Childhood Development and Playwork BA (Hons)

Gain the knowledge and practical experience required to work with children and young people across a wide variety of careers.<br/><br/>Develop the confidence and expertise to work in a range of professions across the children’s workforce.<br/><br/>As part of this course youll:<br/><br/><br/>- Follow unique learning pathways to shape your future career and gain vital work experience from a variety of placement opportunities. These could include: hospital play, therapeutic playwork, adventure playgrounds, community and policy, and development work.<br/><br/><br/>- Focus on the sociology and psychology of children and childhood in your classroom-based learning.<br/><br/><br/>- Pay attention to the importance of play for children’s wellbeing and development.<br/><br/><br/>- Develop specialisms in: playwork, child development, the sociology of childhood and social policy, and the provision and management of children’s play projects.<br/><br/><br/>You’ll have access to work-based learning opportunities with experienced supervisors in a range of child-focused occupations. Upon graduation you’ll have a range of practical and transferable skills at your fingertips, and a critical understanding of contemporary issues central to the study and practice of childhood development and playwork.<br/><br/>**Industry expertise**<br/>We have more than 30 years of experience in teaching childhood development and playwork. The course team shares a range of professional and practical specialisms in the fields of playwork, hospital play, and policy and project development. They are also actively involved with charitable children’s projects.<br/><br/>Visiting practitioners will give you an insight into their personal experiences of working with children in a wide range of disciplines. <br/><br/>**Why study childhood development and playwork at Leeds Beckett University...**<br/><br/><br/>- Placement opportunities available<br/><br/><br/>- Study abroad option<br/><br/><br/>- Part-time study available<br/>

Ranked a top 10 university in the UK for course quality and careers (Uni Compare Rankings, 2026), Leeds Beckett University is committed to giving you the support and guidance you need to succeed in a career. From hands-on opportunities to cutting-edge facilities, LBU's courses are designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.<br/><br/>You'll also have access to a dedicated team of career experts who will offer you advice and opportunities for professional development while studying your course and for up to five years after graduation. Leeds Beckett's aim is to ensure you are career-ready.<br/><br/>And, if you want to live in a budget-friendly city loved by students, with a thriving cultural scene, diverse community and plenty of job opportunities, Leeds is the perfect destination. It's recently been ranked the best place to live in the North (Sunday Times, Best Places to Live 2024)!<br/><br/>Study a course that gives you a future advantage, in a city with something for everyone.