University of Derby

Early Childhood Studies (Top-Up)

University of DerbyDerby (Kedleston Road), United Kingdom

Course overview

• Explore how children learn and develop from birth to eight years, building professional skills and knowledge to meet their needs • The opportunities to focus on modules specific to your Personal interests and careers aspirations (subject to demand) • Benefit from the expertise of a multi-disciplinary academic team who will ensure your learning is relevant, up to date and research informed • If you complete this course and meet the entry requirements for PGCE Primary, we will guarantee you an interview - see below for full details. • Top 5 for student voice - Education - National Student Survey 2025 • 2nd for teaching - Education - National Student Survey 2025

Key highlights

  • Tops up level 5 qualifications to a bachelor's degree
  • In-depth study of child development from birth to age eight
  • Builds critical thinking, reflective practice, leadership and research skills
  • Focus on inclusive practice and high-quality early years provision
  • Module on children in transition: identity, belonging and advocacy
  • Option to be assessed against the Early Childhood Graduate Competencies

Entry requirements

  • Additional condition: dbs_check — …above, or hold a formally recognised equivalent evidence of current DBS from your employment setting Any student interested in being assessed against the GPCs whilst on the programme will be required to…
  • Additional condition: interview — …the GPCs whilst on the programme will be required to attend a short interview via Microsoft Teams.

Scholarships

  • Full Payment Discount

    If you pay your annual tuition fee in full ahead of enrolment, you will benefit from a £1,000 discount.

    Up to £1,000
  • Sports Scholarships - Individual and Team Sport Scholar

    Up to £3,000 fee subsidy and support services.

  • Sports Scholarships - Performance Team Sports Scholar

    Up to £3,000 fee subsidy and support services.

  • Talented Athlete Award

    Please contact the provider.

  • Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships

    Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships - £2,000

    Up to £2,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Senior early years practitioner
  • Early years leader or manager
  • Family support worker
  • Primary or early years teacher (with further training)
  • Social worker (with further training)

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,535 per year | International: £17,500 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Derby, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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