BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care

About the course

What happens during a child’s early years has a lasting impact on their future development so it is important that children have the best possible foundation. This course gives you a thorough grounding in child development and early education preparing you for the important task of working with children and their families.

Why Early Childhood Education and Care?

• You will explore the important issues that impact on children’s lives focusing on birth to seven years old. You’ll look at health and wellbeing, education and learning and development. You'll also study topics such as safeguarding, society and environment.
• Work placements form a key part of the course. Your placement will give you the chance to gain real, practical experience working in a professional environment. These practical experiences, combined with your academic studies, will help you develop the skills that employers are looking for.
• You will have the option to be assessed against the Graduate Practitioner Competencies (GPC) of the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN). Successful demonstration of these competencies will mean you will be awarded Graduate Practitioner Status (GPS) alongside your degree. This could kick start your career in the education and care of young children.

Your career

This course will enable you to consider a varied range of careers in the early years sector, primary teaching and wider children's services. Previous graduates have progressed as childcare workers, primary and early years teachers and teaching assistants, special needs support roles, play therapist and social support workers.