BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
If you're passionate about working with young children and making a real difference in their lives, our BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree, awarded by the University of East Anglia, is the perfect choice. Delivered two days a week in Bury St Edmunds, with online dissertation support in your final year, this flexible course combines practical experience with academic study to prepare you for a rewarding career in education, social care, or health.
Over three years, you'll explore multiple perspectives on early childhood, gaining hands-on experience through tailored work placements that align with your career goals. By linking theory to practice, you’ll develop key skills to support infants, young children, and families.
You’ll also have the option to achieve Graduate Practitioner Competencies, further enhancing your employability. With 100% student satisfaction in key areas including teaching, academic support, and student voice (NSS, 2024), you’ll be supported every step of the way in a welcoming and engaging learning environment.
Outstanding Student Satisfaction
‘Teaching on my course’ 100% (NSS, 2024)
‘Academic support’ 100% (NSS, 2024)
‘Organisation and management’ 100% (NSS, 2024)
‘Student voice’ 100% (NSS, 2024)
‘Mental wellbeing services’ 100% (NSS, 2024)
Support to Help You Succeed
✅ Lower tuition fees than most universities
💰 Means-tested bursaries available for eligible students
📚 Academic & pastoral support throughout your studies
🖥️ Canvas – our virtual learning environment for 24/7 study access
Extra-Curricular Activities and Enrichment
Our BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree offers fantastic opportunities to enhance your learning and career:
Pediatric First Aid – Free qualification to prepare you for working with children.
Paid Work Experience – Gain valuable paid experience alongside your studies.
Graduate Practitioner Competencies – Apply academic knowledge to support child development in practice and earn this certification at no extra cost, boosting your CV and employability with the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network Quality Mark.
Early Years Excellence Annual Conference – Join our annual event to celebrate early childhood and network with professionals.
Career Opportunities
Upon completing the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree, you'll be well-equipped for a wide range of rewarding careers, including:
Early Years and Primary School Teaching
Masters in Psychology, Child Development, or Early Childhood Studies
Family Liaison Roles within the Police and Prison Service
Paid Roles within Charity Organisations
Residential Child Care Roles
Mother and Baby Supported Housing Roles
Teaching Early Years Courses in Further Education
Nursery Management
Early Years Practitioner
How to Apply
Ready to apply? Apply online by visiting www.universitystudies.wsc.ac.uk, or join us at an upcoming open day to find out more!
APPLY NOW
This degree programme is designed by University Studies and validated by the University of East Anglia, a top-25 UK University. The Degree is quality assured against national Quality Assurance Association benchmarks and regulated by the Office for Students.
Developing graduate and postgraduate level education, training and research in the discipline of Early Childhood Studies.
Usual Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 points
A level - CCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
All applicants must undergo an extended interview process and demonstrate capacity for self-awareness, maturity and stability and be able to cope with the emotional demands of the course.
Those undertaking practice hours will be required to successfully complete a Data and Baring Service (DBS) check.
It is desirable that applicants have previously completed an introductory to counselling course and have used these skills in a helping capacity.
Applicants who do not meet the published entry requirements will be considered on an individual basis based upon prior learning and relevant experience.
Work Experience/Residential Requirements:
The mandatory work placement is in the second year of the degree. We will also support you to find relevant volunteer positions at any point during the programme to help you gain valuable experience if you are new to the early years sector or wish to develop your pre-existing experience.
Progression Opportunities
The Early Childhood Studies degree provides you with a range of career options working with children and families as well as the opportunity to progress to postgraduate qualifications in order to work in the education, health and social care sectors.
Many of our students’ progress onto Early Years or Primary Teacher Training after completion of the degree. Early Childhood Studies offers students an excellent foundation for early years pedagogy, which is well recognised by teacher training providers. At West Suffolk College we are very proud that all of our Early Childhood Studies students, who have applied for teacher training, have secured places.
Typical Careers/Average Salaries
Early Years Teacher £22k - £33k
Family Support Worker £24k - £35k
Typical Module Diet
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Child Development
Children’s Health and Wellbeing
Introduction to Study and Research
Children and Families in Society
Sociological Aspects of Childhood
The Role of the Early Years Educator
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Safeguarding Children
The Role of Play in Children’s Development
Supporting Children’s Learning Outdoors
Early Years Practice
Research Methods
Psychological Perspectives of Childhood
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Dissertation (40 credits)
Effective Leadership in the Early Years
Working with Children and Families
Childhood Across the Globe
Childhood in the Digital Age
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Guides, Poster Presentations, Review Papers, Observations, Exams, Essays, Reflective accounts, Presentations, Dissertation
Period of Study
Three Years Full-time
The University Studies at WSC Admissions Policy contains information on our English Language requirements.
Terms and Conditions can be found here.
Fees
£8,500 per year full-time
Click for information on securing student finance
Details of any incidental costs related on this course can be found on the course factsheet.
Study will be delivered at the University Studies and Professional Development Centre at West Suffolk College.
Additional Potential Costs:
Outside of course fees, there are some additional costs associated with the completion of the programme. Basic additional costs are estimated to include approximately £120 for course books/materials per annum and £44 for an enhanced DBS.
Students may also incur additional costs travelling to work placement in Year 2.
