Course summary

Our BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree will give you the knowledge and skills that you need to work in a range of roles in the early years sector, including early years settings, primary schools, family support, social work, charities and healthcare settings: • Successfully completing the course and placements will qualify you as a Level 3 early years practitioner, enhancing your appeal to employers. This recognition by the Department for Education is contingent on holding suitable literacy and numeracy qualifications. • you will be well prepared for further graduate study (essential if you wish to pursue a career in teaching). • you will learn through interactive lectures and seminars, as well as a placement in which you will gain hands-on experience. • we encourage you to further develop your experience of working with children through part-time or voluntary work, and our excellent Student Support services are here to help you secure these opportunities. • a focus on understanding children’s language development and supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities is a unique feature of our degree. • another unique aspect of the degree is our focus on nutrition, health and wellbeing in the context of children and their environment, bringing attention to sustainability in the natural world. This specialist knowledge will stand you in good stead with employers. • you will also learn how to support young children’s learning and development, understand early childhood policy and what this means for your practice, and undertake a research project on a topic of your choice. Additionally, you will gain valuable experience through placement opportunities whilst applying academic learning to practice. In the final year, you will have the opportunity to carry out independent research which can lead to published work. A multi-disciplinary and experienced academic team who will support you throughout to reach your full potential and consider successful careers in education, health and social care. This course is guided by current policy and legislation including the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (2012), Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) and The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989). University of West London is a member of the Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECSDN). The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.