Program Overview

Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Course Description

This course is designed for students who want to study Early Childhood Studies but do not meet the formal entry requirements for the full honours degree. The foundation year provides a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge needed to complete the full BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies.

Study Options

• Full-time: 4 years
• UK fee: £5,760 (2025/26)
• UCAS points: 72 (September 2025 entry)
• UCAS code: X311
• Start date: September
• Location: Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

What You Will Study

Foundation Year

• Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Study Skills for Undergraduate Study

Year 1

• Core modules:
  • Children's Literature and Education
  • Philosophy of Education
  • Psychology of Education
  • Sociology of Education

Year 2

• Core modules:
  • Early Childhood Education and Care
  • Child Development and Learning
  • Family and Community

Year 3

• Core modules:
  • Early Childhood Policy and Practice
  • Leadership and Management in Early Childhood
  • Research Methods in Early Childhood

How You Will Learn

• Lectures
• Seminar activities
• Tutorials
• Work placements

How You're Assessed

• Coursework
• In-class tests
• Case studies
• Essays
• Independent research
• Online tests
• Posters
• Presentations
• Reports

Careers

• Early years practitioners
• Nursery managers
• Children's nurses
• Social workers
• Education professionals

Entry Requirements

• UCAS points: 72
• A Level: DDD
• T Level: Pass
• BTEC: MMP
• GCSE: Maths and English are preferred, but not essential
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and Funding

• UK fee: £5,760 (2025/26)
• International fee: N/A
• Additional costs:
  • Replacement DBS check: £50
  • Placement travel costs: £5 per day
  • Certificated Makaton training: £295
  • Field trips abroad: £430-£1000

How to Apply

• Apply through UCAS for full-time undergraduate courses
• Apply directly to the University for part-time or postgraduate courses
• Application deadlines:
  • Undergraduate: 15 January (equal consideration) and 30 June (late applications)
  • Postgraduate: varies by course

Discover Uni

• 100% of students say staff value students' views and opinions about the course
• 99% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
• 86% of students are in work or doing further study 15 months after the course

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• Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)
• Education Studies BA (Hons)
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