Entry tariff:
112–128 UCAS points (or equivalent)
Foundation Year: 64–80 UCAS points (or equivalent)
International Foundation Pathway:
64 UCAS (or equivalent)
IELTS: 5.5
UCAS Codes:
X310
If choosing Foundation Year: X110
If choosing CertHE: X210
Start date(s):
September 2026
Do you love working with young children? Do you want to help them grow as inquisitive learners? Discover the holistic development of young children and how to shape their future wellbeing and learning outcomes.
As well as developing your knowledge and skills of the early years, you’ll develop your professional identity through a range of placement opportunities. Graduate Practitioner Competencies, an early childhood industry standard, may be earned upon successful completion of these placement modules.
Did you know?
This course was rated above 90% for satisfaction with teaching and learning by students in the last NSS.
Roehampton is internationally renowned for its work in early childhood studies.
You’ll be a part of our School of Education, where our teaching is informed by the works of Friedrich Froebel – an early pioneer of kindergarten. Your education will be grounded in the following principles:
- A holistic view of babies, young children, their families and the communities they are part of, making links with past, present and future.
- The centrality of play and (outdoor) environments for wellbeing and learning.
- Inclusion and connectedness, and a commitment to social justice in the field of early childhood.
- A commitment to recognising and responding to the individual experiences and understandings of children.
- Continued development of understanding of professionalism and professional reflection and action, linking theory, research and practice.
We also have a proud legacy of teacher training, as we are the longest provider of teacher training in the UK and one of the first higher education institutions to educate women.
Top 6 in London in Childhood & Youth Studies
(Complete University Guide 2025)
Silver in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
For delivering high quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
#1 modern university in the UK for Research
Research Excellence Framework
Foundation Year
This course can also be studied with a foundation year (September entry only).
Modules
In this module you will explore contemporary issues in education and early years, developing a broad and informed understanding of topics such as children’s wellbeing, identity, belonging, spirituality, professionalism, curriculum, and assessment. You will consider diverse perspectives, reflect on ethical and global dimensions, and challenge assumptions linked to childhood and sustainability. You will also build essential academic skills, including confident communication, analytical thinking, responsible use of AI, and accurate referencing. By reflecting on your learning and engaging with university support, you will strengthen your academic development and prepare for future career opportunities. You will consolidate your learning through interactive tasks, a presentation, and a position paper.
In this module you will explore Froebel’s vision for early childhood, gaining a clear understanding of his holistic approach and the central role of play in children’s learning and development. You will examine how Froebelian principles influence contemporary practice and policy, and consider their relevance in addressing global issues that affect young children, including climate change and socio economic inequalities. Through this study you will reflect on how these principles can guide meaningful, child centred practice and contribute to positive change for children, families and communities.
In this module you will take your first steps into professional practice, applying your developing knowledge of early childhood in real settings. You will explore your values and identity, build respectful relationships, and deepen your understanding of children’s development, health, wellbeing and learning. During 175 hours in nurseries, early years settings or schools, you will work as part of a team, use reflective skills to enhance your practice, and gather evidence toward the Graduate Practitioner Competencies. With guidance from tutors and mentors, you will grow in confidence and gain insight into your future career in the early years sector.
In this module you will explore children’s development from conception to eight years, gaining a holistic understanding of how they grow, learn and thrive. You will study key theories, practise observing young children, and reflect on ethics and professional responsibilities. Through filmed examples you will strengthen your confidence in interpreting development and building positive relationships in practice. You will also consider equity, diversity and inclusion, along with the wider social and cultural influences that shape children’s lives, helping you prepare for your future placement.
These are the current planned modules on this course and may be subject to change.
In this module you will explore the many ways children communicate and make meaning from birth, including verbal and non verbal expression, reading and early writing. You will examine how children engage with books, develop reading and writing skills, learn multiple languages and how best to support those with SEND. You will reflect on key theories of language development and practise observing and documenting children’s communication. You will also consider equity, diversity and inclusion, exploring how social, cultural and policy contexts shape early communication and literacy, and reflect on global perspectives and your own experiences.
In this module you will deepen your understanding of the nature, purpose and use of educational research in local, national and global contexts. You will engage critically with different methodologies and paradigms, exploring how evidence is gathered, interpreted and applied across varied social, economic and cultural settings. You will examine how research informs professional practice, shapes policy and supports educational innovation. Through ethical and methodological reflection, you will strengthen your skills in enquiry and learn to connect theory with practice, helping you contribute to inclusive and evidence based educational environments.
In this module you will learn how to create and sustain safe, inclusive learning environments across a range of early years settings. You will examine how teaching approaches, culture and relationships influence children’s and young people’s experiences, and explore the four areas of need within SEND frameworks with a focus on neurodiversity and autism. You will analyse different understandings of disability, develop inclusive practice, and strengthen your collaboration with professionals, families and communities. By linking theory to practice, you will build skills in observation, reflection and analysis to support environments where everyone feels valued and included.
In this module you will build on your first placement experience by extending your professional skills across 210 hours in nurseries, early years settings, schools, or other areas of early childhood. You will deepen your understanding of children’s development, health, wellbeing, participation and learning, while strengthening your reflexive practice through academic reading and reflective tasks. You will work to develop ethical, respectful relationships with children, families and practitioners, recognising the importance of social and cultural context. Support from mentors and tutors will guide your progress as you evidence the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies and prepare for your oral assessment.
These are the current planned modules on this course and may be subject to change.
This course offers all students the option of a one-year paid work placement, to boost your employability even further. If you choose this route, you will take the placement following year two of your course, and then return to complete your degree.
Why take a placement?
A placement year is the perfect opportunity to gain valuable work experience, to build on the career skills we will teach you on this degree. The connections you make on the placement will improve your career prospects further, and equip you with the skills you need to secure graduate-level employment.
How we support you
The University's Placement and Work Experience Team are experts at helping you to secure a placement. They will work closely with you from the start, helping you research potential employers, discover placement opportunities, create and pitch your CV, and will coach you to perform well in interviews. We aren't able to guarantee a placement, but our sector-leading advisors will give you the best possible chance of securing one.
Find out more about how we'll support you
We understand that your plans might change once you start your programme. If you decide not to do a placement, you will have the option of completing the three year version of your programme.
Whatever your choice, you will have access to many opportunities for work experience through our Placement and Work Experience Team, and access to face-to-face and 24/7 online careers support.
In this module you will explore what it means to be an imaginative and ethical leader in the early years. You will reflect on your own values, engage with real scenarios and develop the confidence to advocate for children’s rights and inclusive practice. Through storytelling, case studies, role play and creative reflection, you will build the skills to lead with compassion and creativity. You will finish the module with practical strategies to inspire others, support families, shape meaningful learning environments and champion the voices of young children.
In this module you will consolidate your learning and placement experiences from across the BA ECS course, developing as a confident, analytical and reflective early years professional. You will complete 175 hours in nurseries, schools, family hubs or other settings, ensuring experience with children from birth to eight. You will strengthen your democratic and reflexive practice, build professional relationships, and evaluate your progress in achieving the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies. Guided by tutors and mentors, you will reflect on your pedagogical thinking, document your learning in a reflective log, and prepare for your oral assessment, demonstrating your readiness for professional practice.
In this module you will undertake your Capstone Project, bringing together the knowledge, skills and experiences gained throughout your degree. You will design and complete an independent project in education or early childhood studies that reflects your interests, whether through action research, investigation, dissertation or another in-depth study with real-world relevance. Supported by a supervisor, you will apply theory to practice, integrate prior learning and placement experiences, and develop professional expertise. This module will challenge you to produce work that demonstrates academic rigour, practical impact, and prepares you for future career opportunities or further research.
In this module you will explore how children, childhood and young people are represented across media, including films, TV, social media and news. You will examine theory and literature to critically analyse these portrayals and consider their impact on practice. You will investigate children’s engagement with online spaces, including social media, YouTube and gaming, and explore safeguarding strategies to support wellbeing and mental health. Through this module you will develop the skills to deconstruct media influences, understand their real-life implications, and confidently apply this knowledge to inform and guide practice in your professional settings.
In this module you will develop a play-based pedagogy and advocate for meaningful play opportunities for all children. You will explore attitudes and perceptions of play, with a particular focus on outdoor play and its role in children’s learning and holistic development. You will examine how culture, socioeconomics, politics and climate change influence play provision, and critically evaluate the benefits and limitations of technology on play. Through this, you will learn to design inclusive and engaging play environments that support children’s growth, curiosity and creativity across diverse contexts.
These are the current planned modules on this course and may be subject to change.
This course offers a foundation year, which takes place at the beginning of your studies. Studying a foundation year will give you academic and practical experience, and a strong introduction to your subject, ensuring you succeed on your undergraduate degree.
30 credits
You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.
Teaching and learning
You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.
You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.
You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.
Assessment
You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs.
30 credits
You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.
Teaching and Learning
You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.
You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.
You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.
Assessment
You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs.
30 credits
You will develop your research, numeracy and information technology skills. You will investigate the difference between primary and secondary research, conduct your own research project and demonstrate your findings through data analysis. You will also develop your awareness of equality, diversion and inclusion in the UK, through a real-world issue; discrimination in the workplace.
Teaching and learning
You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.
You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.
You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.
Assessment
You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs.
30 credits
This module provides an in-depth exploration of the principles, theories and practices underpinning learning and child development. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key factors influencing children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth, as well as your implications for effective educational practice. Drawing on foundational theories by Piaget, Vygotsky, Froebel, Skinner and others, this module bridges the gap between theoretical perspectives and practical application in diverse educational contexts.
Through weekly themes, you will examine milestones in child development, the role of play, language acquisition, individual differences, and the impact of external environments, including technology, on learning. Special emphasis is placed on reflective practice, observation, and assessment techniques, as well as strategies to support diverse learners, including those with special educational needs (SEN) and English as an Additional Language (EAL).
This module aims to also develop your critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical expertise, preparing you to create inclusive, supportive, and effective learning environments that foster holistic child development.
Teaching and learning
The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week.
You will have a diverse learning experience of lectures/seminars, case studies, practical sessions and field visits, active learning workshops and microteaches and guest speakers.
You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week to enhance your understanding and learning. This will consist of formal reflection as part of the reflective journal assignment, as well as tutorial support for the informative poster.
Assessment
This module will be assessed using a reflective journal and an information poster.
50% - reflective journal, which documents your learning and insights from each session.
50% - informative poster, you will create an informative poster based on a chosen case study that investigates an aspect of child development.
30 credits
This module explores the relationship between education policies and ethical practices, emphasising your impact on teaching, learning, and professional responsibilities. Through a comprehensive study of key UK and International policies, such as safeguarding, equality, and SEND frameworks, you will critically evaluate how these policies are developed, implemented, and upheld in diverse educational settings.
This module integrates a focus on professional ethics, exploring how educators navigate complex decision-making processes while adhering to policy requirements and maintaining moral and ethical integrity.
The module prepares you to address the challenges of policy compliance and professional accountability while fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
This module also aims to develop your critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical expertise, preparing you to create inclusive, supportive, and effective learning environments that foster holistic child development.
Teaching and learning
By engaging with real-world case studies, global perspectives, and interactive workshops, you will gain the skills to critically analyse policy frameworks, apply ethical reasoning, and ensure inclusive and effective educational practices.
The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week.
You will have a diverse learning experience of lectures/seminars, case studies, practical sessions and field visits, active learning workshops and microteaches and guest speakers.
You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week to enhance your understanding and learning. This will consist of activities to develop your communication skills as well as providing you with opportunities to explore wider policy implementation in diverse/comparative education settings.
Assessment
This module will be assessed using a policy review and a school-based intervention pitch.
40% - policy review, where you will critically evaluate a key education policy.
50% - school-based intervention pitch, you will be design and pitch an intervention aimed at addressing a specific issue related to educational policy and professional ethics.
These are the current planned modules on this course and may be subject to change.
Skills
Make a difference to young children's lives with a degree in Early Childhood Studies.
This course gives you the knowledge and skills to carve out a sustainable career in the education sector and working with young children.
On our BA Early Childhood Studies, our priority is ensuring that you graduate with a professional skillset. This incorporates;
- Developing knowledge, skills, and confidence to act as an advocate for babies, young children, their families and communities.
- Understanding policy and practice and learning to engage in critical inquiry and problem solving around key issues in the field.
- Graduate Practitioner Competencies – You will have the opportunity to gain a level 6 certificate through undertaking an assessed placement.
You’ll also develop the attributes you need to succeed in the workplace, including:
- Written and spoken communication
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Attention to detail.
Your employability is our priority from day one. An optional paid work placement gives you the opportunity to gain professional experience, or study abroad between Years 2 and 3.
Learning
You will be supported by a dedicated and passionate team of lecturers and sector professional with leading expertise in Early Childhood Studies.
You will be working in both small groups and individually enjoying a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent learning.
You will have opportunities to dive deeper into early childhood and develop sound knowledge and professional skills in working with young children focusing on the following key principles of early childhood education and care:
- A holistic view of babies, young children, their families and the communities they are part of
- The centrality of play and outdoor environments for children’s learning and wellbeing
- Inclusion and connectedness fostering a commitment to democracy and social justice
- A commitment to recognising and responding to the individual experiences and understandings of children
- Continued development of advocacy and professionalism
- The importance of professional reflection and action, linking theory, research and practice.
In Year 3, you’ll have the chance to shape your own studies by conducting a capstone project on a topic of your choice. This enables you to further develop and apply academic learning into a chosen area of Early Childhood Studies before you graduate.
This course also offers you opportunities to take placement modules and gain the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competence certificate.
Enjoy a personal and practical approach to your studies. You’ll work in exceptional learning facilities, including:
- The world-class University of Roehampton Library, which is staffed by friendly and dedicated staff who are here to help you. As soon as you join us, you will be able to enjoy all the benefits of our state-of-the-art resources.
- Access to the Froebel Archive, containing rare books, toys, and photos, collected over the past 200 years.
Dr Fengling Tang
I'm Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies. I am Programme Leader for the Early Childhood Studies BA/FdA/Top Up and Froebel Professional Certificate Course in Early Childhood. My teaching covers the undergraduate, postgraduate and Froebel Certificate courses. My research interests include young children’s identities, children’s rights and participation, Froebelian perspectives, wellbeing and spirituality, early childhood professionalism and pedagogy, play and creativity, technology in early childhood, education for sustainability, and ethnographic research with young children.
Sigrid Brogaard-Clausen
I am a senior lecturer on the Early Childhood Studies programme. My Danish Education as a Social Pedagogue forms the platform for my work, influencing both my role as a lecturer/ tutor and my research with a particular interest in promoting democratic participation and wellbeing of young children and early childhood professionals.
My research and teaching focus on advocacy and professionalism is based on democratic principles and critical consideration of the context of curricula and professional education in England and abroad, with specific knowledge of the Danish context. A democratic and comparative angle has been the foundation for my research while exploring young children’s experiences of wellbeing, the identity formation of the professional, and professional and parental understandings of young children’s wellbeing, as well as comparative curricula policy studies.
Dr Evelyn Corrado
I'm Evelyn and i use multidiscplinary appraoch in my teaching and research. My study background is Psychology (MSc and BSc) and Sociology of Education. My Ph.D. research explored dialogic pedagogies in Kenya to enhance teaching and learning. I grew up in Kenya and have a tremendous social-cultural understanding of the African context, which informs my work. Previously, I worked in UK Mental Health Sector for almost ten years and later as an academic tutor at Middlesex University for four years (in the BA Education program).
Dr Sue Smedley
I am Sue Smedley and I teach a variety of undergraduate courses in education and early childhood studies, including the dissertation module in early childhood studies students’ final year. My main interests are in early years and primary teachers’ professional identities and in the place of Froebelian principles. Prior to joining the university, I worked as a primary school teacher in South East London. My research interests are in these two main areas: the experiences of men who train to become primary school teachers; the opportunities to protect and extend Froebelian principles in practice.
Dr Megan Loveys
I am a Lecturer in the School of Education. My PhD research explored the context of one special-mainstream partnership in Further Education. I am very interested in how we can create more collaborative partnerships in education that embody inclusion to better support all students and specifically, students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. My other research interests include transitions throughout education, the use of technology to enhance learning and wellbeing, and the relationship between children and young people's mental health and learning outcomes.
Assessment
Push yourself further with real-world assignments.
Throughout the course, you’ll experience a wide range of assessments that enhance your theoretical understanding and practical skills, while offering you a taste practices within the workplace. These include:
- Case studies
- Analytic commentary
- Enquiry projects
- Essays
- Podcasts
- Posters
- Presentations
- Reflective journals
You’ll leave Roehampton with an in-depth understanding of both the theory and the hands-on applications of working with young children, ready to take the next step.
Career
Shape the future of the education sector.
Many graduates take on roles in the education sector including:
- Education professional in primary and nursery care (teaching, administration or management)*
- A special needs professional in schools, children centres and the community
- A children’s charity undertaking policy and research, in community support, welfare or housing
- An NGO or central or local government department
*This is an academic degree – further study may be needed to gain professional qualifications.
With our BA Early Childhood Studies degree, you can also continue to postgraduate study – researching topics including SEN, disability and inclusion and more. Or taking courses that prepare you for teaching professions.
If you’re ready to learn, we’ll help you gain the confidence and opportunities to achieve.
Our Careers team is on hand to help from the start of your studies until after you graduate. Under their guidance you’ll benefit from a wide range of support, including:
- CV building
- Interview preparation
- Mentoring
- Industry connections
- Work experience
- Volunteering opportunities
- Job fairs
- Introductions to future employers
Our careers team is available to support you from the start of your studies until after you graduate. We will help you build your CV, prepare for interviews, and meet and learn from successful graduates working at the top of their careers. You’ll also have opportunities to work with our partners across London and beyond, and to attend a Roehampton jobs fair where you can find out about graduate opportunities and meet employers.
Open days
Get a real taste of our campus, community and what it’s like to study at Roehampton
Applying
Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS.
Course subject to curriculum enhancement and revalidation.
Entry tariff
112–128 UCAS points (or equivalent)
Foundation Year: 64–80 UCAS points (or equivalent)
Looking to work out your UCAS points or find out about our entry requirements? Find out more.
When we consider applications to study with us, we form a complete view of your achievements to date, and future potential, and can offer flexibility in entry requirements. Find out more about our Contextual Offer scheme.
Specific entry requirements
Career prospects are greatly enhanced by having GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above on this course.
General entry requirements
September 2025 entry tuition fees
UK (home) tuition fees
Undergraduate degree: £9,535
Foundation Year: £5,760
CertHE: £9,535
We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries. See our financial support pages for UK students.
We also provide other ways to support the cost of living, including on-campus car parking, hardship support and some of the most affordable student accommodation and catering in London. Find out more about how we can support you.
International undergraduate students apply through our direct application system.
Course subject to curriculum enhancement and revalidation.
Entry tariff
112–128 UCAS points (or equivalent)
International Foundation Pathway:
64 UCAS (or equivalent)
IELTS: 5.5
Looking to work out your UCAS points or find out about our entry requirements? Find out more.
When we consider applications to study with us, we form a complete view of your achievements to date, and future potential, and can offer flexibility in entry requirements. Find out more about our Contextual Offer scheme.
Career prospects are greatly enhanced by having GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above on this course.
General entry requirements
September 2025 entry tuition fees
EU and international tuition fees
Undergraduate degree: £16,950
Foundation Year: £16,950
CertHE / CertDip: £16,950
International Foundation Pathway: £16,950
We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries. See our financial support pages for international students.
We also provide other ways to support the cost of living, including on-campus car parking, hardship support and some of the most affordable student accommodation and catering in London. Find out more about how we can support you.
Need help or advice before applying?
Education
The School of Education is renowned for its high-quality teaching and research, and is one of the principal teacher training providers in the UK.
