BA (Hons)

Montessori Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner)

Start your Montessori teaching career with the only UK university provider of specialist Montessori degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

You’ll develop the knowledge and skills to become a competent and effective teacher according to the Montessori Principles, focussing on the three elements of the Montessori Dynamic triangle: the child, the environment and the teacher.

As well as exploring Montessori materials and presentations that support babies, toddlers and young children’s learning, development, self-direction, and self-discovery, we’ll examine cosmic education, social justice and inclusion, and you’ll reflect on your own learning and practice.

Using our learning management system, Canvas, you'll access a comprehensive range of study resources and take part in optional online workshops with the Course Director. You'll also be fully supported with advice and regular feedback from our expert tutors.

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education 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.

  • Two students practising playing in a sandpit

    Hear from our course leader, Michelle Wisbey.

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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.

A baby sitting and looking at a toy being held by a student
Why ARU?

  • Join a course that ranked 13th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025

  • 95% for “Learning resources” and 95% for “Communication of mental well-being support” (National Student Survey 2024)

  • Gain a globally recognised degree qualification

  • Learn on a Montessori placement with support to secure one

  • Gain additional experience though volunteering and work experience

  • Save time and money with an accelerated degree and demonstrate the drive to succeed

Course options

Key facts

Looking for different course options?

You have the option to study this course as an accelerated degree over two years. The accelerated course is delivered via blended learning, which means you can study in your own time, around your other commitments. You'll join your tutors and peers on campus for three full days each trimester, and we'll offer additional workshops and guest lectures to complement your studies. You'll study online the rest of the time.

Or, you have the option to study this course via distance learning over three years. If you already have a Level 4 Montessori qualification, or a Montessori FdA, you can join the course at Level 5 or 6. Contact us for more information.

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 *.

2 years full-time blended accelerated
Year 1 Chelmsford
  • The Developing Montessori Child
  • The Developing Graduate Practitioner in Practice
  • Montessori Curriculum 1
  • Safeguarding and Wellbeing
  • Education for Global Citizenship and the Use of Artificial Intelligence
  • Montessori Curriculum 2
  • The Reflective Graduate Practitioner in Practice
  • Into ARU
Year 2 Chelmsford
  • Exploring a Sustainable Education
  • Innovative Change Through a Creative Lens of Leadership
  • Undergraduate Major Project
  • The Professional Graduate Practitioner in Practice
  • Advocating for Children's Rights
  • Ruskin Module (15 credits)
Module details
3 years full-time distance learning
Year 1 Distance learning
  • The Developing Montessori Child
  • The Developing Graduate Practitioner in Practice
  • Montessori Curriculum 1
  • Safeguarding and Wellbeing
  • Into ARU
Year 2 Distance learning
  • Montessori Curriculum 2
  • The Reflective Graduate Practitioner in Practice
  • Creative Pedagogy: How Children Learn (0-8)
  • Education for Global Citizenship and the Use of Artificial Intelligence
  • Ruskin Module (15 credits)
Year 3 Distance learning
  • Advocating for Children's Rights
  • Undergraduate Major Project
  • The Professional Graduate Practitioner in Practice
  • Innovative Change Through a Creative Lens of Leadership
Module details

Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.

Student experience

  • Kate Larsson in classroom

    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.

  • Selfie of Lucy Smith

    ARU spotlight - 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's spotlight interview.

  • A student and lecturer on a rug in a classroom looking at pink building blocks

    Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) student Lucie Hamilton explains what you learn on the course and why play is so important for children's development. Read Lucie's blog.

    • ;
  • Kate Larsson in classroom
  • Selfie of Lucy Smith
  • A student and lecturer on a rug in a classroom looking at pink building blocks
  • Kate Larsson in classroom
  • Selfie of Lucy Smith
  • A student and lecturer on a rug in a classroom looking at pink building blocks

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.

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.

Entry Requirements

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Fees and Paying for University

Apply for Montessori Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner)

UK students

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A student cheering with a small child in a classroom

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
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