Ranked 6th in the UK
Helping you to succeed from the start
Enriching children's lives and learning
Varied placement opportunities in diverse settings
Advocating for positive change

The first point of contact for all non-academic student queries including support for mental health, staying safe, disability services and careers.

Employers are looking for graduates ready for the demands of the workplace. We’ll make sure you’re one of them. Choose from a wide range of placements including children's centres, beach school, arts projects, charities, community projects etc.

The combination of academic knowledge and practical skills make graduates from this course stand out from the crowd.
Careers with this subject
Key features
- Explore the relationships between play and learning in your own studies as well as in child development.
- Expand your options beyond traditional teaching and open up further career opportunities in education, social care, community work, psychology, management and research.
- See for yourself how theories and policies are applied in practice by visiting a wide range of provision for children and families.
- Engage with young children and their families in the Work Based Learning module, operating in various settings according to your preferences; for example, children's charities, family centres, child development centres, family work within prisons, and women's rehabilitation centres. Or opt for the Work Based Learning Plus module to attain professional recognition in a nursery, primary school, or special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school environment.
- Learn on the job during the
work-based learning placement. You will gain the practical skills employers are looking for. - Opportunities to extend your early years practice through assessment in placement; gaining valuable experience in working with children and families.
- Take a broader view of children’s development by studying the subject in practical, historical and international contexts.
- Develop essential skills through a variety of coursework-based assessments – from essays, surveys and child observations to group presentations and video commentaries.
- Learn from experienced lecturers and tutors who are actively engaged in national and international research projects.
- Make the most of the opportunities presented by being part of a department that has strong links with universities in Europe, Canada, Africa and the USA and through the International Students’ Exchange Programme.
Course details
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Year 1
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In the first year, you’ll get an overview of the factors that affect children’s lives and begin considering your own professional identity within the sector. You’ll explore how children grow and develop, drawing on the latest research around thinking, playing and learning. You’ll also gain an understanding of different approaches to observing children. Modules on social policy and equality and diversity will introduce you to key contemporary issues.
Core modules
EEC411
An Introduction to Early Childhood Studies 20 creditsA series of lectures given by members of the Early Childhood Studies team, focusing on their own research, interests and enthusiasms, and weekly seminars, will introduce students to the wide range of areas of study which are included in Early Childhood Studies. The diversity of interests and approaches introduced in lectures will be balanced by process of developing study skills and dispositions and integrating themes and ideas by means of active engagement in small seminar groups.
EEC414
Understanding Development; Biology and Psychology 20 creditsIn this module we will explore the nature of the disciplines of biology and psychology. We will look at how biologists and psychologists study young children. We will look at some current biological and psychological perspectives of child development. Students will carry out psychological tasks with young children and reflect upon the implications of what they have found and the nature of their own learning and understanding of children and themselves.
EEC415
Politics for Equality 20 creditsThis module explores the concepts of equality, inclusion, diversity and anti-discrimination and investigates cultural structures, discrimination, social exclusion, power and participation. Students will consider the impact of political and policy developments at global, European, UK and local levels drawing on theoretical frameworks and real examples, including students own experiences, to explore how culture and policy impact on young children and their families.
EEC416
Places and Spaces for Learning and Playing 20 creditsThroughout this module students will be introduced to a range of places and spaces that facilitates children's learning and play. There will be opportunities to link these experiences with academic theories with an aim to support the students' skills in noticing and understanding the process of learning.
EEC423
Children in Society 20 creditsThis module will focus on the complexity and diversity of young children’s experiences of growing up in contemporary societies. It will examine how children’s everyday lives are shaped through a wide range of structural influences and through children’s own active engagement with their worlds.
EEC432
Multi Professional Perspectives 20 creditsAn introduction to the diversity of early childhood settings, their structures and the varied heritages of the practitioners that work with them/in them. Notions such as communication, team work, working with parents and as part of a multi-professional team are explored along with an understanding of self as a reflective practitioner
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Year 2
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Your second year focuses on developing your analytical and reflective skills, and expands your hands-on experience during the work based learning module. You will continue to develop your understanding of research while studying children’s development and communication. Throughout this year you will be encouraged to make links with your learning in practice and your academic learning, which will enable you to have a greater understanding of young children and their families lives.
Core modules
EEC527
Developing Communication in the Early Years 20 creditsThis module has two related purposes: to give students a sound understanding of how children develop their ability to communicate and to help them develop their own communication skills. Language development is a central focus, but set within a wider understanding of different forms of communication.
EEC566
Work Based Learning (in a setting with young children and/or families) 20 creditsThis module is intended to provide students with the opportunity to experience work-based learning opportunities in a setting which involves work (paid or unpaid) with young children (0-8) or with children and their families. There is recognition that such work-based learning can take place in a wide variety of situations and settings, but for this module it will normally involve more than one child and more than one family. A reflective approach to this learning experience provides students with the opportunity to develop their professional practice.
EEC547
Perspectives on Child DevelopmentThe module will draw on approaches from Sociology, Psychology, Education and Biology to explore physical, emotional, social and cultural influences on child development. Co-production, as a means to support development, through working with families will be emphasised. Students will construct an informed personal perspective on co-production and early development, based on observation and understanding of relationships between theoretical models and research findings.
PIE500
Research MattersThe module provides a basic introduction to research methods to establish some of the fundamentals of research design and process. Students will explore methodological approaches and existing research studies. Students will have an opportunity to engage with a range of innovative and creative methodologies.
Optional modules
EEC522
Working with a Range of Professionals 20 creditsThis module is intended for those who wish to understand more about working with other professionals whose work impacts on young children and their families in some way; in Case Conferences; strategy meetings as well as report writing, producing and implementing developmental and/or safeguarding plans, etc.
100% Coursework
EEC566PLUS
Work Based Learning Plus (in a setting with young children and/or families)This module is intended to provide students with the opportunity to maximise professional learning opportunities during a work-place experience (paid or unpaid) with young children (0-5) or with children and their families. There is recognition that such work-based learning can take place in a wide variety of situations and settings, but for this module it will enable students to meet the Early Years Educator Standards. A reflective approach to this learning experience provides students with the opportunity to develop their professional practice.
EEC545
Child Well-being in the Developing World Challenge Module 20 creditsThrough this module you will be thinking about the big challenges facing young children today in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through reflecting on childhood and the well-being of young children in the developing world (defined as those that are low on the UN Human Development Index), we will be looking critically at issues such as poverty, global inequalities, access to resources, education, health, conflict, livelihoods and sustainability.
100% Coursework
EDST527
Sustainable Education in Action - Challenge Module 20 creditsThrough this module you will be thinking about the big challenges of today in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through a service learning and collaborative sustainable education approach, you will be creatively engaged with pressing issues across the city and local area in order to facilitate learning that helps us make positive change together. This module will enable you to reflect on your development as: competent and confident professionals, sustainable and global citizens, resilient and thriving individuals, and critical and creative learners.
100% Coursework
EDST521
Learning Outside the Classroom 20 creditsThis module focuses on the understanding and personal exploration of Learning Outside the Classroom and Outdoor Learning. Understanding of the fieldwill be gained through theoretical and practical sessions. Students are encouraged to link theory with practice and will devise and justify (drawing on literature and personal reflection) a program of activities for a targeted group in a named real-world location.
100% Coursework
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Final year
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In the final stage of the course you will be helped to make the transition from ‘knowledge consumer’ to ‘knowledge producer’. You will use your developing knowledge and experience to challenge, extend and critique other people’s ideas and your own. You will plan and carry out a research project to develop and disseminate understanding of what you have identified as an area of interest and you will continue to develop your capacity to act as a strong advocate for young children and families.
Core modules
EEC603
Adults' Concepts of Childhood: their impact on the past and present treatment of children 20 creditsThis module will explore how childhood and adulthood are related concepts with deep historical roots. It will explain contemporary changes in young childrens lives by tracing the historical forces that have shaped different concepts of childhood, defining the ways in which adults think, act and behave with young children.
EEC646
Enabling Environments for Young Children's LearningThis module considers issues surrounding the spaces in which adults interact with children in teaching and learning relationships. Students will examine governments’ and practitioners’ beliefs and principles that influence the creation of these ‘spaces’ and the pedagogic practices within them.
PIE600
Research DissertationThis module enhances students’ knowledge and understanding of the nature, significance and role of research and its impact on theory, policy and practice in the field of education and early years. It develops students’ knowledge, skills and understanding in respect of planning, designing, carrying out and critically evaluating their own independent research enquiries.
Optional modules
EDST617
Education for the 21st century: Global, Sustainable and Wild 20 creditsThis module offers an integrated approach to key themes in envisioning future fit education; namely global citizenship, sustainable development and environmental care. It asks the learner to explore contemporary educational issues such as the impact of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Global Action Programme for ESD. It critically and creatively considers the role of compassionate engagement in education with regard to ecological literacy, global citizenship, human rights, social justice, peace and planetary well-being.
100% Coursework
EEC638
Children and Risk 20 creditsLooking at the complexity of child protection issues, within a personal, institutional and community context, addressing the issue of risk and the decision-making process the right decision against the defensible decision, in order to develop a personal, and critical perspective on issues of protection and control. In addition an exploration of the concept of Risk In the wider context.
100% Coursework
EEC645
Current Issues in Early Childhood: Politics, Welfare and Society 20 creditsThis module will enable participants to focus on current debates related to early childhood studies with a focus on the political, welfare and society. By its nature the content of the module will change each year, as issues change, new understandings emerge and different perspectives apply. Key social, political and educational issues that affect the lives of young children, 0-8, and their families will be studied in this module. Some comparisons will be made with Europe and other countries. Students will be encouraged to develop a considerable personal perspective on social questions related to early childhood services.
EDST618
Wellbeing and the 'Good Life' 20 creditsWhat is meant by ‘wellbeing’? How do we know what it is, what affects it, and how to evaluate ours? What do we need to consider if we are going to ‘manage’ our own and to have achievable goals for a ‘Good Life’? This module is about exploring concepts and theories surrounding wellbeing, and to question our own individual and cultural values and expectations in regard to it. Essentially, though, it is about questioning our own, and looking at a small but significant wellbeing toolkit to help us negotiate the myriad challenges of daily life.
100% Coursework
DBS assessments and other requirements
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff
96
Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.
Academic requirements
From a minimum of two A levels. Other combinations will be considered. Preference for social science, health and social care, early years, childcare subjects/qualifications but others are considered.
Preference is given to education, childcare, social science or health and social care but others are considered. A minimum of a Pass (C or more on the core) is required.
DMM-MMM. Preference for social science/health & social care/early years/childcare qualifications but others are considered
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
26–28 overall. Preference for social science/health and social care/early years/childcare qualifications but others are considered.
English accepted within - Advanced Level = 4, Standard Level = 5
If overseas and not studying English within IB – MUST have IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all elements
Although it is preferable to achieve GCSE grade C/4 or above in English language and Mathematics for this course, it is not mandatory and the admissions tutor will consider alternative grades. If you choose to go on to study a PGCE, EYITT or a health-related course you will require them.
Non-academic requirements
- All candidates will be required to
complete a satisfactory DBS (formerly CRB) Enhanced Disclosure , register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority and complete a criminal convictions self-declaration form. - All candidates will be expected to demonstrate an active interest in work with young children, evidenced through placement/practice experience.
Fees, costs and funding
2025-2026 | 2026-2027 * | |
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Home | £9,535 | £9,535 |
International | £17,600 | £18,150 |
Part time (Home) | £795 | £795 |
Tuition fee price changes
Undergraduate scholarships for international students
To reward outstanding achievement the University of 50¶È»Ò offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.
Additional costs
Essential technology for your studies
- Minimum specifications for basic processing (enabling the use of university web-based systems and general-purpose applications, such as Office 365): Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, SSD storage, Full HD display or equivalent, Windows 10.
- Recommended specifications for students intending to run a variety of software applications: Intel Core i5, 16GB RAM, SSD storage, Full HD display or equivalent, Windows 10.
Bursaries and funds
How to apply
Academic staff
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Dr Louise Webber
Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies
Programme Leader
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Dr Vicky Bamsey
Associate Dean for Education and Student Experience
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Professor Verity Campbell Barr
Professor of Early Childhood Education
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Dr Katherine Evans
Lecturer in Education (Early Childhood Studies)
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Dr Marie Lavelle
Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies
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Dr Becky Stancer
Associate Professor, Early Childhood
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Dr Karen Wickett
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Dr Tara Vassallo
Lecturer in Education (Early Childhood Studies)
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