Program Overview

BA (Hons) Early Years and Childhood Studies (Progression route)

Overview

The BA (Hons) Early Years and Childhood Studies (Progression Route) is an exciting programme enabling those working in early years to complete a full honours degree. The course is suitable as a pathway to primary school teaching providing you have achieved GCSE maths, English and Science.

You will study early intervention, child health and professional practice alongside their dissertation study. Topics offered for dissertation in previous years included identification of gifted and talented children, the value of home visiting in transitions and whether the school starting age is too young. Future employment opportunities exist in schools, children's centres, playgroups, nurseries, social care and voluntary organisations.

Whist this is a full-time course, typically this course generally only requires 1-2 days on campus attendance, supported by self-directed study. This means you can continue to work alongside your studies and balance other commitments.

Course Modules

• Challenges to Personal and Professional Practice (Mandatory)
• Developing Good Professional Practice (Mandatory)
• Leading Projects in Practice (Mandatory)
• Dissertation (Mandatory)
• Intervention

Entry Requirements

UK Academic Requirements

• FdA or FdSc qualification (or equivalent)

Non-academic Requirements

• All applicants are required to hold GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above.
• Students are required to be in suitable paid or voluntary employment with children for a minimum of 20(FT) hours per week and hold a satisfactory Enhanced CRB or Disclosure & Barring Service check.

International Requirements

• IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) where English is not the students' first language.

Transferring Credit

• If you have previously studied at higher education level before you may be able to transfer credits to a related course at the University of Suffolk and reduce the period of study time necessary to achieve your degree.

Mature Applicants

• Students aged 21 or over at the start of their course are regarded as mature students. The University of Suffolk offers a flexible admissions policy for mature students, which takes into account life and work experience.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be able to progress within the field of children’s care, opportunities exist in:

• Schools
• Playgroups
• Nurseries
• Social Care
• Voluntary Organisations

With an Honours degree graduates can progress onto post-graduate studies: MA in Childhood Studies and in PGCE or Certificate in Education.

Fees and Funding

2025/26

• UK Full-time Tuition Fee: £9,535 per year
• UK Part-time Tuition Fee: £1,589 per 20 credit module
• International Full-time Tuition Fee: £15,090 per year

2026/27

• UK Full-time Tuition Fee: £9,535 per year
• UK Part-time Tuition Fee: £1,589 per 20 credit module
• International Full-time Tuition Fee: £15,090 per year

How to Apply

To study this course on a full-time basis, you can apply through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.