Early Childhood Studies - BA (Hons) - London Metropolitan University

Our Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) degree was one of the first university courses of its kind in the UK, developed to meet the demand for well-qualified early childhood specialists working with young children and their families across all sectors. This undergraduate degree will equip you to implement effective practice with children and families in a range of situations and to act as an advocate for their rights and wellbeing.

Course details

Our Early Childhood Studies BA degree is uniquely designed for both experienced practitioners and those new to the early childhood studies field. The focus of the course is the study of play, development and learning of children from birth to six-years-old in a socio-cultural context and the implications this has for practice in early childhood settings. The course emphasises the links between theory and practice and highly values the development of professional and academic knowledge. It includes assessed practice, which means tutors will visit/appraise you in professional settings. This appraisal is important for your licence to practise.
  • Mode of study: 2 -3 days campus
  • Intake: September , January
  • Course length: 3-4 years
  • Course fee: £9,250 per year
  • Location: London

London Metropolitan University

Course overview

The early childhood studies course team includes writers and researchers at the forefront of the field who are passionately committed to enabling, empowering and inspiring students to make transformational changes to their own lives and to the lives of children, families and communities. You’ll receive exceptional pastoral and academic support from your tutor and academic mentor, whose job will be to ensure you progress through your studies and settle in to university life.


In your first year, the focus will be on developing key skills that are indispensable for academic study at university, including reading, writing and constructing arguments. The study of these academic skills will be linked to other subjects on the course, including theoretical perspectives of holistic development, the use of play in supporting development, the safeguarding of children and inclusion. You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a work placement module, which will require you to work for two days per week with children aged four to five. You will be supported by a placement supervisor, a visiting tutor and a placement liaison officer.

Benefits

Entry requirements

a minimum of grades BBC in three A levels (or a minimum of 112 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg CACHE Diploma)
English Language GCSE at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
enhanced criminal records check

What the students say

My knowledge in childcare has developed tenfold since taking part in this degree course. The tutors are not only incredibly knowledgeable but also unbelievably supportive giving 100 per cent. It’s because of their support and belief in me that I am hoping to apply for my master’s degree.

Modules

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
  • Perspectives on Children’s Development (core, 30 credits)
  • Safeguarding Young Children’s Health and Well-being (core, 30 credits)
  • Understanding Play (core, 30 credits)
  • Academic Skills and Professional Placement (alternative core, 30 credits)
  • Adults and Children as Learners: An Introduction to Early Childhood Studies (alternative core, 30 credits)
  • Approaches to Pedagogy and Curriculum in the Early Years (core, 30 credits)
  • Challenging Inequalities (core, 15 credits)
  • Children’s Rights in Today’s World (core, 15 credits)
  • Enquiry-based Learning (core, 30 credits)
  • Promoting Early Learning Through the EYFS and Key Stage 1 (core, 15 credits)
  • Communicating in Multi-lingual contexts (alternative core, 15 credits)
  • Early Years Learning and Practice Frameworks (alternative core, 15 credits)
  • Creative Thinking and Representation from Birth to Six (option, 15 credits)
  • Professional Studies and Practitioner Placement: Part 2 (option, 15 credits)
  • Early Childhood Studies Project (core, 60 credits)
  • Leading Practice with Children, Families and Professionals (core, 30 credits)
  • Reading Research and Research Methods in Early Childhood (core, 15 credits)
  • Debating Children and Childhood (option, 15 credits)
  • Professional Practice in Key Stage 1 (option, 15 credits)