Our Early Childhood Studies BA degree is uniquely designed for both experienced practitioners and those new to the early childhood studies field. The focus of the course is the study of play, development and learning of children from birth to seven-years-old in a socio-cultural context and the implications this has for practice in early childhood settings. The course emphasises the links between theory and practice and highly values the development of professional and academic knowledge. It includes an optional placement module in the second year with assessed practice (for those who meet the criteria) which means tutors will visit/ appraise you in professional settings. This appraisal is important for your licence to practise.

The early childhood studies course team includes authors and researchers at the forefront of the field who are passionately committed to enabling, empowering and inspiring students to make transformational changes to their own lives and to the lives of children, families and communities. You will receive exceptional pastoral and academic support from your tutor and academic mentor, who will be support you to progress through your studies and settle in to university life.

In your first year, the focus will be on developing key skills that are indispensable for academic study at university, including reading, writing and constructing arguments. The study of these academic skills will be linked to other subjects on the course, including theoretical perspectives of holistic development, the use of play in supporting creative development, the safeguarding of children and inclusion. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore a range of professions related to early years as options for potential career pathways.

Your second year offers a wide variety of modules from Special Educational Needs and Inclusion, to educational sustainability, and oral stories and literacy. You will explore these issues developing research skills, analysing key information such as legislation and pedagogical and curricula approaches. You will also learn how to engage in reflective discussion of how these approaches underpin inclusion and children’s rights. There is an optional professional placement module for eligible students.

In your final year you will undertake an independent project based on your early years practice experience, which will allow you to explore areas of your own professional interest. You will also have the opportunity to critically evaluate current debates in early childhood, examine theories of leadership and management, and consider the impact of this on the quality of care and education provision.