Overview

The Childhood and Youth Studies programme at Carleton University provides a critical and well-grounded education focused on the identities and experiences of young people. Students examine how power, privilege, and oppression shape childhood while gaining the practical skills necessary to support well-being in diverse global contexts.

This degree is unique in Eastern Ontario for its specific attention to youth activism, children's rights, and critical intersectionality. By combining theoretical knowledge with community-based learning, the curriculum prepares graduates to address the increasing global demand for compassionate professionals in the youth sector.

Why Childhood and Youth Studies at Carleton University?

Carleton University offers the only programme of its kind in Eastern Ontario that focuses specifically on both childhood and youth through the lens of critical intersectionality. The institution provides a distinctive teaching environment where students can engage with contemporary issues such as reconciliation and anti-racist pedagogies.

A significant feature of the programme is the practicum placement option. This allows students to apply their academic knowledge in community settings, gaining professional experience and building networks within the sector before graduation. The curriculum is designed to be interdisciplinary, drawing from various historical and cultural contexts.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 36979 per year
National fee: CAD 8846 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Childhood and Youth Studies
Reconceptualizing Early Childhood Education and Care

Careers with Childhood and Youth Studies

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional roles in community-based, governmental, and humanitarian organisations. The skills acquired during the programme are highly transferable across the public and private sectors, focusing on advocacy and the support of young people.

Potential career paths and industries include:

Teaching and Early Childhood Education
Counselling and Mental Health Work
Policy Development and Research
Speech Therapy and Pediatric Services
Child Development and Advocacy
Health and Social Services
Children's Librarian Education Services
Senior Administration

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Design and Analysis in Research Involving Children

Experiential Learning in Childhood and Youth Studies

Pathways in Childhood and Youth Studies

Research Methods in Childhood and Youth Studies

Children's Literature

Conceptualizing Adolescence in Childhood and Youth Studies

Special Topics in Child Studies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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120

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86

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Credits

20 alternative credits

For 20.0 credit Major degrees, at least 3.0 credits in the major and at the 2000-level or above.

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ottawa, Canada

Disciplines

Childhood Studies View 23 other Bachelors in Childhood Studies in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

86

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

You will need a secondary school or high school graduation certificate. Education should normally consist of a minimum of 12 years of study.

You will need to present transcripts from your senior high school along with your graduation diploma or certificate, and any graduation exam results.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Carleton University and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

36979 CAD / year

≈ 36979 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

8846 CAD / year

≈ 8846 CAD / year

Additional Details

Ontario Tuition Fee: 7279 CAD per year

Living costs

Ottawa

Canada

1168 - 1925 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Childhood and Youth Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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