Course summary

Our Early Childhood Studies degree is ideal if you’re looking to work with children and babies from birth to the age of eight. You will gain a broad understanding of the professional issues that underpin the care and education of young children as well as increasing your understanding and awareness of the rapidly evolving nature of early years provision around the world. You will cover children’s development and learning in the context of the family and the community, as well as wider national and international settings. Paediatric First Aid training is included as part of the course and you will have the opportunity to complete the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies. This course includes placements in each of the three years. Spending time on placements and in fieldwork will allow you to put your academic learning into practice giving you real, practical knowledge that will be invaluable in your future career. You will also have an opportunity to visit or study in a European country. You will benefit from specialist sessions with professionals in the fields of special educational needs, social work, cultural diversity and creative and therapeutic approaches. This degree is excellent preparation for any leadership role in an Early Years setting. It is also a strong foundation for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), Early Years Teacher Status (0-5) or the School Direct route into teaching. NSS**

• 100% of final year BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies students at The University of Northampton agreed they were satisfied with the course

• 95% go on to work and / or study within 15 months after the course

• 100% Staff are good at explaining things

• 94% Staff have made the subject interesting

• 100% The course is intellectually stimulating

• You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.

• Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand new laptop* to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course text book is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).

• Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one to one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.

• Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.

• In fact, we’re so confident in our careers and employability support that if you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.