Course summary
Keen to shape young children’s futures? An Early Childhood Studies degree teaches you the skills and knowledge to understand how children from 0 to 8 years old develop, learn and think. You'll explore the world through a child’s eyes and unlock your potential. Forge a rewarding career with children and families in a variety of early years settings. Working with young children is hugely rewarding and enormous fun. It can also be very challenging, and it’s a fast-paced sector. We’ll help you develop the skills, knowledge and qualities needed to deliver a high standard of professional practice in the workplace. Our course has been designed to develop your understanding of professional and inclusive practice, supporting both the child and the family. Using theory and practical experiences you’ll explore current research around key topics including contemporary theories and pedagogical approaches, while building your leadership skills and considering possible careers across the early childhood sector. You’ll have the opportunity to achieve your Early Childhood Practitioner Competencies, ensuring you graduate with a full and relevant early years qualification to meet the requirements of the graduate workforce. If you have already completed a foundation degree (or equivalent), you can gain a full honours degree in just one or two years with our Top-Up options. Our Education courses ranked 7th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2024, and scored 90% for the Teaching on my Course in the National Student Survey 2023. You’ll learn through practice in our Early Childhood Resource and Research Room, and through placements and theoretical modules. Placements are a fantastic opportunity to hone your skills and get practical, hands-on experience. You’ll be supported by a dedicated Placement Coordinator to source your placements. Whether you decide to go on placement or not, you’ll have access to additional volunteering and work experience as well as the choice to take part in further professional development training opportunities, enrichment trips, research groups and various early childhood and education events. Throughout your studies you’ll be taught by experts in the field of early childhood, using a variety of teaching methods and interactive technology to promote learning, including group activities, class debates and discussion, lectures and seminar sessions, as well as independent learning and study expectations. You’ll receive regular feedback and personal tutorial support throughout the course to develop both your academic and professional skills. You’ll also benefit from the research our lecturers are involved in through our Early Childhood Research Group. Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies (ECGPC) When you study with us, you’ll complete the ECGPC (Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies). This is a professionally recognised framework that will enhance your employability and provide some clarity for your prospective employers as to the graduate level of your achievements. These competencies are included on the QAA Early Childhood Studies Subject Benchmark Statements with practice at Level 6 recognised by the Department for Education (DfE). You’ll meet the nine competencies through assessed observation of practice, practice-based tasks and academic assessment. Careers We’ve worked with employers in designing our BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, to ensure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need. We’re also guided by The Children’s Workforce Development Council and the Early Years Professional Framework. Whether in nurseries or pre-schools, you’ll be qualified to work in any registered setting in England. You could also consider a career in educational psychology or social work, with additional training. Or you might continue your studies at ARU on our MA Education with Early Childhood or PGCE. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off.
Modules
Year 1 Core modules: Learning and Development; Play, Health and Wellbeing; Researching Childhood; Early Years Practice and Pedagogy; Early Childhood Graduate Competencies. Year 2 Core modules: Embracing Diversity; Safeguarding Children; Supporting Children's Learning: Comparing Curricula; Early Years Practice, Policy and Professionalism; Early Childhood Graduate Competencies; Ruskin Module. Year 3 Core modules: Early Childhood Leadership and Management; Interdisciplinary Perspectives; Leading Change in Early Childhood Contexts; Early Childhood Graduate Competencies; Children's Rights; Undergraduate Major Project. Modules are subject to change and availability.
Assessment method
You will be assessed in a range of ways which are designed to support the professional skills you need within the workforce. These include observations, patchwork texts, presentations, case studies, portfolios, posters, investigations, reports and essays.
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- X3C0
- Institution code:
- A60
- Campus name:
- Chelmsford Campus
- Campus code:
- A
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
We welcome applications from international and EU students, and accept a range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 80 points
A level
Access to HE Diploma
GCSE/National 4/National 5
If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University. 2020 Entry requirements are under review for the next cycle and have been published using the current cycle information. Please check back when apply opens for the exact requirements
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.anglia.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/early-childhood-studies
Additional entry requirements
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Health checks
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Provider information
Anglia Ruskin University
East Road
Cambridge
CB1 1PT