Childhood, Education and Family

We are well known on the international stage for being the first institution to run the Early Childhood Studies degree programme in the UK, and for hosting the biennial International Children and Childhood Conference. As experienced as we are passionate, we draw on our own research to support your learning and help you to explore your passions and interests.

Our values are founded on the principle that education is for everyone. Education is a right, and has the potential to transform lives. We believe that children, young people and adults all deserve the right to a high-quality education as a foundation for a more secure future. We are committed to developing knowledge and skills that are transferable and necessary to succeed in a changing world.

Your Teaching Team

- Dr Sarah Coombs

Sarah was a Senior Lecturer in Childhood in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. Sarah began her career as a Registered Nurse at the Leeds General Infirmary. Subsequently, she graduated from the Open University with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and began a career in teaching...

- Dr Sarah Richards

Sarah was appointed Head of the Suffolk Doctoral College in 2021. Prior to this role she was an Associate Dean for Research in the School of Social Science and Humanities for three years. She is an Associate Professor of social policy specialising in Childhood Studies and has twenty...

- Dr Wendy Lecluyse

Dr Wendy Lecluyse began her career as a Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist. She obtained my graduate degree in Speech and Language Therapy and Audiology in 1998 at Ghent University (BEL) and subsequently worked as an SLT specializing in hearing impairment and specific language...

- Dr Ferran Marsa Sambola

Ferran is an HCPC registered Clinical and Health Psychologist. Ferran’s research interests focus on the following areas: Dual diagnosis in intellectual disability and Family burden; Schizophrenia; Bipolar disorders, Addictions and Child and Adolescent Health. ...

- Dr Cristian Dogaru

Dr Dogaru is the course leader for MRes Social Sciences and Humanities. He is a paediatrician-turned-social scientist, with a medical degree from University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Romania and a PhD in Human Development and Family Sciences from Oregon State University, USA. Dr D...

- Carolyn Leader

Carolyn is a lecturer within the Childhoods program. In 2015 Carolyn qualified with an Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling including hypnotherapy and counselling skills. From 2016, Carolyn worked within the Student Services team at the University of Suffolk before comp...

- Maureen Haaker

Maureen is a sociologist whose research centres on constructions of the body, reproductive politics, and subjectivity. Maureen joined University of Suffolk in 2014 as a lecturer for Childhood Studies. She graduated with a MA Sociology at University of Essex and BAs in Sociology and ...

- Dr Ivana Lessner Listiakova

Dr Ivana Lessner Listiakova is an Associate Professor in Childhood and Education, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Suffolk. Her expertise is in inclusive education, learning support, sensory processing difficulties, sensory strategies, and creative arts thera...

- Dr Pere Ayling

Dr Pere Ayling is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. Pere was born in Nigeria and has over 10 years of teaching experience in early years, primary and higher education. Pere is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. ...

- Dr Pallawi Sinha

Dr Pallawi Sinha is a Lecturer in Childhood Studies. Pallawi is passionate about building dialogue and understanding on education and childhoods, particularly in indigenous, disadvantaged and marginalised contexts; ‘other’ epistemologies; difference; ecologies of learning; the e...

- Darryn Thompson

Darryn Thompson is the course leader for the FdA in Early Years Practice and for the BA Hons in Early Learning course at the University of Suffolk. Darryn has worked at the university for sixteen years and has successfully supported hundreds of early years practitioners in achieving...

- Kelly-Marie Taylor

Kelly-Marie Taylor is deputy course leader for BA (Hons) Early Years Practice and BA (Hons) Early Learning, and contributes to MA Childhood Studies. She is passionate about Children’s rights, the Sociological study of Childhood, and providing excellent teaching and learning ex...

- Katherine Austin

Katherine holds an undergraduate degree in English Literature, postgraduate degrees in Early Years (QTS) and Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. Katherine has ten years’ experience of teaching in Primary Schools within Sussex and has previously lectured in Initial Teacher T...

FdA Early Years and Primary Practice

BA (Hons) Childhood

BA (Hons) Childhood: Primary Education with QTS

BA (Hons) Early Learning (Progression Route)

MA Childhood Studies

MA/PgD/PgC Education Studies

Next Steps

How to Apply

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