and thrive. We’re continuously investing in our campus with your wellbeing in mind—adding features that make our buildings healthier, more supportive and better places for you to succeed.

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Careers support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

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Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

See our support services

Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

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Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the School of Education may teach you on this course.

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Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

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Further Study

If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

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Legal information

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment. We may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and if you are unhappy with the change we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes the outcomes, or a significant part of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum. For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff being unable to teach due to illness, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to pandemics, other disasters (such as fire, flood or war) or changes made by the government.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will consult with affected groups of students and any changes would only be made in accordance with our regulations. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you let us know before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for any additional tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so and you may be eligible for an exit award depending on how far through your course you are.

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed in accordance with the student protection plan.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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