BA (Hons) Montessori Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner)
Introduction to our Montessori Early Childhood Studies degree
Join the only UK university provider of specialist Montessori degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level and start your career as a Montessori teacher. Take a Montessori placement and work towards your Early Years Graduate Practitioner Competencies, whether you study in Chelmsford or by distance learning.
Alumni success
Kate graduated from our BA (Hons) Montessori Early Childhood Studies in 2023 as a mature student, and now works as Manager of a thriving Montessori Nursery and Pre-school in Cambridgeshire.
Discover how our course helped Kate
Study at an award-winning university
We're the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
If you’re interested in working in a Montessori and early years context, our BA (Hons) Montessori Early Childhood Studies degree will develop your knowledge and skills to become a competent and effective Montessori teacher.
You’ll explore the Montessori method of education, focussing on the three elements of the Montessori Dynamic triangle: the child, the environment and the teacher. Together, we'll explore the Montessori materials and presentations that support children’s learning and development, giving them opportunities for self-direction, while you guide them on their journey to self-discovery and reaching their full potential.
You’ll also examine child development, cosmic education, social justice, and inclusion, developing your ability to reflect critically on your experiences as well as a broad and balanced societal view supported by theoretical knowledge and research evidence.
If you study on the face-to-face version of this course, you’ll need to attend lectures on campus one day and week and spend one day a week in your chosen placement setting.
Join a course that ranked 13th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025, and scored 95% for “Learning resources” and “Communication of mental well-being support” in the National Student Survey 2024.
Course options
Key facts
Entry Requirements
Loading...
Entry requirements are not currently available, please try again later.
Fees and Paying for University
Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies (ECGPC)
When you study with us, you’ll complete the ECGPC (Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies).
This is a professionally recognised framework that’ll enhance your employability and provide some clarity for your prospective employers as to the graduate level of your achievements.
These competencies are included on the QAA Early Childhood Studies Subject Benchmark Statements with practice at Level 6 recognised by the Department for Education (DfE).
You’ll meet the nine competencies through assessed observation of practice, practice-based tasks and academic assessment.
Student experience
Lucy Smith
Lucy studies on our BA (Hons) Montessori Early Childhood Studies degree by distance learning, and manages a nursery recently rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
Read Lucy Smith's Spotlight interview
Study Montessori Early Childhood Studies at ARU
Do you want to encourage children to be independent learners and reach their full potential? Study one of the only specific Montessori Early Childhood Studies degrees to become a Montessori teacher. Find out more from Senior Lecturer Michelle Wisbey.
Lucie Hamilton
Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) student Lucie explains what you learn on the course and why play is so important for children's development.
Read Lucie Hamilton's blogFacilities and support
Specialist facilities
Our Early Childhood Resource and Research Room is packed with toys, games and equipment where you’ll be able to experience a child’s eye view of the world. Take a guided tour and meet our students.
Practical experience
As a Montessori Early Childhood Studies student at ARU you’ll benefit from:
- a compulsory placement, in a Montessori setting, which we’ll support you in sourcing
- additional volunteering and work experience, further professional development training opportunities, enrichment trips, research groups and various early childhood and education events
- learning the underlying values, principles and philosophies of Montessori and care
- knowledge of contemporary and competing theories relating to children from birth to eight years, and their families
- enhancing your creativity and critical analysis, and show the potential to visualise and instigate change within practice
- developing your communication skills for different needs and audiences
- gaining a globally recognised bachelor degree qualification
Lecturers
Kay Aaronricks
Head of School
Careers
Guided by the Early Years Professional Framework, we work with employers to ensure our BA (Hons) Montessori Early Childhood Studies will give you the knowledge, skills and abilities that you need.
You’ll be qualified to work in any registered setting in England, including nurseries and preschools, as a Montessori teacher, or in leadership roles.
You might also want to continue on to a Masters course, such as one of our MA Education degrees, which include options to specialise in leadership and management, SEND, and Montessori settings, or our PGCE. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Life in Chelmsford
Chelmsford has something for everyone, and our green, modern campus is just ten minutes from the city centre.
Get to know ChelmsfordGet in touch
If you're thinking about applying to ARU or have questions about your application, contact our Admissions Customer Service Team.
Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm
Friday 9am-4.30pm
Please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training
Placement available
You have the option to take a placement as part of this course. It’s a great chance to get hands-on experience in early years and education.
Your guide to placementsLoading...
