ba-hons-early-childhood-studies

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies

(With Optional Graduate Practitioner Status)

Why Choose This Programme?

Pioneering Curriculum: One of the UK’s first degrees in this field, developed with sector leaders
Dual Qualification Pathway: Graduate with or without practitioner status (170 placement hours required for status)
Outstanding Reputation: 91% student satisfaction (NSS 2020)
Professional Edge: Aligned with Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network competencies

Key Features

Birth-6 Focus: Specialised study of early development in socio-cultural contexts
Practice-Led Learning: Assessed placements with tutor appraisals
Research-Informed Teaching: Lecturers include leading childhood studies authors
Career Accelerator: 78% of graduates secure roles within 6 months

Course Structure

Year 1: Foundations

Child Development Perspectives (30cr)
Safeguarding Health & Wellbeing (30cr)
The Science of Play (30cr)
Academic Skills + Placement (30cr)

Year 2: Applied Practice

Early Years Pedagogy (30cr)
Equity & Inclusion (15cr)
Children’s Rights (15cr)
Multilingual Communication (15cr) or
EYFS Frameworks (15cr)

Year 3: Leadership

Capstone Research Project (60cr)
Leading Multi-Agency Practice (30cr)
Advanced Research Methods (15cr)
Graduate Practitioner Route: Additional 150-hour placement

Professional Advantages

Graduate Practitioner Status Provides:

Automatic Level 6 EYFS qualification
Fast-track to room leader/nursery manager roles
30% higher starting salaries vs standard degree

Career Pathways:

Early Years Teacher (with PGCE)
Family Support Worker
SEN Specialist
Local Authority Advisor

Postgraduate Options:

PGCE Early Years
MA Childhood Studies
MSc Child Psychology

Entry Requirements

Academic:

112 UCAS points (BBC A-Level or DMM BTEC)
GCSE English (Grade 4+)

Professional:

Enhanced DBS check
For Practitioner Status: GCSE Maths (Grade 4+) or equivalent

Flexible Entry:

CACHE Diplomas accepted
Mature students with relevant experience welcomed

Placement & Accreditation

Minimum 170 Hours in nurseries/children’s centres
Tutor Visits: 3+ observational assessments
Unique Accreditation: Only London programme offering both ECSDN and EYFS pathways

“Our graduates lead 1 in 5 Ofsted-outstanding nurseries in East London.”