University of Northampton

Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)

University of NorthamptonWaterside Campus, Northampton

Course overview

The BA Early Childhood Studies degree takes a holistic approach to the development of young children, from conception to the age of eight and provides opportunities to apply this learning in placement settings. The Early Childhood degree draws on a range of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, early years pedagogy, policy, law, health, philosophy, and leadership and management, providing you with the breadth of knowledge to pursue careers in early childhood education and care, education, health and social care. The part time route is ideal for anyone looking to fit study around existing commitments.

You could expect to be on campus for approximately eight hours per week. If you are not already working in a related role you would also need to attend a placement for half a day per week. In addition to the taught sessions you would need to commit around six hours per week to independent study.

For Satisfied with Teaching for Education Data taken from the Complete University Guide league 2026 Childhood and Youth Studies subject table and the Guardian guide 2026 Education league table Our BA Early Childhood Studies Degree has been awarded with the Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECSDN) quality mark for the Graduate Practitioner Competencies, indicating our commitment to an excellent application of knowledge to practical skills.

Key highlights

  • Holistic study of child development from conception to age eight
  • Placement opportunities to apply learning in early years settings
  • Draws on psychology, sociology, pedagogy, policy, law, health and philosophy
  • Includes leadership and management alongside early years pedagogy
  • ECSDN quality mark for the Graduate Practitioner Competencies
  • Part-time route with around eight hours per week on campus

Entry requirements

  • A-level: CCC — A typical offer would be: CCC at A Level or, MMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or, Pass (C and above) at T Level We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.
  • BTEC: MMM — A typical offer would be: CCC at A Level or, MMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or, Pass (C and above) at T Level We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.
  • T-level: Pass — A typical offer would be: CCC at A Level or, MMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or, Pass (C and above) at T Level We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.

Scholarships

  • ICAEW Foundation Bursary

    Three annual payments of £4,000

    Up to £12,000

  • John Lowe Accounting and Finance Scholarship

    Scholarship is paid as £1,000 in the second and third years of study.

    Up to £2,000

  • Northampton Energy Elite Athlete Scholarship

    This scheme offers the student athlete a support network enabling them to balance the demands of performance sport with academic study.

  • Reid Science, Engineering, and Computing Bursary

    £500 per year of study

    Up to £1,500

  • TD Lewis Scholarship

    The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.

    Up to £100

  • The Chancellor's Fund

    Up to £50

  • The University of Northampton International Scholarship

    The University of Northampton International Scholarship Scheme is a merit-based scholarship that provides up to a £4,000 reduction in tuition fees.

  • Wilson Endowment Scholarship

    Successful students will receive three annual payments of £500, one for each year of study.

    Up to £1,500

Careers this course leads to

  • Early Years Practitioner
  • Nursery Manager
  • Early Years Teacher
  • Family Support Worker
  • Children's Centre Worker
  • Teaching Assistant

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790 per year | International: £17,000 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 Northampton, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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