OUR CURRENT MEMBERS
Please see, below the listing for our current members including links and contact details
Our School was founded in 1892 and is one of the longest-established Education departments in the UK. Our mission is to combine the best of our traditions for academic excellence with the most up-to date methods in teaching, student engagement and research. The School of Education has a wide range of degrees at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. We offer degrees in Childhood Studies and Education all of which will guarantee you an interview for our PGCE courses. The School also hosts a large number of Joint Honours and Major/ Minor degree combinations. This means that you can study Childhood Studies or Education alongside another academic subject.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Dr Rosemary Cann Senior Lecturer In Education
Email: add-ed@aber.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1970 622021
Abingdon and Witney College have been offering Foundation degrees in early years for almost 20 years and, since 2018, we have been offering a BA(Hons) Early Childhood Studies Top-Up course. Our Foundation Degree in Early Years course is designed for practitioners who are working in a variety of early years settings, as childminders, as nannies with families, in playgroups and in schools, nurseries, and children’s centres. The BA Top-Up is designed as a follow-up to our Foundation degree course and brings together several academic disciplines. Topics include children’s literature, professional roles, representations of childhood, and an independent research project.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Early Years and Early Childhood Studies undergraduate programmes
Email: enquiries@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1235 555585
We have a varied suite of Early Childhood courses including FdA, BA & MA Early Childhood degrees. You can study via face to face learning in Chelmsford, Essex or via distance learning. You’ll learn from staff who are academics and qualified early childhood practitioners. During your studies you’ll reflect on child development, early childhood curricula, social justice, inclusion, you’ll develop your ability to critically reflect on experiences and will have a broad and balanced societal view supported by theoretical knowledge, practice and research evidence.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Michelle Wisbey
Course Leader
Email: michelle.wisbey@aru.ac.uk
On this dynamic course, you’ll develop a critical understanding of childhood, babies, children and families from multi-disciplinary and global perspectives. Informed by the latest research and our Centre for Research in Early Childhood (REACH), you’ll examine current debates and explore concepts such as play, development, ethics, wellbeing, social justice and leadership.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Rebecca Digby
Programme Leader
Email: r.digby@bathspa.ac.uk
Our Early Childhood Education BA (Hons) equips you with all you need to know about how children develop in learning and thinking in their early years (0-8 years): early-years curricula; inclusion, special educational needs and disability; and early literacy and numeracy. It also covers leadership and management in the early years and the role of adults in a child’s education and care.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Julie Beams
Programme Leader
Email: julie.beams@beds.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1234 793 389
The well-being of babies and young children is at the heart of this degree, which will prepare you to become a confident and competent advocate for children from birth to 5 years. You will gain a complete understanding of young children’s needs, how they learn, develop and grow and how their early experiences are so fundamentally important. You will also explore wider concepts to support your understanding such as social justice, social mobility and social responsibility.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Email: courseenquiries@bcu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)121 3316295
Early childhood is viewed as the most formative period of our lives, shaping the foundations for our whole future. If you are passionate about working with young children and their families, our Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner) degree will give you the knowledge and experience to become a highly qualified graduate practitioner and open the doors to a rewarding career helping to meet the needs of children.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Caroline Prior
Programme Manager
Email: c.prior2@ucb.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)121 604 1000 ext. 2365
The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies is a three-year undergraduate programme which introduces students to aspects of education, health and social care, with a specific focus on children from 0 – 8 years of age. The course offers graduates a range of employability opportunities with module content supporting students in developing a wide range of transferable skills, as well as providing a curriculum which enables students to develop their academic skills.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Dr Alison Riley
Programme Leader
Email: alison.riley@bishopg.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1522 583 638
This course is for students who have completed FdA Early Childhood Studies at University Centre at Blackburn College who wish to continue their studies at higher level and leave with a BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies qualification. You will study five modules in order to complete your course. You'll be required to complete four compulsory modules and will be able to choose the additional fifth module from a choice of three. This programme offers you the opportunity to explore in depth some of the most challenging and fundamental issues concerning young children and their families in the twenty-first century.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Victoria Newens
Programme Leader
Email: victoria.newens@blackburn.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1254 292 821
At the University of Bolton, we believe that linking your course content and real-life situations is crucial to your understanding of early childhood studies. Our BA (Hons) Early Years Childhood Studies degree is an excellent qualification if you want a career working with young children and need to develop the necessary work experience. It's also ideal if you're already working with young children and want to obtain a formal qualification to support your career development.
By studying with us, you can develop essential knowledge and understanding of early years and childhood studies while experiencing life at our supportive, student-focused, multicultural campus in the heart of the North West of England. Our highly-qualified professional tutors will draw on their wealth of experience from a wide range of settings as they guide you through the theories and research that underpin early childhood practices. The work-based element of the course will help bring your learning to life and give you experience using your new knowledge and skills in the workplace.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Dr Sandra Shaffi
Lecturer
Email: s.shaffi@bolton.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903728
This three-year programme combines taught modules and placement experience, with an emphasis on making links between theory and practice through all levels of the degree. Key teaching and learning methods are designed to build upon your existing knowledge, further develop subject knowledge and move towards a greater degree of independent and self-directed study. The curriculum includes development of academic study skills which are required to complete an undergraduate degree.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
The foundations for emotional, physical and intellectual development are built during the early years of infancy. On our Early Childhood Education and Care BA(Hons) you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of child development from birth to five years. You will explore topics from theoretical perspectives, including education, sociology, psychology, health and social policy, and examine the roles of the family and wider institutions.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
The BA (Hons) Childhood Studies programmes, with Early Years and Primary Education pathways, are designed to prepare you to become a confident and impactful member of the Early Years and/or Primary Education workforce. By studying with us, you'll develop the deep knowledge and insight you need to become a thoughtful and flexible practitioner, acting as an advocate for young children. To achieve this, you will explore key areas such as, the importance of play, social constructs and contemporary issues considering the child’s place within family and society, school-based learning, emotional wellbeing and the difficult but important topic of supporting them through loss and grief.
At BNU, your future career is always at the heart of everything we do. This programme provides you with the opportunity to develop important employability and transferable skills through placement opportunities, including the option to gain Graduate Practitioner Status. Preparing for the world of work and the next steps towards your career development.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Janet Roberts
Course Lead Human and Social Sciences
Early Years Foundation Degree: The development of children and young people is at the forefront of policy and debate in today’s society. This course will provide you with the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of child development and other factors that shape children’s lives from birth. Also available is the Early Years BA (Hons) top-up, perfect for those working with children and young people that have previously completed the Foundation Degree in Early Yearsor another Level 5 qualification in Early Years/Childhood Studies.
Institution Links and Contacts
EY Foundation Degree
EY BA (Hons) top-up
Contact: Joanne Lockwood
Curriculum Leader
Email: joannel@calderdale.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1422 357357
Our foundation year option enables you to join the BA Early Childhood Studies course even if you don’t have the formal qualifications or experience to meet the standard entry requirements. This course explores the extraordinary time in children's lives from before birth to approximately eight years old. Our MA Early Childhood Education is aimed at graduates (nationally and internationally) from a variety of backgrounds who wish to expand and deepen their knowledge of young children and their learning from birth to eight years.
Institution Links and Contacts
ECS with Foundation Year.
Early Childhood Education (MA)
Email: courses@canterbury.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1227 928 000
The course draws on subject areas including education, sociology, psychology, social policy and social work to give you a solid grounding for your future career. You’ll examine the services, systems, policies and work practices that relate to children and young people in schools, with families, and in care settings. From September 2022, students studying on this course will also be able to work towards attaining a professional practice award that qualifies the student as a Level 6 Graduate Practitioner with Children. The ECGPC meets the statutory requirements for practitioners working with children under 8 years old in early years settings, schools, social care, working within family support.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Joanne Westwood
Head of School of Social Work, Care and Community
Email: jlwestwood2@uclan.ac.uk
This course will give you the skills, experience and knowledge you need to enjoy a successful career working with young children. We’ll support you every step of the way and we’ll give you the opportunity to practise your new skills and knowledge in a variety of settings so that you can make confident choices about your career. Our students graduate as knowledgeable professionals who go on to enjoy careers in schools, nurseries and hospitals and often set up their own businesses. Many also continue their training to become teachers, social workers and child psychotherapists.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Jeanette Bailie
Programme Leader
Email: j.bailie@chester.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1244 512 119
Begin your journey towards becoming a skilled Early Years practitioner, Do you know that you want to work with children but haven’t yet decided what area of Early Years to go into? This degree will give you the chance to experience all areas of Early Childhood Studies to give a better foundation for choosing which career path you wish to take. In the final year, this course offers you the option to complete a third practice placement in order to gain your Graduate Practitioner Competencies, enhancing employment opportunities within the early year’s sector. If you follow the Graduate Practitioner pathway in your final year, you will graduate with both a practical and an academic qualification at Level 6. Many of our students also choose to specialise further in a career pathway such as teaching or social work.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Email: help@chi.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1243 816 000
The Early Childhood Development & Learning degree has been designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required by the industry to develop a career in the early years sector, or undertake postgraduate specialist study. The course focuses on modern teaching practices with students receiving multi-disciplinary learning to develop key skills such as empathy, interpersonal skills and authoritative expertise. As you progress through the programme, you will become confident and competent practitioners supporting learning and development of children aged 0-8 years. Establishing creativity, resilience and strategic thinking, you will be equipped with the skills and support necessary for successful entry into the early years sector.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
You’ll gain a thorough understanding of early childhood from birth to eight years, exploring how children develop, learn and think. You’ll look at the importance of early childhood from a broad range of perspectives. Our focus throughout is on identifying and meeting children’s holistic needs, so you’ll consider all the challenges and opportunities faced by early years professionals working in a variety of children’s services. The role of professional and personal development is an important theme for this course. By spending a substantial amount of time on placement, you'll draw on your own practical experiences with young children to advance your knowledge.
The University of Derby offers graduate level practitioner competencies for students studying BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies from Stage 1 of the degree.
The Competencies have been developed by members of the Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECSDN) in consultation with students and employers, with an aim of ‘strengthening a graduate-led Early Childhood workforce that is responsive to workforce needs and improves outcomes for children’ (ECSDN, 2018).
Students that achieve the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner competencies will meet the nine competencies through assessed observations of practice, practice-based tasks and academic assessment.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Emma Twigg
Programme Leader
Email: e.twigg@derby.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1332 591 863
Are you interested in a career working with children? Do you want to learn more about how to support children’s learning and development? Our programme is suitable for those wanting to work in a number of sectors, including early years, primary school teaching and community work. The programme will help you develop a number of personal and professional skills as you will undertake placement hours to enhance your skill set and apply theory to practice. Once you have completed the course, you can go into several different career routes such as teaching, early years management and MA study.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Deborah Ellis
Programme Area Lead
Email: higher.education@don.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)800 358 74 74
Do you want to help shape and change young lives through education? Do you have a passion for teaching? Do you want to change communities from the inside? If you're interested in learning more about children and childhood and you envisage a career working with and for children and their families, this course will give you an excellent foundation. The foundation year course is perfect if you want a degree in Early Childhood Studies, Special Needs and Education Studies but you don't have the standard entry requirements for direct entry to one of these programmes.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 8223 3333
On this early childhood studies degree, you’ll explore the nature of childhood, of young children and their families, and the provision made for them. We’ll look at the latest developments in the field from all over the world. The degree starts with an introduction to early childhood studies to equip you with the analysis tools you need for Year 2 and 3. We’ll talk about childhood in the broad context of world development and change. We’ll also introduce you to social and developmental psychology, social policy, and education studies. In Year 1, you can enrol on the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Certificate (ECGPC) which you’ll complete across all three years of your degree.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Make a real difference to the lives of young children and their families, and work towards becoming part of the essential early years graduate workforce. This course will support your development in a wide range of professional skills which are essential for working with children (aged 0-8 years) and families, including those with additional needs. You’ll gain real-world experience of putting your skills into practice through a range of work-based placements. you’ll have the option to achieve the Graduate Practitioner Competencies and ensure that you’ll count as ‘full and relevant’ in early years settings.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Early Years, BA Hons: A practical early years course with a work placement twice a week, as well as visits to forest schools/outdoor learning centres and the opportunity to graduate with Early Years Teacher Status. This early years degree will give you an understanding of the core values of the early years workforce. You will study cognition, health and wellbeing, review practice and policy, and learn the importance of encouraging a child's development in partnership with their family. We also offer BA Hons Childhood & Youth Studies and MA Education.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Rebecca Bolan
Senior Lecturer, Early Years
Email: r.d.s.bolan@gre.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 8331 9527
If you want to truly make a difference to young children, future generations and transform communities in a very rewarding field then BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education is a course you would want to pursue. The course enables you to be hands on in creative ways thereby allowing you to take part in shaping the Early Childhood Education curriculum. Each year of the study programme is characterised by placement and all modules are designed to help you develop professional skills through placement-related tasks and assessments which will broaden your employability opportunities. Above all, you have the option to attain the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competences in addition to gaining your BA (Hons) award.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Dr Fortunate Madondo
Programme Leader
Email: f.madondo@herts.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1707 285 675
| What happens during a child’s early years has a lasting impact on their future development, so it is important that children have the best possible foundation. The Early Childhood Education and Care degree gives you a thorough grounding in child development and early education preparing you for the important task of working with children and their families. You’ll have the opportunity to focus on current issues faced by early years professionals to help you progress as an informed, reflective, and inspirational practitioner. |
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Doreen Malcolm
Senior Lecturer in Early Years and Inclusive Education
Email: d.ed.malcolm@hud.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1484 258020
If you are already working in an early years environment, whether employed or in a voluntary position, and are looking for a way to get even better at caring for young people, then the Foundation Degree Young Children’s Learning and Development is the course for you. The programme is designed to support the integration of theory and practice and develop skills and attributes needed to work with children, young people and adults. Consideration has been given to the fact that Early Years students and practitioners work in a variety of employment situations and an increasingly wide age range. It is therefore essential that learning activities are responsive to the student profile, key employment demands, current developments in the sector and needs of the wider community through creating businesses and employment.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies programme has babies and young children at its heart.The degree takes a holistic approach to the development of young children, from birth to the age of eight and provides opportunities to apply this learning in placement settings. Early childhood is a multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and global area of study that draws on subjects such as education, health studies, social work and social policy, psychology and sociology. To fully endorse the quality of our degree we are able to offer graduates of this programme the opportunity to gain Graduate Practitioner Status.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Dr Jo Traunter
Programme Leader
Email: j.traunter@hull.ac.uk
Our early years courses reflect the evolving need of the early years sector, ensuing you'll be kept up to date with the latest developments and initiatives. You'll develop your critical thinking and understanding whilst exploring theory and practical subjects through a range of learning experiences.
All students on the GPC pathway study a year long module QY6070 Professional Practice in the Early Years
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Caroline Guard
Course Leader
Email: c.guard@kingston.ac.uk
Are you fascinated by how children learn and develop? Do you want to understand how adults can make a difference to their development, learning and wellbeing, and support them to have the best start in life?
Learning from research-active lecturers with extensive experience in the children’s workforce, you’ll follow a curriculum that reflects national and international policy, practice and research.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Email: hello@leedstrinity.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)113 2837123
Liverpool Hope University provides an integrated curriculum for undergraduate students. We have BA single honours Early Childhood degrees, which offer Graduate Practitioner competencies from September 2020. We also have BA combined degrees, where students can select another subject from a wide range to combine with Early Childhood studies. We also have a thriving Masters provision in Early Childhood.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Dr Babs Anderson
Senior Lecturer Early Childhood
Email: andersb@hope.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)151 291 3159
The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies at Liverpool John Moores University offers a multi-disciplinary approach to working with children and their families. An exploration of different perceptions of children and childhood opens up an exciting range of career opportunities. The course focuses on the development, growth, health and well-being of young children from 0-8 years old from both the perspective of the child and the adult. Different perceptions of children and childhood are considered and you are also encouraged to examine the wider socio-economic and political factors that influence children at all levels. You are provided with a sound theoretical foundation drawn from different disciplines such as psychology and sociology.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Dr Nicky Hirst
Head of Early Childhood Studies
Email: n.j.hirst@ljmu.ac.uk
Our Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) degree was one of the first university courses of its kind in the UK, developed to meet the demand for well-qualified early childhood specialists working with young children and their families across all sectors. This undergraduate degree will equip you to implement effective practice with children and families in a range of situations and to act as an advocate for their rights and wellbeing. This course gives you the option to graduate with or without the Graduate Practitioner status. The practitioner status will enhance your chances of employment in the field of childhood studies and help you progress to leadership roles and/or postgraduate study.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Berhane Dory
Principal Lecturer for Early Childhood Studies
Email: b.dory@londonmet.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)207 133 2629
How might modern-day pressures be impacting on children’s mental health and what factors are likely to influence their development? How do our individual experiences of childhood influence our views and perspectives? How can children and young people participate in society and how can this contribute to changes in policy and practice?
From exploring a range of different theoretical perspectives to analysing the thinking of key philosophers, on this course you’ll study the complex factors that affect children’s lives and explore ways to positively shape and influence their futures.
Studying subjects drawn from a range of disciplines, such as psychology, sociology, philosophy, and criminology, you’ll consider ethics, welfare, and the importance of policy and legislation relating to children. You’ll also learn about how childhood has changed over time both in the UK and globally and consider alternative perspectives relating to child development, including post-modern and socio-cultural theories.
You’ll reflect on your own experience of childhood and explore how it was shaped by society. You’ll also consider the diverse experiences of children, young people, families and communities and how policy on local, national and international levels affects children’s lives.
If you choose the associated units & meet the entry requirements, this Programme will give you the opportunity to study for an Early Years Educator qualification. When you graduate, you will receive a degree, along with a Level 3 Early Years Educator practice status.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Dr Jo McNulty
Senior Lecturer
Email: j.mcnulty@mmu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)161 247 2071
Our course has been specifically designed to make young children the focus. We think it’s important to understand how an increasingly global world impacts early childhood development and education. That’s why on this course you'll gain knowledge from interconnected disciplines including sociology, psychology, law, health, and management. Our highly experienced tutors will help you to learn, understand, and apply the material from this course. A BA in Early Childhood Studies can lead to a career in education, childhood development, children’s charities, and many more. Graduates have found careers as teaching assistants, child development officers and more.
Institution Links and Contacts
Websitet
Our BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care degree at Newman University is registered with the DfE as having ‘full and relevant status’, which is particularly advantageous to graduates employed in early years settings, in counting towards the staff:child ratios. Early childhood, the quality of education, provision and care, and the roles and responsibilities of all those involved with young children, parents and families, all have a significant influence on children’s achievement and life chances. The last decade has seen the wider development of early years provision, changes and challenges in aspects of education and care, and the recognition that early childhood and children’s experiences must be supported by a highly qualified workforce.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Founded in 1892 by educational pioneer Emily Ward, Norland was the first educational establishment to offer any kind of childcare training. World-famous for providing the very best early years training and education, Norland remains cutting-edge. Today’s students pursue the most up-to-date academic childcare training and the highest practice standards in line with the latest research.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Vanessa Wells
Education Administrator
Email: Vanessa.wells@norland.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1225 904 090
The Early Childhood Studies degree takes a holistic approach to the development of young children, from conception to the age of eight and provides opportunities to apply this learning in placement settings. The degree draws on a range of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, early years pedagogy, policy, law, health, philosophy, and leadership and management, providing you with the breadth of knowledge to pursue careers in early childhood education and care, education, health and social care.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Dr Tanya Richardson
Senior Lecturer
Email: tanya.richardson@northampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1604 892485
This course will equip you to work with children in a broad range of specialist areas including, community practice, charitable and local authority family support teams, maintained and private nurseries. The course will also prepare you to become a critical and reflective practitioner which will support you to progress into graduate policy roles, charity work or supporting the learning and development with children aged 0-8 years. The course has the Graduate Practitioner Competencies embedded throughout the modules and placement opportunities.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Meredith Rose
Senior Lecturer
Email: meredith.rose@ntu.ac.uk
If you currently work with children from birth to seven years, or are looking to learn more about young children’s lives and experiences, this degree could be of interest to you. You’ll investigate early childhood from national and international perspectives with a focus on the central importance of children’s voices and the participatory nature of young children’s experiences. You’ll also gain an understanding of early childhood in diverse social, cultural and multi-disciplinary contexts.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Children today face complex futures - and an uncertain world. Technology is rapidly changing children’s lives - and their rights. Perceptions of gender identity are shifting. And austerity has impacted children’s development across the UK and the world.
Early Childhood practitioners with specialist skills and professional knowledge are needed - now more than ever - to support children and families with the challenges of the 21st Century.
And when you study Early Childhood Studies at Oxford Brookes, you’ll explore the most significant issues facing children today - like:
- digital technologies and children’s understanding of the online world
- inequality, and its impact on children and families
- children’s emotional health
You’ll also build sought-after practitioner skills for a career working with children, families and communities. You’ll build hands-on experience through your placements. And you’ll graduate with convincing experience on your CV, ready to progress into fields like:
- Teacher training
- Play therapy
- Special educational needs
- Social work and more
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Louise Stafford
Programme Lead
Email: lstafford@brookes.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1865 632829 ext 802249
Pen Green Research, Training and Development Base is widely recognised by practitioners and official bodies as an exemplary centre for early years professional development. Based in our outstanding, integrated early years centre, this course will give you the opportunity to benefit from the activities and practices in our nursery school, early years provision and children’s centre.
Community Learning
Our courses offer a unique, community learning experience. We offer small, intimate cohorts and personalised support. On study weeks, students are encouraged to work in pairs and small groups, and to share experiences with their peers.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Email: enquiries@pengreen.org
Tel: +44 (0)1536 443 435
Develop your understanding of the theoretical and practical elements of working with young children on this two-year foundation degree course. It offers the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of a broad spectrum of modules related to the care and education of young children, with specific reference to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact : Sam Mackey
Higher Education Course Leader Early Years and Education
Email: enquiries@ucp.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1733 214 466
Take a fresh look at childhood. Exploring the theory and reality of children’s early years from many points of view, this innovative course will help you find your niche in this competitive sector and graduate with a clear view of where your career is going. Investigate issues through the lenses of sociology, social psychology, history, and philosophy. Work directly with young children and their families during the Work Based Learning module or choose the option of gaining professional recognition of your practice. Our Work Based Learning Plus module enables you to meet Early Years Educator standards and be counted in the ratios in an early years setting through relevant assessed practice experience.
We offer BA Hons ECS and BA Hons ECS with Foundation
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Dr Louise Webber
Programme Lead
Email: louise.webber4@plymouth.ac.uk
Tel : 01752 585354
Plymouth Marjon University has a history of quality Teacher Training having been established in 1840. The complete University Guide 2021 rates us as Number 1 for Student Satisfaction in the UK. We are located on a lovely campus on the edge of Dartmoor in a stunning part of the Southwest. We have an established team of Early Years specialists and strong links with the sector and a range of local providers. We pride ourselves on our strong relationships with students which allows for individual support to aid career aims and progression. We welcome the opportunity to provide further information to anyone who may be interested in pursuing a career in the rewarding field of Early Years Education.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Jayne Garcia
Programme Lead
Email: jgarcia@marjon.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1752 636 700 ex 7172
If you want to help children have the best start in life, there are questions you need to explore. For example: how is their wellbeing affected by factors like digital technologies, race, culture and globalisation? On this course, you'll look for answers across a child's crucial first 8 years. On your BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree, you’ll discover how a child develops physically, emotionally and mentally. And with plenty of opportunities to work with children, you’ll practice how to make a positive difference for them. You can customise your degree and develop specialist skills that are valued in a variety of professions.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Roehampton is internationally renowned for its work in early childhood studies. With a team of highly-regarded tutors, who are all experts in their specialisms, you will learn from some of the best in the field. This degree will empower you with the knowledge and skills, confidence and resilience to act as an advocate for babies, young children, their families and communities. You will develop an understanding of policy and practice, and learn to engage in critical inquiry and problem solving around key issues in the field. Please note that BA Early Childhood Studies is a programme of academic study and is not in itself a qualification to work as an early years teacher or practitioner. Students seeking vocational qualification should opt to take the Graduate Practitioner Competencies certificate
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Study a course with exceptional graduate recruitment rates — 94% of our previous students are now in employment or further study (Graduate outcomes survey 2017/18). This course enables you to complete the Early Years Educator level 3 qualification which meets the Ofqual national requirements and Graduate Practitioner Competencies through a range of core and elective modules. Elective modules enable you to follow with a Health and Wellbeing pathway or an Environments for Learning pathway. Assessed placements are an integral part of each year. The Graduate Practitioner Competencies are endorsed by the Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network at level 6 and are recognised by the Department for Education.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Philippa Thompson
Senior Lecturer and Academic Placement Lead
Email: philippa.thompson@shu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)114 225 4767
If you want to start a career working with children, this course area is for you to find a early years certificate. Our dedicated teaching staff will be on hand to give you all the skills and guidance necessary to become fully qualified to your maximum potential. With the best modern facilities in the West Midlands and Warwickshire, including Coventry and Birmingham, you’re set to score success with Solihull College & University Centre. Early Years courses at Solihull College & University Centre offer the perfect balance between study – covering the theory and techniques needed to work with children and families – and practical work experience.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Linda McLaughlin
Head of School
Email: linda.mclaughlin@solihull.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)121 678 7355
University Centre Somerset provide courses at degree level for Early Childhood Studies, In partnership with the Open University. Our high-quality course will encourage you to continue on your professional journey to Foundation Degree/BA hons level. We also run free training sessions through our communities of practice regularly through the year. These hour-long sessions encourage reflection and professional development/knowledge
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Louise Hannan
Course Leader
Email: hannanl@btc.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1823 366366 ext 6302
Staffordshire University has been delivering the Early Childhood Studies degree for over 10 years. The programme is taught by experts in the field who have worked in the sector and continue to research in the Early Years. Placements are an integral part of the programme offering real life experiences in the sector. The inclusion of the ECSDN graduate competencies ensures graduates lead practice in the workforce offering a secure foundation for childhood.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Dr Ruth Hudson
Course Director
Email: r.hudson@staffs.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1782 294 969
The Early Childhood Studies programme is based on the concept of ‘Educare’. It aims to investigate and advance a multi-professional approach to early childhood education and care services in Northern Ireland and beyond. The programme has been designed by professionals across the sector to meet the training needs of current and future practitioners. The course provides a broad understanding of how young children think, learn and develop. The programme covers three core themes - Understanding the Child, The Child in the Learning Context and The Child in the Family and Community - taking account of the latest developments within the field of early childhood and reflecting the multi-professional and multidisciplinary nature of contemporary early childhood services.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Sheelagh Carville
Head, Academic Area, Early Childhood Studies
Email: registry@stran.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)289 038 439
Our Early Childhood Studies Graduate Practitioners will be advocates for young children’s rights and participation, while recognising that young children are co-constructors of their own learning. They will critically apply high-level academic knowledge of pedagogy and research evidence, to the holistic development of infants and young children (0-8), in a practice context that is respectful of the child, their family and community.
At the University of Suffolk, the Graduate Practitioner route is an optional route offered to all students studying in our BA (Hons) Childhood. Days in practice are required to be completed in Year 1 before enrolling on the Developing Practice GP1 module in Year 2. As part of this module, students will complete days in practice and develop a detailed portfolio which will demonstrate their knowledge and skills as a developing educational practitioner. In Year 3, students can enrol on the Professional Practice GP2 module, where they will continue being in practice at an educational setting while completing a practice project which will demonstrate their initiative and leadership skills in practice.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Dr Marianna Stella
Senior Lecturer in Education and Childhood & Course Leader
Email: m.stella@uos.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1473 338 097
Our Early Childhood Studies degree will provide you with skills, knowledge and understanding in a range of subject areas that combine to form childhood studies. You will learn about child development, children's needs, and the historical, social and cultural issues that impacts their lives. You will also develop your knowledge and understanding of the child as an individual and the position of the child in society and family. During the course, you will have the opportunity to register on an exciting pathway, Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies; this will allow you to become a practitioner and assures employers that you have completed relevant practice experience. If you choose to take this pathway, you will graduate with the degree title BA (Hons) Childhood Studies with Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies.
Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Practitioner Status (EYPS) offers a holistic approach to understanding children from birth to eight years. It marks the importance of early childhood as a significant period in life which is the basis for a life-long-learning, where children are viewed as capable and competent members of society.
On this course students are required to spend a minimum of 700 hours (approximately 20 weeks) on placement in early childhood settings and are required to display competency in National Occupational Standards to meet Social Care Wales standards. Placements are full-time and set out in blocks of between five and ten weeks. Graduates will qualify with the Early Years Practitioner Status qualification.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Athanasia Chatzifotiou
Senior Lecturer & BA Childhood Studies Programme Leader
Institution Profile
Email: athanasia.chatzifotiou@sunderland.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)191 515 3019
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Dr Gisselle Tur Porres
Programme Director for the BA Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Practitioner Status
Email: g.m.turporres@swansea.ac.uk
The Early Childhood Studies Foundation Degree has been designed for those who are currently working, or want to work, with young children under the age of eight years. The programme gives students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills to work in a variety of different fields. As a student on this programme, you will learn to recognise and champion the uniqueness of every child by exploring the key factors that affect them and their families. Students will look at and explore their understanding of children’s development, the importance of play, welfare, education and children’s rights and current government legislation and policy.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Emma Bailie
Programme Leader
Email: bailiee@grimsby.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1472 311222 ext: 1440
All our programmes recognise the enormous potential for children given the right opportunities to thrive and develop. Children’s wellbeing, rights and inclusion underpin all our programmes and you will have a significant role to play in the further development of early year’s education and care.
We focus on your development as an Early Years professional. Our courses will prepare you for a fulfilling and exciting career, positively influencing the lives of children and families.
You will also have the opportunity to gain a license to practice by studying the BA (Hons) Early Years Education and Care: Early Years Practitioner Status which is recognised by Social Care Wales for professionals working in the Early Years Education and Care sector. It is also full and relevant demonstrating graduate practitioner competences and part of the Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECSDN).
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Glenda Tinney
Senior Lecturer
Email: g.tinney@uwtsd.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1267 676 605
We offer an opportunity to nurture your personal, professional and academic interests in our part-time Foundation Degree (FdA) in Early Childhood. You will also have the opportunity at the end of year 2 to continue your studies to achieve the full BA(Hons) in Early Childhood, which is excellent preparation for Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) qualifications. We are also accredited with Graduate Practitioner Competencies from September 2022 – upon graduating with BA Hons with us, you will gain what the Department of Education terms as a 'Full and Relevant' level 3 practitioner status that will enable you to be counted in ratios in the Early Years sector. We also offer a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood, to support you to extend the numerous skills and qualities obtained in your level 4 and 5 modules and to then thrive at Level 6.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Maggie Crowley
Teaching Fellow
Institution Profile
Email: maggie.crowley@warwick.ac.uk
The University Centre, West Anglia, is based at the College of West Anglia, one of the largest providers of education and training in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, working in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University to offer higher education courses. Our exciting and fulfilling course is focused on developing your knowledge, skills and understanding of contemporary issues in the childhood studies sector. The course blends theory with practice as there is the expectation that you will complete a placement in an early years setting or school for the duration of your studies. The multi-disciplinary programme prepares students for careers in early years education and care or primary education as a teaching assistant or class teacher, family support, health and social services.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Kathryn Le Serve
Course Director
Email: kathryn.leserve@cwa.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1553 815 644
Our Early Childhood Studies degree, recognised as full and relevant by the Department for Education, has a strong focus on social justice and takes a children’s rights approach. We teach you theory and skills around play, observation and assessment, and children’s development, which you can then utilise during your placement modules. You will develop knowledge around language, inclusion and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, enabling you to support all children and making you attractive to employers. We value hands on learning and some session take place outside of the classroom.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Sarah Hooper
Placement Lead
Email: sarah.hooper@uwl.ac.uk
Tel: 0800 036 8888 (option 2) For calls outside of the UK +44 (0) 20 8231 2468
BA(Hons) Early Childhood is an intellectually demanding and enjoyable course.
You'll examine issues around children's place in society, education, special educational needs, children's learning and development, language and reasoning and environments for children.
Exploring issues affecting children between birth and eight years old, you'll link theory to practice, and understand social, psychological and philosophical factors in children's lives, learning and development.
Undertaking work-related experience is a central aspect of the degree. You'll spend time in early childhood settings in each year of the course.
Develop key communication, interpersonal and critical thinking skills, including learning to work effectively with others, organise information and ideas, and present your ideas clearly and confidently. Develop research skills. Learn to reflect on your own and others' practice.
By the end of the course, you'll be qualified to work at level 3 in an early years setting (subject to holding suitable level 2 literacy and numeracy qualifications).
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Joe Brown
Programme Leader
Email: joe2.brown@uwe.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)117 328 7229
This degree will provide you with the skills, knowledge and experience to become an effective practitioner working with young children in a range of settings for the 0 – 8 age range.
The BA (Hons) Early Years is aligned to professional standards, such as Early Years Educator (EYE), and the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN) Graduate Competencies; these are nationally recognised and endorsed by the sector.
Through innovative and flexible approaches to teaching and learning the programme offers you a balance of theoretical perspectives which will enable practical application in early childhood settings. You will consider the voice of the child and how to support children’s wellbeing to develop resilience and agency within their lives. The modules within this programme will enable you to develop your critical understanding of key themes within early years education and care, including play and pedagogy, professional practice, child development and socio-cultural perspectives.
This programme also offers support for your academic, personal and career development, working closely with professionals, employers and placement providers. It is envisaged that graduates from this programme could apply for postgraduate courses including teacher training or masters programmes, as well as positions within education or social service settings.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Susie Score
Curriculum Co-ordinator
Email: susan.score@ucw.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1934 411 411 ext 3035
Our holistic approach to the study of early childhood, mirrors the support we offer our students. You will study a range of different subjects throughout the programme such as; child development theory, children’s health and wellbeing, safeguarding, early years education, play, research methods, effective leadership in the early years, working with children and families, amongst other subjects. The work placement element of this programme will provide you with valuable opportunities to develop your own skills in early years practice and contextualise the theories that you are learning in class. Work experience also increases your employability and helps you to make useful links within the early years sector.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Laura Mitchell
Course Leader
Email: laura.mitchell@wsc.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1284 412352
The BA (Hons) Education Studies and Early Childhood Professional Route is for you if you are passionate about working with children and their families and accord importance to children’s educational, social, emotional development and mental health. Your degree will take a holistic approach, focusing on children’s education, care and development from conception to 8 years drawing on a range of disciplines including education, social policy, psychology, health, and philosophy to develop you as a reflective graduate ready to work in multi‐professional contexts. A key feature of the programme is its emphasis on equipping you for high quality practice. Our professional route offers you the opportunity to attain the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies Qualification at Level 6 alongside your degree. This route enables you to:
· Focus on children's development from conception to 8 years
· Be prepared for practice in Early Years settings with placements in years 1, 2 and 3 of your degree.
· Combine the development of your academic and practical skills as early years professionals
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Dr Catherine Holloway
Lecturer/Early Childhood Route Manager
Email: Catherine.Holloway@winchester.ac.uk
The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies will develop your understanding of a young person’s most formative years. The linking of theory and practice is integral throughout the degree, and you will undertake placements to gain work-based experiences with babies and young children. The Graduate Practitioner Competencies are a proactive approach to shape the identity of the early childhood workforce and strengthen the professional practice aspect of the Early Childhood Studies degree. Graduate-level practice makes the distinction between level 3 and 6 practices explicit for practitioners and employers.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Selena Hall
Lecturer Early Childhood Studies
Email: s.hall1@wlv.ac.uk
The BA Early Childhood in Society (Graduate Practitioner) is an innovative course for people who want to work with children aged 0-8 and their families to make a difference in their lives. The course is flexible. Dependent on your career aspirations you can choose to follow one of two pathways. The Early Childhood in Society (Graduate Practitioner) pathway is for those wishing to work in early years education. Alternatively, you can follow the Early Childhood in Society pathway if you would prefer to work with children and families beyond the classroom. You could also undertake further study, for example an MA in Social Work or a PGCE in Teaching.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Nicola Stobbs
Course Leader
Email: n.stobbs@worc.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1905 542 506
This course will equip you with the specialist knowledge and skills needed to support your continued development in the Childhood Sector. It is suitable for those working in Early years or Primary School to further develop skills. Level 4 develops skills to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of well-established theories, concepts and historical origins of theory. To be able to take responsibility for personal and professional development using reflection and feedback to analyse own capabilities and be able to implement actions of improvement. Level 5 begins the process of being able to work appropriately with a variety of interdisciplinary groups and teams, showing a critical insight in leadership and management skills.
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Fiona Pavey
Programme Leader Childhood Studies, Care and Education
Email: fiona.pavey@yeovil.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1935 845423
Our courses support students in gaining specialist knowledge about the learning, development and life experiences of children under seven years of age and creating a firm foundation for a variety of future career options whilst undertaking rigorous academic study that is informed by a variety of disciplines including sociology, psychology, policy and mental health studies.
Children, Young People and Education students responded with a 98% positivity score for how good teaching staff are at explaining things. (National Student Survey 2023)
Institution Links and Contacts
Website
Contact: Dr Emma Walker
Associate Head
Email: e.walker@yorksj.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1947 876511