Childhood Development and Playwork

Gain the knowledge and practical experience required to work with children and young people across a wide variety of careers.

Develop the confidence and expertise to work in a range of professions across the children’s workforce.

As part of this course, you'll:


• 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.



• Focus on the sociology and psychology of children and childhood in your classroom-based learning.



• Pay attention to the importance of play for children’s wellbeing and development.



• Develop specialisms in: playwork, child development, the sociology of childhood and social policy, and the provision and management of children’s play projects.



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.

Industry expertise
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.

Visiting practitioners will give you an insight into their personal experiences of working with children in a wide range of disciplines.

Why study the Childhood Development & Playwork course at Leeds Beckett University?
- 100% of graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation*


- 100% of students on BA (Hons) Childhood Development & Playwork were positive about the way teaching staff explain things* *


• Placement opportunities available



• Study abroad option



• Part-time study available



*Percentage of respondents from this course, HESA Graduate Outcomes 23-24
*National Student Survey 2026

Curiosity needs thinkers, makers, and dreamers. It needs you!

Leeds Beckett believes that when unlike minds come together, incredible things happen. That’s why they don’t just teach; they collaborate, challenge and inspire.

Their courses are meticulously designed, combining practical experience through work placements with a vibrant location at the heart of one of the UK’s largest student communities. Boasting a top 10 UK ranking for both course quality and student life (Uni Compare 2026) and a prestigious five-star QS rating, LBU sets the standard for excellence.

The university prioritises student wellbeing and stands among just seven universities nationwide to earn the University Mental Health Charter Award - proof of their unwavering commitment to advancing mental health and wellbeing.

All of this is why 98% of Leeds Beckett students and graduates would recommend studying at the university to a friend (Uni Compare, 2026 reviews).