BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner)

Undergraduate degree

Develop the skills, professional knowledge and confidence to support a rewarding career in shaping early childhood learning and development.



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About your BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree

Our BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies is ideal if you're passionate about helping to shape the future of young children. The course will give you an understanding of how young children develop and learn, and give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to progress your career in a variety of roles within early years settings. You'll study online giving you the flexibility to develop your career around your other commitments and your work placement will give you valuable hands-on experience.

Course highlights

  • Ranked 13th in the country by the Guardian League Table 2025
  • Opens up a variety of career options within the early childhood sector
  • Work placement gives you practical hands-on experience in early childhood settings
  • You'll complete the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies (ECGPC) - a professionally recognised framework that’ll enhance your employability and provide some clarity for your prospective employers as to the graduate level of your achievements

How you'll study

This course is studied 100% online

Course length

Study the course over 3 years

Start dates

Start your course in September

Application deadline

Our next deadline is

24th April 2025

UK Quality Assured

Meet Early Childhood Studies student Jessica

Jessica, a Nursery Nurse from Essex chose our Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) degree to help develop her career, gain a promotion and achieve her full potential in the Early Years sector. Distance learning allows her to study flexibly so she can balance life as a new mum.

Meet Early Childhood Studies Student Jess

Watch Jessica's story


Course overview

Working with young children can be hugely rewarding and a great deal of fun but it can also be very challenging. Our BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree will help you develop the practical skills, knowledge and qualities needed to deliver a high standard of professional practice in the workplace and open up a variety of career options within the early childhood sector.

Our modules have been designed to develop your understanding of professional and inclusive practice, supporting both the child and the family. You’ll cover a variety of key topics including the roles of parents and other key persons on young children's development, the impacts of lifestyle factors such as activity levels, diet and health, how a child’s environment influences growth and development, organisational policies and practices, as well as exploring child welfare issues such as protection and safeguarding. You’ll be introduced to existing theory and essential research skills relating to children, highlighting the importance of linking theory to your practice. You’ll also focus on your own personal development helping you to reflect on your own working practices and approaches, and identifying opportunities for further learning and skill enhancement. At the end of the course you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a major project on a topic that addresses significant questions relating to your work and/or your specific area of interest.

It is a mandatory requirement to take a practical placement as part of this course. If you are already working in an Early Years (0-8 years) setting then this can be incorporated into your work, otherwise you will need to secure a placement. It’s a great chance to get hands-on experience in early years and education.

Throughout your studies you will complete the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner competencies. This qualification will make you workplace ready with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) when you graduate.

You'll also have the opportunity to join our online research groups and other online education events.

If you have already completed a foundation degree (or equivalent), we also offer this course as a one-year top-up degree.

Our advisers will be happy to answer any questions you have about the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree, studying online or any other aspect of distance learning.

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Modules

Due to the structure of this course, there will be instances where you will study two modules simultaneously during a trimester. You will be supported by your tutors to help manage your workload and assessment deadlines.

Please contact one of our advisers to discuss the pacing of this course and the options available to match your circumstances.

 

Assessment

You will be assessed in a range of ways which are designed to support the professional skills you need within the workforce. These include observations, patchwork texts, presentations, case studies, portfolios, posters, investigations, reports and essays.

How you'll study

The Developing Child

In this module you will explore how humans learn and develop throughout the life-course with a particular focus on babies, toddlers and young children. We will consider both innate development, ‘nature’, and the influence of other humans, ‘nurture’, and our changing understanding of how these interrelate. You will gain an understanding of theories of learning and play, relating these to both children’s and your own acquisition of new knowledge and understanding. You will develop personal study skills and develop good academic practice through practical tasks that relate to the overall module content. You will consider how different theories of learning align with different philosophical perspectives and see the long-term consequences of shifts in paradigm.

We will also look at current theories issues and approaches. By examining current health promotion, child development theory and the latest research, we can better support the development of healthy, well-rounded children. The knowledge you will gain not only supports children’s development but also enhances your own employability in fields related to health, education, and social care.

The Developing Graduate Practitioner in Practice

To help you meet the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies, you’ll study this module across all years of your degree. You’ll take part in 80 days of placement and reflect on your experiences. The Graduate Practitioner is an advocate for young children’s rights and participation and recognise that young children are active co-constructors of their own learning. As a Graduate Practitioner you’ll apply high-level academic knowledge of pedagogy and research evidence, of the holistic development of babies, toddlers and young children (0-8), in a practice context that is respectful of the child, their family and community. This qualification will make you workplace ready with knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework, upon graduation.

Using the formatting of a child profile, you will explore and analyse the development of one child (aged 0-8) through multiple observational techniques. This analysis will be underpinned be the respective statutory guidance and will consider Physical, Intellectual, Language, Emotional, and Social (PILES) factors

Inclusive Research with Children

In this module, you will explore the child’s world through various theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, particularly those that highlight diversity. You will examine the experiences of children aged 0-8 years using a variety of approaches, gaining an understanding of research design and process. A strong focus is placed on developing an awareness  of ethical issues and procedures required when conducting research, especially with babies, toddlers and young children. Inclusive and participatory approaches are emphasised, promoting children’s autonomy and voice. Throughout the module, you learn various methodologies and data collection methods, critically analysing their purposes, strengths, and limitations, and understanding how to interpret data. This module encourages you to actively reflect and collaborate with peers, sharing experiences and ideas. It encourages linking research to your own practice, enabling you to bridge theory and real-world application in your workplace. You will be able to:

  • Demonstrate how you listen to and work in collaboration with children (aged 0-8), individually and in groups.
  • Observe, support and extend young children’s participation in their learning through following their needs and interests
  • Support children to respect others by providing opportunities for their participation and decision making

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

In this module, you will develop an essential understanding of the concept of safeguarding and wellbeing, which is crucial for working with infants, toddlers and young children. You will gain an appreciation of the contemporary factors and challenges involved in safeguarding children, including considerations such as children’s rights, digital literacy and multi-agency working to support both families, children and young people. The module will enable you to develop a rigorous understanding of the UK legislation and government policy guiding safeguarding provision and practices relevant to your role as a practitioner. Additionally, you will provide evidence of your engagement with supplementary training specific to UK safeguarding standards. This training will give you practical insights into current safeguarding protocols, ensuring that you can apply these standards to protect and support children effectively within professional settings.

Exploring a Sustainable Education

In this module you will delve into the principles and practices of sustainability within early childhood education looking at secondary literature and policies which are in place with the aims to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to foster environmental awareness and sustainable habits in Early Childhood. You will look at different areas of sustainability and consider the role of the professional for supporting babies, toddlers and young children through play, whilst identifying and apply pedagogical knowledge of how to develop enabling environments both inside and out.

The Reflective Graduate Practitioner in Practice

In this module, you will demonstrate an informed understanding of child development from birth to eight years, considering key milestones and transition points and how these should guide your practice as a professional working with children. Additionally, you will explore how children (0-8) with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) may exhibit developmental pathways that differ from the prescriptive expectations outlined in UK education statutory guidance. Through critical analysis, you will reflect on appropriate methods of support in practice, as well as the effective use of multi-agency working and services to promote inclusive development for babies, toddlers and young children. Through the module you will take on responsibilities that foster the development of transferable skills, equipping you with the professional capabilities needed for employment as a highly qualified professional in any field you choose to enter.

To help you meet the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies, you’ll study this module across all years of your degree. The Graduate Practitioner is an advocate for young children’s rights and participation and recognise that young children are active co-constructors of their own learning.

As a Graduate Practitioner you’ll apply high-level academic knowledge of pedagogy and research evidence, of the holistic development of infants, toddlers and young children (0-8), in a practice context that is respectful of the child, their family and community. This qualification will make you workplace ready with a depth of knowledge regarding the Early Years Foundation Stage, upon graduation.

Creative Pedagogy: How Children Learn (0-8)

In this module you will examine various theoretical frameworks, pedagogical approaches, and practical strategies for embedding creativity into your early childhood practice. Creativity is a natural predisposition towards learning and development which makes it a key component of a child-centred education that supports holistic development and wellbeing. You will be encouraged to use and reflect on your own creative practices as educators and consider how to implement a range of inclusive and culturally responsive creative activities. By the end of the module, you will gain insight into ways that creative play, imagination, and exploration can foster babies, toddlers and young children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.

To do this, you will be encouraged to use your own creativity by ’thinking outside the box’, and seeking ways to support and inspire children (0-8), the practitioners you work with, and yourself as a creative adult. The rights of children to express through different means and modalities will be acknowledged and you will be reflecting on the importance of recognising and encouraging diverse forms of self-expression, curiosity, and how to embrace sustainability.

Education for Global Citizenship and the Use of Artificial Intelligence

In this module you will delve into the concept of global citizenship and its significance in the context of early childhood education. Global citizenship involves helping babies, toddlers and young children to understand their place in the world and fostering positive attitudes towards diversity, empathy, and social responsibility. In this module you will also explore the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing the early childhood workforce. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, practical applications, and case studies, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how global citizenship principles can be integrated into early childhood education and how AI can support educators and caregivers in fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

Ruskin Module

Ruskin Modules are designed to prepare our students for a complex, challenging and changing future. These interdisciplinary modules provide the opportunity to further broaden your perspectives, develop your intellectual flexibility and creativity. You will work with others from different disciplines to enable you to reflect critically on the limitations of a single discipline to solve wider societal concerns. You will be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines to apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, seek and maximise opportunities to realise your potential to give you a distinctive edge and enhance your success in the workplace.

Advocating for Children's Rights

In this module you will delve into a comprehensive examination of children’s rights, emphasizing their rights to education, protection, human rights, and participation. The legal standing of children has been significantly bolstered by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 1989, which enshrines principles of protection, provision of services, and
participation.

Recognising the diverse experiences of babies, toddlers and young children globally, you will broaden your perspectives by analysing evidence from both international and national contexts. This approach ensures a holistic understanding of the varied realities children face.

Upon successful completion, you will find this module highly pertinent to your future career in both voluntary and statutory organisations dedicated to working with young children. You will gain the essential knowledge and skills to actively contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to quality education, reduced inequalities, and strong institutions.

Innovative Change Through a Creative Lens of Leadership

Building on the principle that quality in early childhood provision requires creative, innovative and effective leaders who can reflect on practice, manage resources, foster effective team development and lead as agents of change. You will examine the context in which education and care is provided to review issues of how we can work better to meet the needs of babies, toddlers and young children. The issues concerning provision in terms of quality and providing equality of opportunity for all children will be explored from philosophical and theoretical leadership perspectives in early childhood.

Montessori was an envisioned leader who argued that adults, as leaders, should take direction from children as agents for change. You will reflect on the position of self in how change can evolve and will reflect on styles of leadership that will support leadership concepts from the literature, including transformation, adaptation, service, humility and contextual elements. As Montessori advocated that it is responsibility that a leader should feel, not the authority of their position we’ll analyse partnerships and interdisciplinary working reflecting on leadership styles such as transformation, adaptation, collaboration, and humility to further enhance the quality and effectiveness of early childhood education, contributing to the broader objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals. We will provide an opportunity to critically review the application of theory to practice to further your understanding of leadership in an early childhood context.

The Professional Graduate Practitioner in Practice

The Graduate Practitioner is an advocate for young children’s rights and participation and recognise that young children are active co-constructors of their own learning. As a Graduate Practitioner you’ll apply high-level academic knowledge of pedagogy and research evidence, of the holistic development of babies, toddlers and young children (0-8), in a practice context that is respectful of the child, their family and community.

In this module you will exhibit a well-informed appreciation of the complex concepts which are relevant to working with families. You will also develop essential the skills for change management and problem solving within the context of a professional environment. Through the module you will take on responsibilities that foster the development of transferable skills, equipping you with the professional capabilities needed for employment as a highly qualified professional in this field.

You will create a setting development plan for your setting to emphasise the quality of your provision and consider the sustainability of professional practice, education and business elements of your setting. All public and private settings require the development of business skills and through exploring this module, in line with your Leadership and Management modules, you will find yourself better equipped to take a management position or even open a practice of your own. In whatever direction you wish to develop your career, these skills can be added to your CV to ensure you are able to differentiate your profile from your competitors, along with a reflective statement of your professional development over the course of your degree.

Undergraduate Major Project

The Undergraduate Major Project enables You to demonstrate your ability to raise and address significant questions related to your chosen topic or issue. This may involve reviewing, commenting, analysing, or critiquing existing ideas or significant theoretical or conceptual developments at local, national, or international levels.

You will be expected to select and apply appropriate research strategies which are relevant to your chosen topic/issue and the question(s)you are looking to address. You will be able to draw meaningful and justifiable conclusions from information which may be complex or contradictory and be capable of expanding or redefining your existing knowledge of a subject or area of practice. You will be able to communicate in an articulate appropriately clear and academic fashion and will be able to demonstrate a critically reflective approach to your work. You will need to negotiate, through the proposal, the nature and form of the final assessed work, which will take the form of a written dissertation. If you workpeople in practice, you may choose to link the written dissertation with everyday practice from your workplace. This may include anonymised curriculum planning, policy documents or brief vignettes of practice, as negotiated with the supervisor and permitted by the gatekeeper, for example, the nursery manager and head- teacher. This mode of assessment can be chosen if it provides you with an opportunity to produce an assignment that links literature with the professional context in which you work.

Throughout the two trimesters, lectures will focus on contemporary issues in education, ethical research, gaining ethical approval, and narrowing research focus and questions. This will support you in developing your specialist focus and preparing for progression beyond level 6. The work undertaken for the major project will likely build on previous modules, requiring you to work autonomously with minimal guidance from a supervisor.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

Our Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) is studied predominantly online, but you’ll also take part in 85 days of placement (30 days in year 1, 25 days in year 2 and 30 days in your final year). If you are not currently working in a relevant setting, we will help you find a suitable work placement.

You’ll study through Canvas, our world-class online Learning Management System (LMS), which can be accessed from your phone, pc or tablet at home or on the move. Canvas provides instant access to study materials, forums, and support from tutors and classmates, as well as enabling easy submission of your assignments.

On successful completion of your studies you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible then we’ll arrange to have your certificate sent to you.

Supported distance learning

We understand that distance learning is different to traditional campus study and if you’re new to online study you may have concerns or apprehensions about studying your BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies remotely, and that’s natural.

To help put your mind at ease we have a dedicated Distance Learning Support Team to help and support you throughout your time at ARU, starting with your first online induction and staying with you right through to graduation. In addition, you’ll also be supported by specialist early years module tutors, well experienced in supporting distance learning students.

Once you start your BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, we encourage the creation of online communities and many of our learners find these connections with others invaluable, helping them to stay motivated, share concerns or make new friendships.

Contact us to talk through any questions or concerns or visit our support page for more information about the support services available.

Our support services

Gold-standard education

We're proud to have received a Gold award for the quality of our education in a UK-wide review of university teaching standards.

Why we're rated Gold

Our course content and delivery is rated as outstanding with the review citing ‘innovative and highly effective course design and content that inspires students to actively engage and commit to their learning’.

We’re also rated outstanding in the areas of:

  • student engagement in learning
  • learning environment and academic support
  • learning resources
  • student engagement in improvement
  • approaches to supporting student success
  • intended educational gains
  • approaches to supporting educational gains.

What is the Teaching Excellence Framework?

The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is a national scheme run by the Office for Students that focuses on the areas students care most about: teaching, learning, and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

It has three outcomes: Bronze, Silver and Gold.

This rating was awarded in September 2023, and lasts for four years.

TEF 2023 Gold Award - Teaching Excellence Framework

Be part of the University of the Year

We're proud to be the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year 2023.

The prestigious THE awards honour ’exceptional performance during the 2021-22 academic year, and reflect ARU’s success in delivering high-impact projects during this period, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The award recognises the difference we make in the region and our communities – while also acknowledging the broader impact of our world-leading research, and the contributions our students and graduates make to society.

 THE 2023 Awards Logo

Careers

What could an BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies do for my career?

The Early Childhood Studies degree can open doors to a number of careers working with children, across various sectors including education, childcare, healthcare, and social care. You may have just started a work placement or already be in a permanent position at an Early Years setting; either way, you want to get the qualifications to propel your career and gain the right skills to help develop the future of the children under your care.

By gaining the critical understanding and appreciation of the development of children from birth to eight years old through this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills that underpin a variety of job roles. Within the education sector, you may look at teaching as an Early Years Teacher, or work on policy as an Education Consultant. Within the social care sector, you may consider a child protection or safeguarding role, or work with families as a Family Support Worker. These are just a few examples.

If later in your career, you want to progress to a specialism or a leadership role, a BA (Hons) degree will put you in good stead to enter a master’s level qualification.

What job roles can I consider with an BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies?

An Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) could lead to a wide range of career opportunities within education, health, and social care sectors with further training and/or qualifications. These are just some of the job roles that Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) graduate may consider, possibly with further training depending on the role:

  • Early Years Teacher
  • Family Support Worker
  • Teaching Assistant
  • Learning Mentor
  • Health Play Specialist
  • Education Consultant
  • Play Therapist

If you are looking for more information about these job profiles and potential salary earnings see Prospects.ac.uk. It’s important to note that salaries can vary widely depending on the job role, employer, industry sector and location.

What skills will I get from an early childhood degree to help my career?

Choosing to study an Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) will give you many transferable and academic skills. Here are just some of them:

  • You will develop critical thinking skills
  • Learn to communicate effectively in a variety of media
  • Apply creativity and critical analysis
  • Be able to visualise and instigate change in practice
  • Manage your own CPD

What can I study after an BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies?

Depending on your long-term goals and desired career, you may consider a postgraduate degree in a related subject such as Education with Early Childhood MA or Education with Montessori MA. A master’s degree is the most common type of postgraduate qualification and usually focuses on a specific area of a wider subject which may support your future career development. Having a bachelor’s degree under your belt is a key entry requirement in opening doors to postgraduate study.

Careers Advice Service

Once you become an ARU student you will be able to access our Employability service to help you at whatever stage of your career, whether that’s landing your dream job or the next progression step.

We offer:

  • careers advice, including one-to-one online and telephone appointments with our experienced advisers
  • help with your CV, job searches, applications and interview preparation
  • an online portal packed with useful careers resources

our Employability Programme, which helps you hone the professional development skills employers say they want in graduates.

Entry requirements

  • 80 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent)
  • 5 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English
  • Evidence of work with young children is required
  • You will need to provide evidence that a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance has been undertaken
  • If you have lived outside of the UK for 6 months or more within the last 5 years then you will need to provide a police check from the country/countries previously resided in
  • If you are completing placements overseas you will be required to obtain a police check/certificate of good conduct from the relevant country

If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

As a distance learner, you’ll also need a suitable computer with internet connection, together with sufficient IT competence to make effective use of word processing, internet and email.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements

Fees & funding

Fees

The full tuition fee for this course is £16,800.

The tuition fees you pay each year for the full Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) will be £5,600. The course is studied over 3 years.

Approved prior learning may reduce the tuition fees. This will be confirmed once your application has been submitted.

Funding

Government-backed part time student loans are available to cover the cost of studying this course. These are subject to eligibility and terms and conditions.

We offer payment by instalments, so you can spread the cost of studying with us.

For military students: You can use your ELCs towards this course. ARU is a recognised ELCAS provider (number 1007). Please contact your Learning Centre for details of ELC, eligibility and how to apply.

For more information on how you fund your studies please see our funding page.


What our students say

Jacob - ARU Student

The course has benefitted my career. The confidence I have taken from completing my modules to a high standard has translated to confidence in performing my duties at work.

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Sophie - ARU Distance Learning Student

The tutors understand the challenges and do what they can to help and support you on your journey. I am very proud of myself for finally accomplishing what I have been meaning to do for many years.

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Sophie Haggis - ARU Student

The support from ARU has been amazing. Since day one, I have felt so supported and reassured. Being a distance learner, you do not feel like you are on your own.

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Peter - ARU Distance Learning Student

ARU is a well-established, internationally recognised University. I chose to do a degree here to improve my career opportunities and personal aspirations of becoming a teacher.

Read Peter's story

Frequently Asked Questions

Next application deadline:

24th April 2025

Discover what you're made of.Apply now before the application deadline.

Find out more about distance learning on our blog:

4 Reasons Why Early Years Jobs are Ideal for Your Next Career Move

4 Reasons Why Early Years Jobs are Ideal for Your Next Career Move

4th April 2023

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Distance Learning Alumni Survey 2023

Distance Learning Alumni Survey 2023

13th March 2024

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