Program Overview

Early Years, BA Hons

Overview

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.

Course Details

• UCAS points: 104 (view full requirements)
• Course/institution codes: X314 G BA/EYEd
• Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
• Start month: September
• Home/international fees 2025/26: £9,535 / £17,500

What You Will Study

• You will learn in a very practical and applied way, linking university teaching and learning to the real world environment
• You will be on placement for 2 days per week for the entirety of the programme working directly with children
• Our specialist facilities simulate an early years nursery for practical academic lessons that will prepare you for employment
• Taught at our historic Greenwich Campus, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the banks of the River Thames
• Rated Good for our Early Years teaching (Ofsted, 2023)

Course Outline

Full-time

• Year 1:
  • Children as Confident Learners (15 credits)
  • Engaging Play (15 credits)
  • Introduction to the Children's Workforce: Workplace Experience 1 (30 credits)
  • Understanding Children’s Behaviour (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Health and Wellbeing from Conception to Young Adult (30 credits)
  • The World from a Child's Perspective (15 credits)
• Year 2:
  • The Young Mathematician (15 credits)
  • Language and Digital Literacies (15 credits)
  • Young Explorers: Developing Knowledge and Understanding of the World (15 credits)
  • Enabling Environments for Early Years: Supporting Outdoor Play (15 credits)
  • Understanding Creativity in Early Years Contexts (15 credits)
  • Early Interventions (15 credits)
  • Supporting the Social Well-being of Children and Families: Workplace Experience 2 (30 credits)
• Year 3:
  • Leading and Managing in the Early Years (30 credits)
  • Curriculum and Assessment in Early Years: Workplace Project (30 credits)
  • The Graduate Practitioner (30 credits)
  • Mentor Preparation for the Children's Workforce (15 credits)
  • Keeping Children Safe from Harm (15 credits)

Part-time

• Year 1:
  • Children as Confident Learners (15 credits)
  • Understanding Children’s Behaviour (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Health and Wellbeing from Conception to Young Adult (30 credits)
• Year 2:
  • Engaging Play (15 credits)
  • Introduction to the Children's Workforce: Workplace Experience 1 (30 credits)
  • The World from a Child's Perspective (15 credits)
• Year 3:
  • The Young Mathematician (15 credits)
  • Language and Digital Literacies (15 credits)
  • Young Explorers: Developing Knowledge and Understanding of the World (15 credits)
  • Early Interventions (15 credits)
• Year 4:
  • Enabling Environments for Early Years: Supporting Outdoor Play (15 credits)
  • Understanding Creativity in Early Years Contexts (15 credits)
  • Supporting the Social Well-being of Children and Families: Workplace Experience 2 (30 credits)
• Year 5:
  • Leading and Managing in the Early Years (30 credits)
  • Mentor Preparation for the Children's Workforce (15 credits)
  • Keeping Children Safe from Harm (15 credits)
• Year 6:
  • Curriculum and Assessment in Early Years: Workplace Project (30 credits)
  • The Graduate Practitioner (30 credits)

Entry Requirements

UK Citizens and Permanent Residents

• Qualifications: 104 UCAS Tariff points. We accept A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, Access to HE and all other qualifications with UCAS Tariff points.
• In addition, you will need: GCSE Mathematics at grade 4/C and GCSE English Language/Literature at grade 4/C. Equivalent qualifications may be considered.
• Application and selection: Suitable applicants will be required to attend an interview. Applicants will also be required to: Complete a Suitability Declaration. Pass an Occupational Health check. Pass an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

International Entry Requirements

• The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.
• For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

• Cohort: 2025/26
• Full-time: £9,535 (Home), £17,500 (International)
• Part-time: £2,384 per 30 credits (Home), £4,375 per 30 credits (International)

Other Costs

• Resources: You may need to purchase books for your studies or resources to support your study (estimate, £100 per year)
• Field trips: You may need to contribute towards any trips required for your course (estimate, £50)
• DBS: You will need a completed enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (current cost is £53) carried out through the University
• Training: You may wish to complete the food handlers/food hygiene certificate (current cost is under £10)
• Transport: You will need to pay for the cost of travel to placements. Placements are mandatory.

Careers and Placements

Will I Have a Work Placement?

• For those interested in social policy, there will be the opportunity to visit Denmark, where you will learn about the inspiring Danish early years environment. You will also take trips to forest schools and outdoor learning centres to discover alternative teaching methods.

How Long Is My Placement?

• An integral part of this course is a twice-weekly early years work placement which will help you form links with potential future employers for an early years career.

What Sort of Careers Do Graduates Pursue?

• Our graduates pursue careers in primary and early years teaching (after completing a one-year PGCE qualification), and have opportunities in early years settings including nurseries, children's centres, schools, health and social care and community settings.

Do You Provide Employability Services?

• Our Employability & Careers Service (ECS) is committed to supporting our students and recent graduates in their transition towards a rewarding graduate destination. We aim to empower our students to achieve their potential, with support including: CV and cover letter checks, Application support, One-to-one careers advice, Interview tips and support, Careers fairs, Internships, Graduate jobs.