Program Overview

BA (Hons) Early Years and Childhood Studies (Foundation Year)

The BA (Hons) Early Years and Childhood Studies (Foundation Year) is a comprehensive program designed to introduce students to key ideas in child and youth development, inclusive education, and research. This course helps students understand how children and young people learn and grow in different settings.

Course Overview

This course explores what learning really means, develops essential skills for university study, and discovers how education works in real-life contexts, including the local community. Whether students are interested in early years, special education, or broader education studies, the BA (Hons) Early Years and Childhood Studies (Foundation Year) will help build the confidence and knowledge needed for their future career.

Features and Benefits

• Build strong academic foundations: Learn how to write essays, manage time, use digital tools, and think critically – all the essential skills to succeed at university and beyond.
• Explore how learning works: Dive into key learning theories and cognitive processes like memory and attention, and understand how they impact both the student's learning and others'.
• Get hands-on with research and local practice: Develop basic research skills and apply them in a real-world project exploring education settings in the local area.
• Discover future pathways: Gain insight into different education specialisms and career routes, including early years, special education, and youth work, and understand how education connects with families, policy, and communities.

Accreditations, Awards, and Endorsements

The program has received an overall gold status in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), meaning it is rated as an outstanding university for its student experience.

Year 1

In the foundation year, students will begin to develop their awareness of education and their future career pathways, understand the foundations of education and early years, and get familiar with what is required for academic study at university level.

Core Modules

• Academic Study Skills: Introduced to studying at the university through the development of functional skills in writing and digital applications.
• What is Learning?: Explore cognitive and behaviorist development theories and their practical applications in educational settings.
• Foundations in Disciplinary Studies: Introduced to the specific subject disciplines of special and inclusive education, early years and childhood studies, and education studies.
• Introduction to Research and Practice: Study the basics of research and its application to practice, developing knowledge of fundamental research methodologies and basic data analysis techniques.

Study and Assessment

• Study: 25% lectures, seminars, or similar; 75% independent study.
• Assessment: 100% coursework.

Placements

There are no formal placements during the foundation year. Following the foundation year, students will undertake placements and/or be encouraged to undertake voluntary work as detailed for the respective linked degree course.

Entry Requirements

• Typical Offer: 80 UCAS tariff points.
• IELTS Score: IELTS 5.5 with no component below 5.5 taken within two years of the course start date.
• UK Students: 80 UCAS tariff points at A Level or acceptable alternatives.
• International Students: IELTS 5.5 with no component below 5.5 taken within two years of the course start date.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are still being finalized for all courses.

Careers Support and Prospects

• Employed or in Further Study: 88.7% of UK-domiciled, full-time, first-degree graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation.
• Explore Options and Build Sought-After Skills: Through the Careers Service, students will be supported and encouraged to get ready for further study or working life, including starting their own business.

Taught by Experts

The BA (Hons) Early Years and Childhood Studies (Foundation Year) is part of the School of Education at Manchester Met. The program is supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.

Your City, Your Community, Your Campus

Life in Manchester offers an inspiring and welcoming setting for studies, with a history of driving progress and a diverse community of bold creatives, sport obsessives, and pioneers in science, engineering, health, education, business, and law.

Related Courses

• BA (Hons) Early Years and Childhood Studies
• BA (Hons) Education Foundation Year

Disclaimers

• Programme Review: Our programs undergo an annual review and major review (normally at 6-year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the latest online learning technology.
• Important Notice: This online prospectus provides an overview of our programs of study and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that our published course information is accurate.