Develop your knowledge, skills and understanding of contemporary issues in the childhood studies sector. Study full-time or part-time with an option to Top-up your existing qualification at University Centre West Anglia.
If you've already completed a foundation degree (or equivalent), you have the option to study this course over one year as a Top-Up, which will upgrade your existing qualification to a full honours degree. You'll study the same modules as students on Year 3 of the BA.
Students on this course are only required to be on campus for two long afternoons a week in Years 1 and 2, and one day a week in Year 3 or for the Top-up course.
Complete this course successfully and you’ll be an honours graduate authorised to work with early years children in the UK. We've designed this course at University Centre West Anglia around sector requirements such as the Common Core of Knowledge and Skills for the UK Early Years Workforce.
This course blends theory with practice, as there's the expectation that you will complete a placement in an early years setting or school for the duration of your studies.
By the time you graduate you’ll also have developed some valuable transferrable skills, such as research, presentation and problem-solving. Above all, you’ll be a confident, knowledgeable practitioner equipped to work in many areas of the Early Years sector, from teaching to public health.
Careers
This course will equip you for a variety of early years roles and is useful in other sectors too, such as educational psychology and social work. It’s also a good basis for postgraduate study and research.
With a full BA (Hons) degree and appropriate entry requirements, you could progress into primary teacher training or early years teacher training, both of which would require a further year of study.
Some students decide to continue their studies by moving on to Masters-level study in education, early years or social work. Some progress into management posts in early years settings or full day care.
It will prepare you for careers in early years education and care or primary education as a teaching assistant or class teacher, family support, health and social services.
Teaching and modules
You'll train in professional practice aspects such as safeguarding, learning support and factoring in diversity. This will give you a sound knowledge of the workplace, including the approaches and regulations that exist internationally.
In your third year the focus will be on cultural and societal issues such as children’s rights and interdisciplinary topics. You’ll propose and complete a research-based major project on a topic of your choice.
If you want to, you can choose to incorporate a weekly placement into your studies and to submit an assignment that reflects on your experiences. There are also optional modules throughout the course, allowing you to personalise your studies.
You'll have the opportunity to explore theoretical perspectives and work-based practice through lectures, workshops, presentations, work-based projects, electronic discussions and assignments. There is a strong emphasis on the development of ICT, communication and presentation skills.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
If you've already completed a foundation degree (or equivalent), you have the option to study this course over one year as a Top-Up, which will upgrade your existing qualification to a full honours degree. You'll study the same modules as students on Year 3 of the BA.
We’ll assess your progress from your written assignments, presentations, major project and professional development portfolio. There are no exams on this course.
Our lecturers and tutors are experienced early years professionals with research interests including: creativity and imagination in personal development; child health and well-being; sociology; outdoor play; European and international perspectives. Our course draws on external practitioners and experts in the field to provide specialist input.
Facilities
Study at University Centre West Anglia and benefit from facilities including:
14 digitally-enabled classrooms
120-seat multimedia lecture theatre
a Learning Resource Centre, containing traditional and modern resources to enhance your learning
depending on your course, you may use the £2.5m Creative Studios building.
Entry requirements
To apply for this course you'll need:
64 UCAS tariff points from a relevant level 3 qualification
a grade 4 (C) or above in GCSE English language
two years of proven work experience in an early years or school setting
an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.
Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course; please email [email protected] for further information. Applicants to undergraduate courses can also check our information about undergraduate entry qualifications.
You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course.
Fees and funding
£9,000UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
Paying your tuition fees If you're a UK student, you don't need the money to pay for university now.
If you accept an offer to study at university, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your course fees.
Both full-time and part-time students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan. You'll start repaying the loan in the April after you graduate.
Our Money Advice Service is on hand if you’d like to chat about living costs, budgets and managing your money. You can also find out more about student finance at one of our Open Days.
Apply for Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner)