Child Health Sciences BSc/MSci
Study child health sciences at UCL and explore how biological, psychological and social factors shape children’s health and development, preparing you for careers in healthcare and research.
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Register nowKey information
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 academic years full-time (BSc) 4 academic years full-time (MSci)
Location
London, Bloomsbury
Course starts
September 2027
About this course
Child health is facing complex and fast-moving challenges. Rising levels of chronic conditions, mental health needs and health inequalities are changing what children and young people need from health services. At the same time, advances in genomics, data science and digital health are transforming how care is delivered.
This course gives you a strong foundation in child health sciences. You will explore how biological, psychological and social factors shape health and development, and how healthcare systems and policy influence outcomes.
You will also develop practical skills in data analysis, research methods and the responsible use of new technologies in healthcare.
From Year 2, you will choose a post-enrolment specialism to focus your studies in one of three areas:
- Biology, Cell and Gene Therapy
- Psychology and Mental Health
- Public Health and Health Promotion.
This course is suitable if you have a strong interest in science and child development, particularly biology. It will appeal to students who want to understand how research, policy and practice improve children’s health and wellbeing, and who are considering careers in health, research or public services.
Course structure
BSc (three years) or MSci (four years)
The course begins with a shared foundation in Year 1, followed by specialisation in Year 2 through a post-enrolment specialism, while maintaining a cross-disciplinary perspective throughout.
In Year 1, you will undertake core modules.
Core modules include:
- Fundamentals of Child Health Sciences
- Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology for Human Sciences
- Introduction to Social, Emotional and Cognitive Developmental Psychology
- Introduction to Public Health
- Human Development, Genetics and Cancer in Child Health.
In Year 2, you will choose a post-enrolment specialism (PES). All students study:
- Research Methods in Child and Developmental Studies.
You will then take modules from your chosen specialism:
Biology, Cell and Gene Therapy:
- Foundations in Cellular Therapies and Regenerative Medicine in Child Health
- Foundations in Genetic Therapies for Rare Childhood Diseases.
Psychology and Mental Health:
- Mind and Body in Childhood
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Neurodiversity.
Public Health and Health Promotion:
- Child and Adolescent Health Promotion
- Child and Adolescent Public Health
- Global Maternal and Child Health.
You will also select additional modules from outside your specialism to broaden your learning.
As well as 60 credits from their own specialism and 30 credits selected from another specialism.
In Year 3, you will undertake three shared compulsory modules:
- Child Health Sciences Project
- Integrated Child Health Perspectives
- Translation of Child Health Science in the Workplace
You will also select modules to the equivalent of 30 credits from your post enrolment specialism.
In Year 4, you will take compulsory modules with 75 credits, modules equivalent to 30 credits from your post enrolment specialism, as well as one optional module.
What this course will give you
You will:
- Develop strong skills in critical thinking, research and ethical decision-making, enabling you to understand complex child health issues.
- Learn to analyse child health from biological, psychological and social perspectives.
- Build confidence in evaluating evidence and applying statistical methods.
- Gain experience using digital tools and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in a responsible way.
- Develop clear communication and interpersonal skills, alongside practical understanding of child development.
- Work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and contribute to improving health outcomes.
- Design and evaluate health promotion initiatives and understand the importance of equity in child health.
- Graduate prepared for lifelong learning, with the ability to adapt to new research, technologies and approaches.
This course prepares you for a wide range of careers in:
- public health and healthcare
- biomedical and health sciences
- genetic counselling
- psychology and mental health
- education and child development
- research and policy
You will graduate with the knowledge, skills and professional values to protect and improve child health in clinical, community and population settings.
Open Days
Find out more about our in-person Open Days, online events and courses and subjects that interest you.
Register nowWhy study this course at UCL?
You will:
- understand child health by exploring biological, psychological and social factors together
- study at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, a global leader in child health research
- learn through a blend of face-to-face and online teaching, supporting flexible and interactive study
- benefit from research-led teaching informed by the latest developments in child health
- develop skills in critical thinking, data analysis and digital tools, including artificial intelligence
- explore your interests through events, seminars and lectures
- graduate prepared for careers in healthcare, research, education and policy
- access specialist facilities, including laboratories and research spaces at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and across the Bloomsbury campus
How to apply
Applications will be made through UCAS once this course is published in the UCL Undergraduate Prospectus.
Got questions? Get in touch
We are here to help. Get in touch with us for more information about our courses.
Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health
Click to email. fphs.study@ucl.ac.uk