Case Study

After I finished sixth form, my plan was to pursue an undergraduate degree in English language and law. However, my life took a significant turn when I gave birth to twin boys the following year, and I had to put my academic goals on hold while I focused on my family. Fast forward to over 10 years later and I felt a strong desire to return to education.

Despite feeling nervous about it, my family encouraged me to reach out to the University of Sunderland’s Clearing helpline, where I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth and support of the staff. They introduced me to the BA (Hons) Childhood Studies and Psychology, a course that felt like the perfect fit for me. With my background in supporting children and young people with additional needs, I found that the modules aligned with my experience and future career goals. This opportunity not only reignited my passion for learning but provided me with a deeper understanding of childhood that I’d always wanted to explore.

Living locally, I’d dedicated myself to supporting the children and families within my own community. This is why I chose to pursue my studies at Sunderland, an institution whose ethos of community, learning, and holistic personal and academic development resonated deeply with my values. The University’s unwavering commitment to fostering equality and diversity further aligned with my belief in the importance of inclusive educational environments. I was eager to study in an institution that not only reflected my personal connections to the community, but also championed the academic success of individuals from diverse backgrounds locally. This alignment solidified my conviction that Sunderland was the perfect setting for my academic and professional aspirations.

I’ve consistently maintained a profound interest in working with children and young people, but also in acquiring a deeper understanding of the complexities of their development and behaviour. My undergraduate degree provided me with a robust foundation for theorising childhood within a variety of contexts. I was particularly drawn to the exploration of children’s voices and the importance of representing these within both personal and professional spheres.

When I graduated, I felt inspired to build on my knowledge further by enrolling on the MA Childhood and Youth Studies course, and my experience has been transformative. The modules focusing on theorising childhood, exploring children in community contexts, and addressing contemporary issues affecting children and young people have enabled me to refine and reframe the foundational understandings I developed during my undergraduate degree, thereby contextualising them within professional practices. The master’s has led me to reflect profoundly on my practice, prompting me to consider the impact of these insights on my work with children.

Being taught by highly skilled, specialist lecturers within the field has been invaluable, as I’ve drawn significant inspiration from both the course content and the exceptional members of the academic team, who’ve instilled in me the importance of child-centred professional practice. I particularly appreciated the multimodality of the assignments, which facilitated the enhancement of my academic writing skills while encouraging creativity through various formats. This diverse approach to assessment has proven to be transformative, allowing me to develop a multifaceted skill set that I believe will greatly benefit my future endeavours in the field of childhood studies.

I currently work for the Children and Young People’s Service (CYPS) in Sunderland, which operates as a multidisciplinary tier 3 mental health service within the NHS. Completing my undergraduate degree equipped me with the confidence and foundational knowledge necessary to navigate this field, and the master’s course has further provided me with the tools to effectively translate theory into ethical and diverse child-centred practices. Studying for a postgraduate qualification has been instrumental in prompting critical reflection, but also enabling me to integrate all the knowledge I’ve acquired into my work. This has been crucial in enriching my understanding and effectiveness in my role.

To anyone thinking of studying at the University of Sunderland, I’d say engaging with academic staff is a critical component of the experience, particularly within the Childhood Studies courses. The uniqueness of this team lies in the diverse academic and professional backgrounds they bring, which provides invaluable insight. They possess an exceptional ability to convey their expertise through a variety of methods, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the discipline. As a mature student, I was initially apprehensive about engaging with my peers, but studying at Sunderland led me to forge some valuable friendships, including one with someone who’s now my best friend. I’d also encourage students to utilise the resources offered, which are always readily available to anyone who needs them and explore the campuses to take advantage of the extensive support networks available.

If I could sum up my experience of studying here in one word, it would be life-changing!”

Published 17 October 2024