Child and Youth Studies BA (Hons)

Course code L530

What is special about this course?

Could you teach valuable life skills through play? Are you passionate about the rights and perspectives of children and young people on all of the matters that affect them?

Harness your energy and enthusiasm for children and young people as they navigate their experiences, on our pioneering programme, the first to combine child and youth studies in Scotland, to pursue an exciting and rewarding career in this diverse and vital field.

Gain a deep understanding of child and youth issues within a local and global context. Learn about the social, psychological, environmental and legislative influences upon children and young people to make a difference to their lives, opportunities and futures. Explore and reflect on key theories, policy and practice, to take a holistic, contextual approach that values difference and diversity within individuals, families, and communities to progress children and young people’s meaningful participation and human rights.

Special features

  • Children and young people are at the heart of this degree
  • Carry out a research project related to your work or area of special interest
  • Inclusive, flexible delivery, available entirely online, suitable for a diverse range of learners, so you can fit your studies around your commitments
  • Multi-disciplinary, leading to a wide range of careers working with children, young people, and families
  • Opportunities for work-based learning through our optional ‘developing professional practice through placement’ module
  • Choose to study individual modules for personal or professional development (CPD)
  • Study from anywhere in the world

Entry requirements

  • 3 Scottish Highers at grade C or above OR
  • 2 A levels at grade C or above OR
  • International Baccalaureate Award of Diploma with a minimum of 24 points. Higher Level (HL) Grade 4
  • Alternatively, completion of Foundation Apprenticeship Social Services (Children and Young People) PLUS an additional Scottish Higher at Grade C or above
  • Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or experience are also welcomed and will be considered on an individual basis
  • Other recognition of prior learning and credit transfer will be considered on a case-by-case basis
  • This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/unit(s), where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional module/unit(s), but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
  • You are required to attend an interview, in person, by telephone or virtually, to discuss the course in detail and to explain the method of teaching
  • Non-UK qualifications will be considered. Please fill in the relevant application form (depending on whether you are an EEA or international applicant), providing the details of your qualifications. Please enclose/attach a copy of relevant certificates and evidence of your English language skills. This will enable us to assess your eligibility for the course to which you are applying

Advanced entry to year two of the degree:

  • Direct entry to year two may be possible on successful completion of 15-credits (120 SCQF level 7 credits) in: HNC Childhood Practice; HNC Social Services; NC Social Sciences; or HNC Working with Communities
  • Bridging modules are also offered for applicants with less than 120 SCQF level 7 credits

Access routes

SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.

I loved the journey that I shared with the friends I made from day one. That network of support continued all the way through my degree and was backed up by the lecturers and my personal tutor who have continued to be so supportive on my journey to becoming a nursery manager. 

Katie studied the BA Child and Youth Studies at UHI Perth.

Apply for Child and Youth Studies BA (Hons)

I want to start in Aug/Sep 2025 or Jan/Feb 2026

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.