Entry tariff:
2025/26 entry: Call 0300 303 8320 to find out if you are eligible for this programme in Clearing
UCAS Codes:
X310
If choosing Foundation Year: X110
If choosing CertHE: X210
Start date(s):
September 2025
September 2026
Clearing
CLEARING 2025
Be Roehampton
Open for Clearing
Call us on 0300 303 8320Complete our Clearing self-application
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
These modules are those we currently offer for 1 year (full-time) and may be subject to change.
This is a compulsory module helping you to build a solid foundation of knowledge about the youngest children in early childhood. The period from conception through birth to three is the most rapid and most significant phase of development in human growth, yet it is frequently perceived only in terms of physical and emotional care. The module aims to promote a holistic understanding of this phase of learning and development that takes account of the rapidly expanding knowledge in this field.
In this compulsory module, you will be introduced to a range of current issues and debates in early childhood and education. You will be encouraged to understand and reflect on the issues in context, and to consider the different perspectives of e.g. children, pupils, families, teachers and policy makers. A key aspect of the module will be a focus on inducting students into academic study and academic literacy, through reflection on their own learning, alongside learning study skills.
In this compulsory module, you will be develop your understanding of the different professionals that work with children. It emphasises the importance of multi-agency working to support the needs of the child. The module aims to develop students' awareness and understanding of the importance of equity and inclusion in the early years.
This compulsory module introduces students to the work of Friederich Froebel. It aims to promote well informed, critical and lively debate on his contribution to current theory and practice in the field of early childhood. The module examines Froebelian principles, particularly the importance of his ideas concerning play and outdoor learning and their importance for children.
This compulsory autumn term module begins your preparation for completing your first placement. The module focuses on working with young children in early childhood settings as well as working with professionals and parents in your placement setting. Observation, a key skill in working with young children, will be a focus as well as helping you to develop your early professional practice.
This is a compulsory placement that each student must complete in the first year of the course. Your placement will be working with children in this age range and working in a setting that will help to support your professional development.
How do children develop their language and literacy skills? What happens if this development is interrupted in some way? Introducing key theories, research and skills around communication, language development and literacy, you will learn how to support children from diverse backgrounds in developing these key skills. The role adults and learning environments play in influencing the holistic development of young children’s communication, language and early literacy will also be considered.
This module introduces you to key aspects of educational research from the UK and global perspectives. This module will explore policy developments, teaching and learning practices, social cultural influences, equity and inclusion in educational research. This module will develop your confidence in educational enquiries and research process. This module lays a solid foundation for your year 3 Capstone Project.
Early childhood practitioners need to create and sustain safe, inclusive learning environments across different early childhood settings. The module will explore SEND frameworks, focusing on Neurodiversity and autism, and critically examine different ways of understanding disability. By connecting theory to practice, you will develop practical skills in observation, analysis, reflection, and creation of inclusive practice to support all children through teaching approaches, understanding culture, and building effective relationships with professionals, families, and communities to shape children’s and young people’s experiences.
This module focuses on the development of your reflexive practice skills. You will work to deepen and develop and demonstrate understanding of children, their development, health, wellbeing, participation and learning. Understanding children, families and practitioners within their social and cultural context, evidencing and developing practice with due awareness of ethical issues and evidence of commitment to anti-discriminatory practice.
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.
Compulsory modules
Developing the skills and confidence to advocate for young children as a professional working with young children and their families are the focus of this module. You will develop a deep understanding of theories, practice, policies and research about early childhood education and care, which you can then apply in practice settings. This module builds confident, work-ready graduates with a strong sense of purpose and the ability to lead with integrity and creativity.
This module prepares you for professional roles by developing transferable skills in research, communication, and project management. This module promotes ethical and inclusive research practices, ensuring diverse perspectives are integrated into projects. This module supports cross-cultural and global perspectives, allowing you to address international challenges and situate your research within a global context.
This module supports you in developing a play-based pedagogy and becoming advocates for play by creating an in-depth understanding of play in various contexts and its role in shaping and supporting children's learning and development. The module will explore how attitudes and perceptions of play have evolved, examining the influence of culture and context on the provision of play spaces. The module will explore how technology impacts play, including the opportunities that technology can provide. The module will also explore potential designs for future play spaces.
Optional modules
You will explore how your views on children, childhood and young people are shaped by their representations and portrayals in the media. This module will equip you with the tools to question and deconstruct these media images, giving you a deeper understanding of their influence on, and how to support, real life complexities that take place in settings.
This module provides the opportunity for you to successfully achieve the Graduate Practitioner Competencies bridging your knowledge and skills from modules to application in placement practice. In the third and final placement, you will be confident and competent critical and analytical thinker, demonstrating democratic and reflexive professional practice and collaboration.
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.
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.
Entry tariff
2025/26 entry: Call 0300 303 8320 to find out if you are eligible for this programme in Clearing
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 free buses and 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.
Entry tariff
2025/26 entry: Call 0300 303 8320 to find out if you are eligible for this programme in Clearing
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 free buses and 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.
