This degree will provide you with the skills, knowledge and experience to become an effective practitioner working with young children in a range of settings for the 0 – 8 age range.

The BA (Hons) Early Years is aligned to professional standards, such as Early Years Educator (EYE), and the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN) Graduate Competencies; these are nationally recognised and endorsed by the sector.

Through innovative and flexible approaches to teaching and learning the programme offers you a balance of theoretical perspectives which will enable practical application in early childhood settings. You will consider the voice of the child and how to support children’s wellbeing to develop resilience and agency within their lives. The modules within this programme will enable you to develop your critical understanding of key themes within early years education and care, including play and pedagogy, professional practice, child development and socio-cultural perspectives.

This programme also offers support for your academic, personal and career development, working closely with professionals, employers and placement providers. It is envisaged that graduates from this programme could apply for postgraduate courses including teacher training or masters programmes, as well as positions within education or social service settings.

All of the modules on this course are compulsory and worth either 20 or 40 credits each.

Year 1

• Understanding and observing child development (20 credits)
• Children’s meaning making (20 credits)
• Safeguarding young children (20 credits)
• Becoming a reflective practitioner (20 credits)
• Play, learning and pedagogy (40 credits)

Year 2

• Promoting health and wellbeing (20 credits)
• Children, families and communities (20 credits)
• Engaging with research (40 credits)
• Working with additional needs (20 credits)
• Exploration, creativity and curriculum (20 credits)

Year 3

• Contemporary issues in the early years (20 credits)
• Constructions of childhood (20 credits)
• Leadership and teamwork (20 credits)
• The creative practitioner (20 credits)
• Dissertation (40 credits)

This course is taught via a combination of lectures, seminars, workplace practice, presentations, case studies and group workshops. UCW’s Higher Education Library Plus Academic Development Team also deliver a series of sessions on degree-level research and academic writing to all first-year students. When not in scheduled lecturers and seminars, students are expected to continue learning through independent self-study. This involves reading relevant literature, working on individual and group projects, and undertaking research in preparation for coursework and exams.

This course has 10 hours scheduled teaching which takes place over 1 full day and an additional half day.   Within the half day there is flexibility with physical attendance depending on individual circumstances which can be negotiated with the team.

There is a requirement to be employed within the sector or to undertake relevant placement experience.  

Assessment is via 100% coursework, there are no written exams on this degree.

Please click on the Course Handbook button to find out more.

• Students who pass this course are eligible to apply for postgraduate courses such as the MA in Education (Early Years) at Bath Spa University.
• Many graduates from the course have also sought to enter the education profession on other pathways including a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) leading to either Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Graduates of this course are also qualified to work in management roles in settings such as nurseries and children centres and in areas including community and family project work, child protection and social work.

Industry insight

There are more than 33,000 group-based and school-based early years education providers in the UK (DfE Survey of Childcare and Early Years Providers).

• UCAS Tariff - 80 points
• A level - CC
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MPP
• Access to HE Diploma: M: 15 credits
• T Level - P
• Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
• An interview is required.
• Applicants who have qualifications that are not listed, but have considerable experience in the sector, may be considered on an individual basis.

We try to ensure that all as many costs for the programme you will study will be included within your tuition fees. We will endeavour to keep any additional costs you may have to pay to a minimum and some of the extra costs may be considered optional where it is deemed extra to your programme. 

To be clear, your tuition fees pay for the following: 

• All teaching and lectures  

• Use of specialist facilities at UCW 

• Specialist Guest Lectures at UCW 

• Annual photocopying budget of £10 

• Use of computer equipment at any UCW campus  

• Access to Microsoft 365 whilst enrolled at UCW. 

• Access to careers advice during and after completion of your programme of study. 

• Use of Libraries and access to Journal databases, e-books and physical books. 

Additional Costs that will need to be incurred to study your programme: 

All students are required to obtain an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an additional cost of £55. Click here for details.

Additional costs that you may incur should you wish to: 

• In 2023-24 the students went on an optional educational residential to Berlin costing them £450.

• Extra photocopying and printing above the initial £10
• The cost of books you may wish to purchase. 

Programme Handbook

UCW Terms and Conditions

Bath Spa University Terms and Conditions