On our Early Childhood Studies degree, you'll discover how children from 0 to 8 years old develop, learn and think, and how you can forge a rewarding career with children and families in a variety of early years settings.

Working with young children is hugely rewarding and enormous fun, but can also be very challenging - education is a fast-paced sector. Our course will help you develop your understanding of professional and inclusive practice, and how you can support both the child and the family, to deliver a high standard of professional practice in the workplace.

Using the latest theory and practical experiences you’ll explore current research around key topics including contemporary issues in education and pedagogical approaches, while building your leadership skills and considering possible careers across the early childhood sector.

You’ll also have the opportunity to achieve your Early Childhood Practitioner Competencies, ensuring you graduate with a full and relevant early years qualification to meet the requirements of the graduate workforce.

If you've already completed a foundation degree (or equivalent), you can gain a full honours degree in just one or two years with our Top-Up options.

If you study on the face-to-face version of this course, you’ll need to attend lectures on campus one day a week and spend one day a week in your chosen placement setting.

Join a course that ranked 13th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025, and scored 95% for “Learning resources” and “Communication of mental well-being support” in the National Student Survey 2024.