Entry tariff:
240 credits
UCAS Code:
X311
Start date(s):
September 2026
Discover how to shape positive beginnings for young children through a programme that brings together rich Froebelian heritage, pioneering ideas and contemporary research.
This programme explores childhood from birth to eight through a blend of theory and hands on experience, encouraging you to understand children within their families, communities and wider social worlds.
You will study childhood as a socially constructed and culturally situated stage of life, with an introduction to the field as an academic area and a way of interpreting broader social issues.
Your learning draws on a wide range of disciplines including history, education, psychology, sociology, health, policy and leadership.
A Froebelian approach underpins your studies, highlighting the importance of holistic development, play, natural environments and nurturing relationships. You will engage with global and local perspectives that foreground equity, diversity and social justice, supported by inclusive teaching and assessment that values the varied experiences students bring with them.
This degree prepares you for a wide range of careers in early years education, family support, health, social care and community work. It also gives you a strong foundation for further study such as a PGCE, social work, therapy or research. You will graduate with valuable transferable skills in communication, leadership, critical thinking and resilience.
Did you know?
This degree prepares you for a wide range of careers in early years education, family support, health, social care and community work. It also gives you a strong foundation for further study such as a PGCE, social work, therapy or research. You will graduate with valuable transferable skills in communication, leadership, critical thinking and resilience.
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
Modules
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 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.
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.
Optional module
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.
Optional (This may only be agreed by the PL with evidence of previous placement experience.)
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.
These are the current planned modules on this course and may be subject to change.
Careers
This programme is designed to develop confident graduate leaders for the early childhood sector, building your professionalism, expert knowledge and ability to work effectively within practice-based teams. You will learn how to collaborate across agencies and contribute to high quality provision for children and families.
Our strong partnerships with early childhood settings, children’s centres, community organisations and national and international bodies create valuable opportunities for you throughout your degree. We work closely with local schools and early childhood providers who offer placements and often continue to collaborate with students after graduation. A wider network of employers and professionals also contribute to teaching through guest lectures, helping you understand the sector from multiple viewpoints and supporting your career development.
This experience broadens your career possibilities and supports progression into roles such as
- early years education and care
- family and community support
- health and social care
- leadership and multi agency work
The degree also provides a strong foundation for further study and research in early childhood and related fields.
Learning and Assessment
How you’ll learn:
You will learn through a participatory, research-informed approach that combines Froebelian principles with inclusive teaching practices.
Your learning is enhanced through placements and practice-based experiences, helping you connect theory with real-world settings and develop confidence in professional environments. Teaching methods include
- lectures, seminars and tutorials
- practice-based simulations
- placements in nurseries, schools and community settings
- digital resources and recorded content to support flexible learning
Attendance at in-person sessions is important for collaborative and skills-focused activities. Throughout the programme, you will be supported in developing reflective practice, critical thinking and leadership, preparing you for a successful career in early childhood education.
How you’ll be assessed:
Assessment on this programme is designed to be practical and professionally relevant, reflecting the real tasks and expectations of early childhood educators. Each module includes no more than two summative assessments to ensure clarity and a manageable workload.
Formative feedback is provided throughout, giving you guidance on how to improve and prepare for summative tasks. This ongoing support helps you build confidence while developing both academic and professional skills.
You will complete a variety of assessment types that support
- theoretical understanding and practical application
- development of key academic skills such as reading, writing and communication
- deepening knowledge of child development and early years theory
- reflective practice and professional identity
The programme also helps you develop essential skills in collaboration, critical thinking and ethical research, equipping you for success in early childhood education and related career paths.
Course staff
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.
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.
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Applying
Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS.
Course subject to curriculum enhancement and revalidation.
Entry tariff
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
- 240 credits from a Higher National Diploma (HND), a foundation degree (FdA/ FdSc) or equivalent international qualification in a relevant subject.
- 240 credits from years 1 and 2 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc) in a relevant subject at a different institution.
General entry requirements
Career prospects are greatly enhanced by having GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above on this course.
September 2025 entry tuition fees
UK (home) tuition fees
Top-up degree: £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
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
- 240 credits from a Higher National Diploma (HND), a foundation degree (FdA/ FdSc) or equivalent international qualification in a relevant subject.
- 240 credits from years 1 and 2 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc) in a relevant subject at a different institution.
General entry requirements
September 2025 entry tuition fees
EU and international tuition fees
Top-up degree: £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.
