Program Overview

BA(Hons) Early Childhood

The BA(Hons) Early Childhood degree is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the philosophical, social, and psychological context of young children's learning and development. This program equips graduates to work with, and on behalf of, young children in early years settings, family support, policy, and the wider workforce.

About

This course considers ideas that are central to children's lives and their education, as well as the wider world. Graduates in early childhood are sought after for a wide range of employment opportunities. The program allows students to focus on areas that interest them most, examining issues around children's place in society, education, special educational needs, children's learning and development, language and reasoning, and environments for children.

Why Study Early Childhood?

Recent research has established the importance and quality of learning from birth. This degree explores issues affecting children between birth and eight years old, linking theory to practice and understanding social, psychological, and philosophical factors in children's lives, learning, and development. Undertaking work-related experience is a central aspect of the degree, with students spending time in early childhood settings in each year of the course.

Where Can It Take Me?

This Early Childhood degree will equip students to work at a managerial level in childcare and educational settings, children's services, and family support, or in other fields. Many early childhood students study for an early years or primary postgraduate teaching qualification or for a master's degree in social work, psychology, play therapy, or speech and language therapy. By the end of the degree, students will be qualified to work at level 3 in an early years setting, subject to completing work-related learning practice and holding suitable literacy and first aid qualifications.

Entry

To be eligible for the BA(Hons) Early Childhood program, students must meet specific entry requirements.

Typical Offers

• GCSE: Grade C/4 in English, or equivalent.
• Tariff points: 104
• Contextual tariff: See the university's contextual offers page.
• English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent).

Additional Requirements

Before starting the course, students will be required to complete:

• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• A health check

Structure

The BA(Hons) Early Childhood degree is a full-time, three-year course.

Content

The course includes the following modules:

Year One

• Constructions of Childhood
• Exploring Play
• Children's Rights, Well-Being and Health
• Working with all Children
• Guided Studies (only taken in exceptional circumstances)

Year Two

• Becoming a Researcher
• Children's Meaning Making
• Early Childhood Policy and Comparative Curricula
• Leadership and Professional Futures
• Reflective Practice
• Guided Studies (15 or 30 credits, only taken in exceptional circumstances)

Final Year

• Dissertation or Guided Study (45 credits)
• Debating Childhoods
• Emerging Languages and Identities
• The Development of Reasoning
• Guided Studies (15 or 30 credits, only taken in exceptional circumstances and by negotiation with the Programme Leader)

Learning and Teaching

On this course, students learn through formal lectures, seminars, and workshops, tutor and student-led study groups, one-to-one tutorials, and online support. The program encourages students to learn independently and provides support for effective self-study.

Assessment

Assessments are designed to enhance learning and support future employability. The course does not use written exams as part of its formal assessments.

Fees

Full-Time Course

• Home Annual (Per Year) Fee: ｣9,535
• Home Module Fee (15 Credit): ｣1,192
• International Annual (Per Year) Fee: ｣17,000
• International Module Fee (15 Credit): ｣2,125

Indicative Additional Costs

• Additional Course Costs Indicative Maximum Cost Per Year: ｣300

Features

Placements

Work experience is a crucial part of the course, with students spending time in early childhood education settings in each year. This hands-on experience complements academic studies and provides insight into working with young children.

Fieldwork

The course includes opportunities for international travel and fieldwork, such as visits to industry and assignments in and around Bristol.

Study Facilities

Students have access to modern, purpose-built facilities, including high-quality teaching rooms, a dedicated Education Resource Centre, excellent IT facilities, and an open-access study space.

Careers

Careers / Further Study

The BA(Hons) Early Childhood degree prepares students for a range of careers, including managerial roles in childcare and educational settings, children's services, and family support. Graduates may also pursue postgraduate study, such as training for early years or primary teaching, or master's degrees in related fields like social work, psychology, play therapy, or speech and language therapy.

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