BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
Key details
Award
Degree of Bachelor of Arts
UCAS Course Code
G001
Fees
£8,500 per year
Awarding Body
University of East Anglia
Course Length
3 years
Course Start Date
September 2026
*This course is subject to validation
Course overview
The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree offers a rich and engaging introduction to the study of children, childhood and families. It is an exciting multi-disciplinary course designed for anyone who wants to work with children and make a positive difference to their early learning and wellbeing. Throughout your studies you will look at child development, safeguarding, children’s health, special educational needs, early years education, play, leadership, and the role of families and communities. You will also examine how childhood is shaped by culture, society and the digital world.
Because the course takes a holistic approach to childhood, you will be encouraged to consider a wide range of perspectives and to develop your confidence in analysing and questioning ideas. Local employers and sector professionals have helped to shape the programme, ensuring that what you learn reflects current practice and the needs of the early years workforce.
A key strength of the course is the work placement experience in your second and third years. These placements give you the chance to apply your learning in real early years settings, develop practical skills, build your confidence and gain valuable experience working with children and families. Placements also help you make professional connections and explore different types of early years provision, which can be extremely helpful when planning your career.
You can also opt to work towards the Graduate Practitioner Competencies through the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network Quality Mark. This optional route involves additional placements and the creation of a professional portfolio across the three years of your degree. It provides a recognised benchmark of competence and helps you stand out when applying for early years roles.
By combining academic learning, reflective practice and hands on experience, this course prepares you for a wide range of roles within the early years sector and gives you the foundation you need to progress into further training or employment working with children and families.
Why study with us?
Globally recognised awards from the UEA
Enriched with the Graduate Practitioner Competencies and PAED First Aid
Strong links with local employers and industry experts
What you’ll study
In your first year, you will explore the core concepts that shape childhood and early development. You will look at how children grow, learn and experience the world around them, while also developing the study and research skills you need for higher education. Modules include:
- Child Development
- Children’s Health and Wellbeing
- Sociological Aspects of Childhood
- The Role of the Early Years Educator
- Children and Families in Society
- Introduction to Study and Research
Your second year helps you develop a deeper understanding of early childhood theory and practice. You will expand your knowledge of safeguarding, research and inclusive support, while beginning your placement experience to apply your learning in real early years settings. Modules include:
- Safeguarding Children
- The Role of Play in Children’s Development
- Research Methods
- Supporting Children’s Learning Outdoors
- Early Years Practice
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Childhood
In your final year, you will refine your professional skills and explore more advanced themes in early childhood. You will look closely at leadership, digital childhoods, global perspectives and working effectively with families. You will also carry out an independent dissertation on a topic that interests you. Modules include:
- Effective Leadership in the Early Years
- Working with Children and Families
- Childhood in the Digital Age
- Childhoods Across the Globe
- Dissertation
Future careers
Upon completing the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree, you’ll be well-equipped for a wide range of rewarding careers, including:
EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER
Salary: £10,000-£40,000+
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER
Salary: £10,000-£40,000+
FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER
Salary: £10,000-£40,000+
Data collected by Lightcast. Lightcast is a leading provider of labour market analytics, offering data-driven insights to connect people with jobs. It integrates economic, labour market, demographic, and job posting data from various sources
Facilities
Study in a vibrant and welcoming space at our University and Professional Development Centre, designed to support learners of all ages and backgrounds. From our well-equipped library and quiet study zone to social spaces like Costa Coffee, to dedicated computer areas and an innovative XR Lab, you’ll have everything you need to excel. You’ll have access beyond timetabled hours, giving you the freedom to study, collaborate and work on projects whenever inspiration strikes.
Explore our creative resources in more detail using our interactive 3D map:
Hear from our students
Chloe Bailey-Howlett
Fees and entry requirements
UCAS Tariff: 96 points
A Level: CCC
Pearson: BTEC
BTEC L3 Ext. Diploma: MMM
Tuition Fees
This course is £8,500 per year. Find out how to secure student finance here.
Course Related Costs
Please see the Course Factsheet for details on other course-related costs.
Funding and Bursaries
Please see Additional Funding and Bursaries for more information.
Click here to view the full Course Factsheet.
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How to apply
Apply for this course through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), using the UCAS Hub. UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for the full-time undergraduate courses at University and Colleges in the United Kingdom.
Please search for ‘West Suffolk College‘ as the institution name on UCAS.
Progressing students at Eastern Education Group
If you are already a student within the Eastern Education Group (West Suffolk College, Abbeygate Sixth Form College or One Sixth Form College), or have been within the last three years, you can apply directly through our Internal Application Form and save up to £1,000 off your first-year tuition fees*.
*The College offers a discount to students who have studied a full-time qualification within the Eastern Education Group in the past three years. Fixed discounts of £1,000 on the first year of a degree course and £500 for first year of a HNC, HTQ or HND course. Students are only allowed to benefit from one discount within any three-year period. Higher or degree apprenticeships are not eligible for this award. The College reserves the right to remove this offer at any time. Other terms and conditions are not affected by this offer.
Disclaimer: There is no need to apply for this award. Full terms and conditions as outlined apply. The progression discounts are in place for students applying to start at University Centre at Eastern Education Group for entry in the same year as their application. Students must be enrolled and in attendance at University Centre at Eastern Education Group.