Early Childhood Studies

Our Early Childhood degree will develop your skills in the study of childhood from psychological, historical, cultural, sociological, social policy, and philosophical viewpoints. We’ll support the development of your knowledgeable questioning and your emergence as an independent thinker. The programme aims to present multiple perspectives and to draw on a range of significant disciplines, such as history, philosophy, education, health, welfare, sociology and social policy, cultural studies, the law, and political and economic perspectives. This enables students to understand and analyse the processes that shape childhood and children’s lives in a way that fosters critical evaluation, and which includes an understanding of the contested and changing nature of the concept of childhood, ethical principles and children’s rights. 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.

Our BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree is a recognised qualification by the Department of Education. This means you will gain a ‘full and relevant’ qualification, which is important should you wish to work in an early years setting and be included in an employer’s staff to child ratio. With a minimum of two practice placements, you will be able to make critical links between theory and practice, building your confidence as an early year’s practitioner.

It is important that our assessments are designed to meet the various learning needs of students. We offer a variety of assessment methods that include presentations, assignments, exams, academic posters and placement portfolios. We also encourage our students to publish their work. Past students have had articles accepted in sector publications such as Early Years Educator.