Course summary

**Location of study: Level 3 – ARU Cambridge Campus Level 4-6 – ARU Chelmsford Campus** 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 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 take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship to get 20% off an ARU Master's course.