100% online learning
led by experienced Early Years tutors who care about your success
Gold rated for Teaching Excellence (2023)
recognising the outstanding quality of our education
Flexible study
designed to fit around your life and work
Top 15% in the UK
for Education (Guardian University Guide 2025)
Online undergraduate Early Years courses
Undergraduate
FdA
Early Years and Education
Already working with children and ready to take your career further? This foundation degree is designed to help you grow your skills and confidence as a professional in Early Years care and education.
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Undergraduate
BA (Hons) top-up
Early Childhood Studies
Already hold a foundation degree or equivalent? Our one-year top up turns your qualification into a full honours degree. You’ll deepen your understanding of childhood development and strengthen your impact in your current role, or take the next step in your career.
Undergraduate
BA (Hons)
Early Childhood Studies
Explore how children learn, grow and develop the professional knowledge and practical skills to support them. You can also work towards the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner competencies, a valuable step for your career.
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Undergraduate
BA (Hons)
Montessori Early Childhood Studies
This specialist degree helps you understand the theory and practice behind one of the world’s most respected approaches to childhood learning. Perfect if you want to work in a Montessori setting, or bring its principles to your practice.
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Meet Early Childhood Studies student Jessica
Jessica, a Nursery Nurse from Essex chose our BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies to grow in confidence, step up in her career and achieve her full potential in the Early Years sector. Studying by distance learning means she can balance work, study and balance life as a new mum.
Postgraduate Early Years Courses
Postgraduate
MA
Education with Early Childhood
Explore the crucial early years of a child’s development, from birth until age eight, and deepen your understanding of how to support their learning, wellbeing and growth. This course is ideal if you already work with young children or have a background in early childhood studies or a related field.
Postgraduate
MA
Education with Montessori
Take a deep dive into the principles of Montessori education and learn how to apply them in real- world settings. Whether you’re already working in early years education or want to introduce a new approach into your practice, this course helps you develop specialist expertise and enhance your impact in the classroom.
Postgraduate
MA
Education with SEND
Turn your passion for inclusion into expertise. On this course, you’ll explore the challenges and opportunities in supporting children and young people with SEND, and gain the professional knowledge and confidence to advocate for every learner. Whether you’re already working in education or looking to specialise, this course supports your next step.
*2023 alumni survey with 158 respondents.
Other online Education courses
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.
Sophie, Student
ARU was a great choice that allowed me to achieve my personal and professional ambitions. I felt supported, empowered, and accomplished.
Dio, Student