Course Overview

This degree will empower you with the knowledge and skills, confidence, and resilience to act as an advocate for babies, young children, their families, and communities. You will develop an understanding of policy and practice, and learn to engage in critical inquiry and problem-solving around key issues in the field. Please note that BA in Early Childhood Studies is a program of academic study and is not in itself a qualification to work as an early years teacher or practitioner. Students seeking vocational qualifications should opt to take the Graduate Practitioner Competencies certificate (as outlined in the fifth tab, left).

The course takes a distinctive Froebelian approach to the study of early years, grounded in the following principles:

A holistic view of babies, young children, their families, and the communities they are part of, making links with past, present, and future.

The centrality of play and (outdoor) environments for well-being and learning

Inclusion and connectedness, and a commitment to social justice in the field of early childhood

A commitment to recognizing and responding to the individual experiences and understandings of children

Continued development of understanding of professionalism and professional reflection and action, linking theory, research, and practice

General Eligibility

• passes in two distinct subjects at GCE Advanced Level; or

• a pass in one subject at GCE Advanced Level plus (a) passes in two distinct subjects at GCE Advanced Subsidiary Level, or (b) a Vocational A-Level Single Award, or (c) two Vocational A-Level part Awards;

• a Vocational A-Level Double Award; or

• a Vocational A-Level Single Award plus (a) two Vocational A-Level part Awards, or (b) passes in two distinct subjects at GCE Advanced Subsidiary Level; or

• a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma; or

• a completed T-Level award; or

• a Scottish Certificate of Education with (a) passes in five subjects, including at least three at a Higher grade, or (b) passes in four subjects all at a Higher grade or New Higher grade; or

• the full Diploma of the International Baccalaureate; or

• an Irish Leaving Certificate with passes in four subjects at Grade C at the Higher level.

Part Time Work Details

20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum 5.5 in each component