Program Overview

Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year

Overview

The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies is a sector-approved 'full and relevant' programme that offers the opportunity to work towards sector-endorsed graduate practitioner competencies.

Why Study This Course

This course is ideal for those who want to work with young children (ages 0-8) but are unsure of their career pathway. It provides a flexible course covering many aspects of health, education, and social care.

Course Summary

The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies is a three-year undergraduate programme that introduces students to aspects of education, health, and social care, with a specific focus on children from 0-8 years of age.

Key Facts

• Award: BA (Hons)
• UCAS code: X32F
• Duration: 4 years
• Mode of study: Full-time
• Start date: September 2025
• Awarding institution: Bishop Grosseteste University
• Institution code: B38

What You Will Study

As a student on this course, you may study some or all of the following modules:

• Course modules
• Foundation
• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Foundation Year Modules

• Self as Learner
• Resourcing Learning
• Critical Engagement
• Critical Thinking
• The Digital Learner
• Effective Communication
• Reflective Learning
• Academic Writing
• Policy, Provision and Practice
• Becoming a Professional: Reflective Practice
• Becoming a Professional: Positive Relationships
• Principles of Child Development 3: Communication and Language
• Principles of Child Development 2: Understanding How Children Learn
• Principles of Child Development 1: The Unique Child

Compulsory Modules

• Promoting Positive Behaviour
• SENDI, Inclusion and Diversity in Early Childhood
• Placement module
• The Value of Play
• Understanding Childhood
• Health, inequality and advocating for children
• Safeguarding children

Optional Modules

• Placement module
• The Value of Play
• Understanding Childhood

Level 6 Modules

• Research for Enquiry
• Global and Future Childhoods
• The Young Child in Transition: Supporting Change and Promoting Resilience
• Sector Based Project: Researching and Reflecting on Early Years Practice
• Developing and Extending Young Children’s Thinking and Learning: Creative Approaches to the Curriculum
• Leading Early Childhood Pedagogy and Practice
• Researching with Children

Entry Requirements

Application for this course is via UCAS, although there is no formal requirement for UCAS points to access the course. As part of your application, you will have the opportunity to speak with a member of BGU Admissions staff to resolve any questions or queries you may have.

You will also need GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (previously C) or above (or equivalent).

Assessment

We recognise that individuals come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, so we use a variety of assessment strategies in our courses. Assessments in Early Childhood Studies take place at the end of each module in order for you to demonstrate your understanding of the objectives covered.

Careers & Further Study

Early Childhood is a growing sector, and the skills learnt on this course will enable you to enter the children’s workforce in a range of different roles. Some of our students seek a route into teaching through a PGCE qualification here at BGU, whilst others enter other teacher training routes.

Possible future careers for Early Childhood Studies graduates may include:

• Teacher or classroom assistant
• Speech and language therapy
• Early years management
• Social work
• Play therapy

What Our Students Say

Discover what life is like at Bishop Grosseteste University from our students.

• 87% say staff value students' views and opinions about the course
• 97% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
• 85% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course

Related Courses

• Children’s Literature and Literacies
• Health & Wellbeing in Early Childhood
• Early Childhood Studies
• FdA Early Childhood Education in Practice
• Early Childhood Education in Practice
• Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion (SENDI) and Early Childhood Studies
• FdA Early Childhood Education in Practice (Grantham)
• Psychology and Early Childhood Studies
• Health & Wellbeing in Early Childhood with Foundation Year
• Psychology and Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year
• Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion (SENDI) and Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year