BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Direct Entry)
Why choose this course?
- In this year's National Student Survey, our students said they were 92% overall satisfied with our course.
- If you have a relevant qualification, this course gives you the opportunity to top up to a full Bachelor's degree.
- You can study for our Early Years Teacher qualification during this course, which is essential if you want to work at leadership level in an early years setting.
- You won't have to take any exams. We use other ways to assess you including essays, posters and presentations.
- You can study this course full time or part time, so you can fit your studies around your other commitments. And you can even choose to study in the day or evening.
Fact file
Start date: September and January
Course length:
Campus: Kedleston Road, Derby
This course is available to international students
About this course
You will develop your understanding of early childhood from birth to eight years, exploring how children develop, learn and think. You will explore the importance of identifying and meeting children’s needs and consider the challenges and opportunities in children’s services, looking at childhood from a range of perspectives. We’ll encourage you to use your own experiences to enhance your knowledge and develop your understanding of early childhood.
To make sure that you're ready to work in early years when you graduate, you'll undertake a placement for two days each week. This will develop your observational reflective skills, as well as your practical knowledge of different settings. You'll also have the opportunity to on visits to places like the Museum of Childhood, Think Tank Museum and Eureka Childrens Museum.
During stage one your lectures will be taught throughout the day, but once you get to stage two and three, your lectures may also take place in the evening. You will also have an opportunity to study abroad in the second semester of stage two. Under the Erasmus exchange scheme, we have agreements with Universities in Amsterdam and Brussels which will really enhance your employability when you graduate.
You'll be studying an up to date course which is listed in the new qualifications list for those settings delivering the Early Years Foundation stage. This means it is considered full and relevant by the Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC).
You'll look at the importance of early childhood and consider children's holistic needs and how these can be met by professionals working in early years. The role of professional and personal development is an important theme. You'll be able to use your experience with young children to enhance your knowledge and develop your understanding of early childhood.
What you will cover
Stage three
You'll study these modules:
And you'll choose two modules from:
Entry requirements
If you'd like to apply to start this course in Stage two, you'll usually need 120 credits at level 4. Qualifications we accept include a CACHE Advanced Diploma in Childcare and Education, HNC Early Childhood Studies, NVQ Level 4 Children's Care and Learning and Development, or other apprpriate level 4 award.
If you'd like to apply to start this course in Stage three, you'll usually need 120 credits at level 5. Qualifications we accept include a foundation degree, HND Early Childhood Studies, or other appropriate level 5 award.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required at the point of accepting a place at the University. The Disclosure and Barring Service was established when the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) merged in 2012 and will now provide the criminal records checking service for this programme.
How to apply
Fees and finance
Please contact us for details of the fees for this course.
How you will learn
How you'll learn
You'll be taught through lectures, seminar activities and tutorials to support you through your assessments and group work.
The bulk of the course is delivered on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. As a new student you'll study throughout the day whereas when you progress into stage two and three you may be taught throughout the day or evening. Whilst the majority of modules are taught, the professional practice modules and research modules are much more self directed and promote independent learning. You'll be encouraged to undertake personal development planning throughout the course and produce action plans related to career goals and progression.
How you're assessed
You will be assessed using essays, reports, posters, presentations, case studies, online tests and independent research. You won’t have to take any exams.
Careers and employability
You'll gain the skills and approaches necessary to work with young children in early years settings. You could work in the private, voluntary or independent sectors or join a graduate employment scheme.Many modules are enriched by visiting speakers who bring their work experience to our students. This provides opportunities for students to consider a wide range of future career options.
Other options include working in the care sector, counselling, criminal justice, welfare services, charities and the voluntary sector. You could also work in a hands-on research or policy capacity with diverse groups including children and young people.
You can also apply to study a wide range of postgraduate courses including our PGCE Primary or Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (Further Education and Skills) when you graduate.
What our students say
Rizwan Ahmed, one of our graduates.
"This course has made me realise how passionate I am to work with children."
Laura Gill, one of our graduates.
"I have really enjoyed my time on the course and tutors are so helpful and always available for that extra support."
Kay Cullow, one of our graduates.
"This course is stretching my thinking and learning with regards to child development."
Carol Lewis, one of our graduates.
"A welcoming environment to study in and the part time option has been such a great opportunity esecially as I have young children."
Joanna Antoniadou, one of our graduates.
"The staff are friendly and supportive and make you feel comfortable and part of a team."
"You all delivered brilliant and informative lectures and I'm sorry they ended. I can't wait to move on to my GTP [Graduate Teaching Programme]."
"I have just been offered a position as a Performance Management Officer within the Children's Directorate. I would like to thank you for all your support"
