You’ll gain knowledge and understanding of:

• Social, cultural, historical, political and economic contexts of early childhood
• Approaches to working with babies, young children, families and communities
• An understanding of global issues and debates, such as young children as active participants in the lives and practices of families, societies and cultures
• The processes which shape early childhood and young children's lives, including ethical principles and children's rights
• Educational research and enquiry methods
• Skills which support participation, critical engagement, and intellectual independence.

In addition to this, you’ll gain skills that will make you attractive to employers. You’ll learn to present your ideas confidently in a variety of forms, use ICT for various professional purposes and work collaboratively.

Work placements, industry links and internships

Placements occur in each year of the programme (25 placement days/year) in a range of early childhood settings as part of the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies. These extended placements also enable you to collect practice-based evidence for the accredited vocational qualification ‘Early Years Educator’. 

Optional modules provide further placement opportunities for you to work with young people both locally and internationally. The Institute for Education Partnership Office will arrange each placement for you. We try to ensure you are located within a reasonable distance from where you live; however, you should normally expect to travel using your own or public transport.

Previous students have worked with charities, youth centres and third-sector organisations such as museums, as well as in schools and early years settings.

Early Childhood Studies will provide the basis for you to work with young children in different early years settings and contexts. You may choose to work in educational and training advisory roles in a range of organisations including local community, businesses, local authorities, non-government organisations, charities, museums, art galleries and libraries.

You’ll also be able to apply for PGCE courses in teacher training (Early Years Initial Teacher Training or Primary and Early Years) – but if you know at this stage that you want to be a teacher you should consider our early years specialised teaching pathway.