BA (Hons) Studies in Early Childhood

The BA (Hons) Studies in Early Childhood is a research-informed and practice-focused degree designed for those who are passionate about improving the lives of young children and their families. The course is suitable for prospective students who have just completed their BTECs/A-Levels, international students, those who are unable to undertake a placement, and students looking for a progression route to degree-level study where their qualifications do not meet the Department for Education (DfE) requirements for the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education. It is also suited to early childhood practitioners seeking to expand their qualifications and develop their careers across early years practice, family support, community development, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), policy and advocacy, and the voluntary sector. You will be prepared for careers across a range of early childhood, family support, community, voluntary sector, and education-related roles, as well as postgraduate study. You will leave as confident, reflective, and socially aware professionals, equipped to advocate for children's rights, support families, and contribute to high-quality early childhood provision both in the UK and internationally.

The course explores how children learn, develop and thrive from birth to age seven within diverse family, cultural and community contexts. Drawing on contemporary research, international perspectives and engagement with UK Early Years practice, the course develops a deep understanding of child development, children's rights, inclusion, wellbeing, leadership, and policy. You’ll examine how professionals can work collaboratively with families, educators, health services, and communities to achieve positive outcomes for children.

The course is strongly informed by the early childhood sector and equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to the opportunities and challenges facing children and families in a rapidly changing world. Throughout three progressive years of study, you will develop critical thinking, communication, research, problem-solving, and leadership skills while exploring topics such as child development, pedagogy, safeguarding, inclusive practice, and global early years systems.

The BA (Hons) Studies in Early Childhood offers an engaging, student-centred learning experience that combines academic rigour with real-world relevance. Whether you’re looking to progress in your current role, broaden your career opportunities or take the next step in your professional journey, the degree equips you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to shape your future and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children and their families.

Learn from experts with real-world experience: Our expert teaching team brings together extensive experience in early childhood, research, leadership, teacher education, and family support, ensuring you learn from passionate professionals who understand the sector from multiple perspectives. You’ll benefit from diverse perspectives and insights that connect theory with practice, helping you develop a deeper understanding of the sector and prepare for the next stage of your professional journey.

Tailor your learning to your interests: The degree offers flexibility and choice through a range of modules and independent research opportunities, enabling you to pursue areas that match your interests and career aspirations. Co-curricular activities, conferences, volunteering, and enrichment events further support professional and personal development. These opportunities also allow you to develop your expertise, build your professional profile and discover new possibilities for your future.

Benefit from strong industry connections: The University has strong links with schools, nurseries, community organisations, and early childhood professionals ensure that learning remains current, relevant, and informed by industry needs. You’ll gain valuable insights into contemporary approaches, policy developments, and real-world challenges while developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence highly valued by employers.

The course is 100% coursework: Assessments are designed to develop and evaluate your theoretical knowledge. Through assignments and projects, you’ll also develop your critical thinking and ability to engage with key issues in early childhood, building transferable skills that can benefit you throughout your career.

The BA (Hons) Studies in Early Childhood is designed for those who are passionate about improving the lives of young children and their families and want to develop a broad understanding of early childhood development, learning and practice. It offers a flexible pathway for students who are unable to undertake a placement, as well as those looking to progress to degree-level study where their qualifications do not meet the Department for Education (DfE) requirements for the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education. The course opens up opportunities across a range of areas, including early years practice, family support, community development, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), policy and advocacy, and the voluntary sector.

If your career goal is to work in an early years setting in a role requiring a qualification recognised by the DfE as full and relevant, the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education may be a more suitable option.

Important information about DfE recognition

The BA (Hons) Studies in Early Childhood is not currently recognised as full and relevant by the DfE, as it does not include assessed practice in an early years setting or meet specific DfE requirements for English and maths.