University of Chester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
The education landscape plays a critical role in children’s cognitive and emotional development, and how they progress through later life. This course specialises in the transformative power within both the Primary Education and Early Childhood sectors, and is perfect if you wish to discuss, discover, and analyse in-depth why learning experiences are vital. You will explore contemporary thinking relating to play, social and emotional development, and the philosophy of childhood and education. Early education creates intense discussion across political and societal landscapes, exposing tensions between care and education. This course supports you to analyse and assess a range of political and societal ideas about family life and teaching and caring for children that have far-reaching impacts on their schooling and wider society. This course offers you a great deal of flexibility and supports you to follow your professional interests. In your second year, you will be well-poised to choose a pathway to specialise in either Early Childhood or in Primary Education, and we tailor modules so that they deepen and widen your knowledge in these areas. We’re particularly proud of our third-year offering; in this year you will author a personal (and often inspirational) research project. Examples of dissertations include how gender influences toy choices, perceptions of sign language between parents and practitioners, healthy eating in a school environment, and the ‘Justifiable Lie’: the magic of Santa! BA Early Childhood and Primary Education Pathways This course allows you to study a specialist pathway. Our pathways provide you with specific modules and opportunities to enable you to tailor your studies towards areas you are passionate about, whether through Early Childhood Studies or Primary Education Studies specialisms. Our Early Childhood Studies pathway will provide a critical understanding of social, political, and cultural perspectives on early childhood learning. It will encourage independent thinking as you analyse theory and practice in early years settings. This pathway is ideal if you’re passionate about the foundational stages of children's development and will prepare you with a Level 3 Early Years Educator licence to practice alongside your degree. Our pathway in Primary Education Studies is designed for students interested in specialising in the development, learning, and education of children aged 5-11. The pathway emphasises inclusive teaching strategies, equipping you with the skills to support diverse learners and create engaging, responsive learning environments. With a blend of academic study and placement experience, this pathway will prepare you to pursue a career in primary education, with options to further your qualifications through postgraduate study. This pathway is ideal if you are passionate about making a difference in children’s early educational experiences and contributing positively to the primary school setting.
Modules
The BA Early Childhood & Primary Education course contains core modules at each level of study. At Level 4, you are introduced to principles of holistic child development, and the theories of playful learning. Core modules are shared with Level 4 students from similar courses within the department. Level 5 builds upon this foundation with more complex learning that offers you the opportunity to develop your thinking about children’s lives regarding health and wellbeing. This level also supports you to consider how research is undertaken and equips you with early research skills. At Level 5 you are given the choice of a module pathway which offers a focus on working in the Early Years or working in Primary Education At Level 6 you will undertake a dissertation project focusing on your own area of interest. You will continue learning and developing your personal philosophy, integrating all the knowledge and skills acquired throughout your studies with a focus on critical discussions relating to alternative narratives, marginalised children and what childhood looks like in contemporary society. You are offered the opportunity to undertake Graduate Practitioner Competencies awarded by the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network. These competencies support you to undertake a higher level of practice supported by workplace placements, assessed practice & portfolio and an end-of-year Viva at Level 6. The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.
Assessment method
This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term you will study 40 credits comprised of either one or two modules. Scheduled contact hours range between approximately six and ten hours per week depending upon level of study and the complexity of the material being taught. This course is delivered through in person. Students can expect to take part in lectures, workshops and peer-led seminars. Students should expect to spend an average of 30 – 34 hours per week on independent study which might include following asynchronous learning material, tutorial time with staff, using the University’s library, working with peers and preparing work for assessment. Teaching will be delivered by experience academics and practitioners in the subject. This will be supplemented by occasional guest lecturers and speakers. There will be a broad range of assessment methods so you are exposed to the different types of tasks that you might encounter in the workplace. These will include coursework in the form of portfolios, written pieces (both long and short form), podcasts and presentations. In some modules, you will encounter class tests and practical assessments. We continuously review the assessment methods used in order that they adequately prepare you for graduate level employment.
How to apply
29Jan
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:
- X325
- Institution code:
- C55
- Campus name:
- Chester
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 points
A level - CCC - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher - BBBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 28 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H4, H4
T Level - P
The University of Chester considers a wide range of Level 3 qualifications and a wide range of professional / vocational qualifications. Please note that GCSE grade C/4 or above in English (or equivalent) is required. GCSE grade C/4 or above in Maths and Science are desirable.
Additional entry requirements
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Prior to admission to this course, you will be required to obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
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
| EU | £9535 | Year 1 |
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
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 University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.
Provider information
University of Chester
Parkgate Road
Chester
CH1 4BJ