BA (Hons) EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES

Early Childhood Studies introduces you to a range of perspectives on early childhood development and learning across a variety of contexts, offering a theoretical understanding of issues and controversies within the early childhood field.

Applicants wishing to work as a practitioner in an early years setting will be required to have a level 3 practitioner qualification in addition to their academic degree once they graduate. Students move into a variety of careers and onward study in social work, education and children's services.

You’ll come to understand that there are many different ways of understanding early childhood. We give you a range of academic and professional perspectives on childhood, then ask you to explore the deeper philosophies, beliefs and attitudes that underpin them.

You’ll learn how children develop, from conception onwards, how they experience life and how that experience forms the basis of their later development.

You’ll develop an understanding of the factors that influence childhood, and of how this knowledge is critical in supporting the learning and development of children.

We’ll teach you about how early years services are structured in this country, and how to work across the system to get the best results for children.

You’ll also benefit from field-based learning as you carry out the third-year research project which you’ll devise yourself.

Early Childhood Studies gives you the skills and knowledge to work in a wide range of jobs with children and for children and their families.

Graduates have taken jobs in local government, the NHS, charities, housing associations and day nurseries.

Their roles have included childcare project managers, family support workers, play co-ordinators, out-of-school project managers and classroom/education assistants.

The University of East London has strong and trusted relationships with local schools, childcare organisations and loyal alumni. This means you’ll have plenty of contact with potential employers through work placements, mentoring and guest lecturers.

If you already work, the degree will enhance your enjoyment and boost your progress because you will have a deeper understanding of what you do. You may find it easier to move into a management role, for example.

Early Childhood Studies also equips you with transferable skills such as working to a deadline, giving presentations and project management, which are beneficial in many other careers.

You may wish to further your journey in childhood studies on one of UEL’s postgraduate courses. For example, this degree allows you to qualify as a social worker by taking an approved postgraduate degree, or as a primary school teacher by taking a PGCE. It also prepares you to train as a speech and language therapist.

FROM
A LEVEL
Must include two passes at A2 Level in Social Sciences or Humanities-related subjects
FROM
BTEC
Extended Diploma or Diploma
FROM
CACHE
Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children and Young People's Workforce (QCF) / Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education
FROM
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
Diploma with 25 points including a minimum of 15 points at Higher Level.
All applicants MUST have GCSE English, Maths and Science grade A*-C/Grade 4 or above.