Eunice Lumsden
Emeritus Professor
level:UG;top_up:false;international:true;foundation:true;clearing:false;full_time:true;part_time:true;start_month:September;location:Waterside
Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)
Key Facts
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UCAS Code
X310
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Duration
3 years Full Time
4 years with Foundation
3-6 years Part Time
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CCC at A Level
MMM at BTEC -
Full Time: £9,535
Part Time: £1,585 per 20 credit module
Integrated Foundation Year: £5,760
Updated 03/12/2025
Updated 03/12/2025
The BA Early Childhood Studies degree takes a holistic approach to the development of young children, from conception to the age of eight and provides opportunities to apply this learning in placement settings. The Early Childhood degree draws on a range of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, early years pedagogy, policy, law, health, philosophy, and leadership and management, providing you with the breadth of knowledge to pursue careers in early childhood education and care, education, health and social care.
The part time route is ideal for anyone looking to fit study around existing commitments. You could expect to be on campus for approximately eight hours per week. If you are not already working in a related role you would also need to attend a placement for half a day per week. In addition to the taught sessions you would need to commit around six hours per week to independent study.
Overall for Childhood and Youth Studies
For Satisfied with Teaching for Education
Data taken from the Complete University Guide league 2026 Childhood and Youth Studies subject table and the Guardian guide 2026 Education league table
Quality Mark Award
Our BA Early Childhood Studies Degree has been awarded with the Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECSDN) quality mark for the Graduate Practitioner Competencies, indicating our commitment to an excellent application of knowledge to practical skills.
Highlights
- Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies
- Arranged placements are an integral part of the Early Childhood Studies course
- Trips and opportunities to visit a European country to enhance learning
- Benefit from specialist sessions with professionals in the fields of special educational needs, social work, cultural diversity and creative and therapeutic approaches
- Paediatric and Mental Health First Aid training included as part of the course
- Guaranteed interview for PGCE Primary Education (5-11) (QTS) on completion (T&Cs apply)
- HP Laptop and software included with this course for eligible students.*
- Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.
*See eligibility criteria, terms and conditions apply
Entry Requirements
A typical offer would be:
- CCC at A Level or,
- MMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
- Pass (C and above) at T Level
We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.
Applicants are expected to hold GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent in English and Mathematics.
You will be expected to demonstrate your commitment to Early Childhood Studies by having previous experience of working with children under the age of eight.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are also required.
The standard entry requirements for the Early Childhood Studies Foundation Year are:
- DEE at A level or,
- MPP at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
- Pass (D or E) at T Level
We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.
All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:
- IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
for study at undergraduate level
For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.
What You'll Learn
Our Degree in Childhood Studies has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG3 Good Health and Wellbeing and SDG4 Quality Education.
This Early Childhood Education course will give you a broad understanding of the theoretical and professional issues that underpin the care and education of infants and young children. By studying the perspectives of various disciplines and professions you will be prepared for a career in any aspect of Early Childhood Education and Care, equipped to work with families and colleagues from a variety of professions.
You will gain an understanding and awareness of the rapidly evolving nature of early childhood education and care provision in England, Europe and throughout the world. Divided into specific modules, this childhood studies degree covers children’s development and learning in the context of the family, the community and wider national and international contexts. You will benefit from specialist sessions with professionals in the fields of special educational needs, social work, cultural diversity and creative and therapeutic approaches. You will receive paediatric first aid training as part of the course.
Your first placement will give you a grounding in the field of Early Childhood, developing your knowledge and understanding, with a particular focus on the role of communication when working with young children.
The purpose of this module is to enable students to develop the underpinning knowledge necessary to understand the role of health in a child s holistic development and inter-agency approaches in Early Childhood.
The purpose of this module is to promote personal, academic and professional developmentIt supports the transition to higher education and lays down the foundations for reflective professional practice, through engagement with the theoretical perspectives in Early Childhood Education and CareResearch and academic writing skills will be developed.
This module introduces students to ethical principles and practice in the study of Early Childhood Education and CareStudents will be introduced to ethical procedures when working with children and families.
This module underpins the professional expectations of roles within Early Childhood Education and CareThis explicitly links the skilful application of knowledge to practice, and practice to knowledge developed in other modules, laying the foundations for reflective professional practice through engagement with the theoretical perspectives.
The purpose of this module is to provide an introduction to the development of children with detailed reference to Early Childhood theoriesStudents will gain the underpinning knowledge necessary to enable them to develop a holistic understanding of all aspects of young children’s development that will support all other studies on the programme.
The purpose of this module is students professional developmentIt supports the application of theoretical perspectives of Early Childhood Education and Care in a placement setting and the development of reflective professional practice and employability skills.
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.
At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.
If you join our full-time degree, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.
Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.
To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.
* UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details)
The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.
If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.
Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.
The Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies evidence your development of skills within this field and indicate that you have the enhanced skills, and knowledge, that are needed when working with young children and their families.
Placement opportunities are a real strength of our early childhood studies degree, enabling you to consolidate your academic learning in practice. You will also have an opportunity to visit or study in a European country to see the early years provision in a different context.
Graduate Practitioner Competencies
Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies
These Competencies focus heavily on the application the academic elements of degree programmes in placements. You will meet the nine competencies through assessed observations of practice, practice-based tasks and academic assessment.
The nine Competencies are:
- Advocating for young children’s rights and participation
- Promote holistic child development
- Work directly with young children, families and colleagues to promote health, well-being, safety and nurturing care
- Observe, listen and plan for young children to support their well-being, early learning, progression and transitions
- Safeguarding and child protection
- Inclusive practice
- Partnership with parents and caregivers
- Collaborating with others
- Professional Development
The course is taught by a team of experts in the fields of early childhood studies, education, health, inclusion and social care, giving you real, practical knowledge that will be invaluable in your future career.
What are the benefits of doing an early childhood degree for your future?
Studying an early childhood degree will provide you with a range of skills that could make you employable for any job that involves working with children and their families. From the educational sector to health and social sectors you will open up a lot of avenues for your future career.
Other benefits of an early childhood degree include:
- Ability to enhance earnings potential
- Professional development through opportunities provided by a graduate qualification
- Flexibility to move between careers and to not be restricted to one profession
- Positively impact the lives of children and their families
This course will help you to:
- develop knowledge and understanding of early childhood within diverse cultural, inter-disciplinary and multi-professional contexts
- acquire a critical understanding of relevant theory and research in the field of early childhood and equip you with the skills for independent investigation
- critically analyse contemporary issues and debates in early childhood policy, practice and services for children and families including international perspectives
- become an articulate, confident and reflective graduate, capable of making informed career choices and transferring your knowledge to a range of relevant contexts
How will I be taught?
Taught sessions, reflective written tasks and self-evaluation in the Personal Learning Portfolio (PLP) will ensure that you have the opportunity to fully analyse the significance of the context for your academic study and research. Your tutors and placement mentors will provide ongoing feedback to support your personal, professional and academic development.
You will study a range of subjects relevant to early childhood over the three years of the programme including:
- child development and theories of learning and play
- children’s health and wellbeing
- respecting and protecting children’s rights
- Safeguarding children
- equality of opportunity
- family and community experience and support
- multi-professional and inter-disciplinary collaboration
- reflection on your own experience and learning
Are there any study trips?
In your second year, you will have the opportunity to spend a term studying and on placement in another European country. If a term is too long then you may prefer to spend a week in an alternative country to compare the Early Years in an alternative culture and context. This will cost around £370.
We also offer optional study trips within the UK, such as visits to London (approximately £10) and Burghley House (approximately £6). These costs have been covered by the University in the past.
Are there work placements?
The Early Childhood Studies degree includes placements in each of the three years, giving context to your academic study and providing you with professional development. You will have up to 25 days on placement in years 1 and 3, and 30 days placement in year 2. You may find that there are additional costs involved with your placements, such as travel. Placements are linked to the graduate competencies and ensure that you will be able to meet the full and relevant criteria at Level 3 to work in early childhood education and care settings.
How will I be assessed?
There are no exams on this course. Instead, you will complete written assignments, presentations, projects, posters and professional development portfolios.
Who can I contact for more information about this BA Hons Early Childhood Studies?
For more information about the Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) please contact Tanya Richardson.
Fees and Funding
2025/26 Tuition Fees
- UK – Full Time: £9,535
- UK – Part Time: £1,585 per 20 credit module
- UK – Integrated Foundation Year (IFY): £5,760 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA/BSc rate).
- International – Full Time: £15,700
- International – Integrated Foundation Year (IFY): £15,700
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2025/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UON will adjust UK fees annually in line with Government Policy.
Placement is compulsory on this Early Childhood Studies BA degree and this may involve you travelling between campus and the placement setting. You will be the responsible for the cost of this travel. There are a number of recommended texts to buy during your studies.
The typical price of course books for each year is as follows:
- First year: approximately £100
- Second year: approximately £60
- Third year: approximately £40
During this degree in Childhood Studies, you will have the opportunity to join study trips. Previously, these have included a week in Sweden, an opportunity to study for a short time in a European country (through the Turing scheme) and trips within the UK. Study trips are optional and the costs vary year on year. Typically, this is around £400 for Sweden, flights and in-country expenses for the Turing scheme. Trips within the UK are funded by the university and students would need to fund own food/refreshments . Students normally allow an additional £100-£250 for their overseas expenses.
For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.
For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Full Time: £9,250
- UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
- UK – Integrated Foundation Year (IFY): £9,250 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA/BSc rate).
- International – Full Time: £15,200
- International – Integrated Foundation Year (IFY): £15,200
Staff
Tanya Richardson
Senior Lecturer in Education (CYF)
Claire Dugan-Clements
Senior Lecturer in Education (CYF)
Peter Goy
Senior Lecturer in Education (CYF)
Jane MURRAY
Professor of Education
Helen Simmons
Senior Lecturer in Education (CYF)
Master's and Careers
Guaranteed Interview: Teacher Training
If you complete your degree in Early Childhood Studies with us and apply for the PGCE Primary Education (5-11) (QTS) programme at the University of Northampton during your final undergraduate year, you are guaranteed an interview.
Terms and conditions apply:
- Interviews are subject to you meeting the entry criteria for the course, we require a minimum 2:2 degree and relevant GCSEs
- An interview does not guarantee an offer to study on the course
- Places are limited and applications will close once the limit has been reached
Successful completion of this course can lead onto further studies if required. BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies graduates could progress on to study PGCE Primary Education (5-11) (QTS), MA Social Work, MSc Child and Adolescent Mental Health, MA Special Educational Needs and Inclusion and many more.
Our BA Hons Early Childhood Studies graduates have gone on to a range of professions, including, but not limited to: early years practitioners, teachers, social workers, child protection roles, advisory roles, play therapists, university lecturers and nursery managers.
Please see the careers map for more information.
