Course summary
If you’re driven to develop your career in early childhood education (ages 0-7) or looking to advance in your current role, this course is the ideal next step for you. Whether you’re already working as an early years specialist, policy advisor, family support worker or a manager in an early years settings, this course will help you build on your expertise and take your career to the next level. You’ll examine a variety of international perspectives on early childhood education, bridging theory with practice and reflecting on how diverse approaches influence our understanding and application of early years education. You’ll also explore key challenges faced by early years professionals, tackling topics such as children’s rights, the sociology and psychology of childhood, and global educational practices. In addition, you’ll develop a deep understanding of the early years curriculum, while building a solid theoretical framework that will challenge and expand your thinking. Why Education (Early Childhood Studies)?
- The course offers flexibility, allowing you to tailor your studies to your professional experience and role, helping you become a reflective and inspiring practitioner.
- You’ll develop critical reflection and independent learning skills to enhance your practice, while deepening your research expertise for your dissertation.
- Benefit from expert teachers, a strong professional network, and access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support your growth.
Modules
Full-time Core modules: International Approaches to Early Childhood Education Methods of Enquiry Introduction to Action Research Dissertation You will study either ‘Introduction to Action Research or ‘Methods of Enquiry’. Option modules: In addition, you choose two modules from the ‘Option modules’ tab below. Please note: If you start your course in September, you will complete four modules and then your dissertation. If you start your course in January, you will complete two modules, then your dissertation, then the remaining two modules. Part-time Year 1 One module in each of the September, January and May terms: Core modules: International Approaches to Early Childhood Education Methods of Enquiry Introduction to Action Research Please note you will study either ‘Introduction to Action Research or ‘Methods of Enquiry’. Option modules: In addition, you choose one module from the ‘Option modules’ tab below Part-time Year 2 One optional module from the list below in the September term, and from January to July/Aug Dissertation Option modules Exploring Teaching and Learning Children, Childhood and Society Education, Society and Development Comparative Approaches to Learning Mentoring and Coaching Managing Learning and Development in Organisations Developing Effective Leadership Critical Social Policy in Education and Public Services Education, Extremism and Community Cohesion Special Educational Needs and Disability: Evaluating Policy and Practice Understanding E-Learning E-Tutoring
Assessment method
The course is normally assessed through course work. The assessment on the course allows you to demonstrate your practical knowledge and skills alongside developing your critical and theoretical understanding of the subject. The assessment builds on your particular interests and context and is likely to have outcomes that will be of benefit to your professional life and to your employer.
Entry requirements
You should have an honours degree in a relevant subject at 2:2 or above, or a professional equivalent. The University will determine whether a degree can be recognised as UK equivalent.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent.
Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements pages.
https://hud.ac.uk/international/courses-and-entry-requirements/international-entry-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £7900* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £7900* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £7900* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £7900* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £7900* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £7900* | Year 1 |
| EU | £17600* | Year 1 |
| International | £17600* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The information provided below is for those applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2025/26. Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. This webpage will be updated with 2026/27 tuition fees as information becomes available.
Tuition fees for UK students will cover the cost of your study at the University. For more information about funding, fees and finance for UK students, including what your tuition fee covers, please see our Fees and Finance - https://www.hud.ac.uk/postgraduate/fees-and-finance/
If you are an EU or international student coming to study at the University of Huddersfield, please visit the International Fees and Finance pages for full details of tuition fees and support available - https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/
Please email the Student Finance Office ([email protected]) or call 01484 472210 for more information about fees and finance.
Sponsorship information
For further information please visit (https://www.hud.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding-studies/’)
Provider information
University of Huddersfield
Queensgate
Huddersfield
HD1 3DH