Early Childhood Studies Undergraduate degree
Course also available with Foundation Year
A degree with a sharp focus on employability in the early years sector, and with teaching informed by the influential works of Friedrich Froebel.
Start Date:
September 2023
Entry Tariff:
Year 1 entry: 112 UCAS points (or equivalent)
Foundation Year entry: 48 UCAS points (or equivalent)
Degree Type:
BA (single honours)
Duration:
3 years (full-time)
4 years (full-time) if opting for the additional placement year
4 years (full-time) if opting for Foundation Year entry
UCAS Code:
X310
X110 (if choosing Foundation Year)
School:
Entry Requirements
Entry tariff:
Year 1 entry: 112 UCAS points (or equivalent)
Degree with Foundation Year
Foundation Year entry: 48 UCAS points (or equivalent)
We welcome applications from students studying T Levels.
For all courses we also accept a wide range of other qualifications and experience. Contact us to 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.
General entry requirements:
Why this course
For the past three years Roehampton has been ranked either top or second in London for Education (Complete University Guide 2020, 2021 and 2022).
In your final year you can gain a level 6 certificate in Graduate Practitioner Competencies via an assessed work placement, an award that’s recongised by the Department for Education’s career progression map.
Access to the world-renowned Froebel Archive, containing rare books, toys and photos collected by followers of Froebelian philosophy over the past 200 years.
Course and Module Details
Overview:
Roehampton is internationally renowned for its work in early childhood studies. With a team of highly-regarded tutors, who are all experts in their specialisms, you will learn from some of the best in the field.
This degree will empower you with the knowledge and skills, confidence and resilience to act as an advocate for babies, young children, their families and communities. You will develop an understanding of policy and practice, and learn to engage in critical inquiry and problem solving around key issues in the field. Please note that BA Early Childhood Studies is a programme of academic study and is not in itself a qualification to work as an early years teacher or practitioner. Students seeking vocational qualification should opt to take the Graduate Practitioner Competencies certificate (as outlined in the fifth tab, left).
The course takes a distinctive Froebelian approach to the study of early years, 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
Study schedule by year
Year one
- Consider the impact of cultural influences on the lives of babies, toddlers and young children and their development.
- Develop an understanding of Froebel’s ideas about education for very young children and their relationship to current policy and practice.
- Research topical issues and concerns in early childhood and consider the concepts of equity and inclusion.
- Explore the importance of observation in the study of young children and learn fundamental skills needed to carry out early years research.
Year two
- Analyse the significance of play, imagination and creativity in children's development, and examine the impact of the early childhood pioneers on current perspectives and practice.
- Undertake a work placement in an early years setting.
- Consider a variety of curriculum models, children's wellbeing and their understanding of themselves and others.
- Deepen your understanding of research methods in early childhood settings and start a research proposal for your year three project.
Year three
- Carry out a substantial research project in an area of your choice and develop expertise in this subject.
- Spend time learning how to interact with young children so you can engage with their perspectives and consider the influences that society has on them.
- A strong and effective relationship with the parents of the children you care for is paramount to the welfare of the child. You will learn to maintain a balance of power between the parents and yourself as a professional, as well as address issues such as cultural diversity and support systems.
Course subject to curriculum review
Placement Year
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.
Modules
These modules are those we currently offer and may be subject to change each year.
Foundation Year
This course is offered as a degree with foundation year - a four-year programme which provides an additional foundation year at the beginning of the degree, that will give you academic and practical experience, as well as the skills you need to ensure you are equipped to successfully complete your chosen degree.
During the foundation year, you will take modules in English and Maths which will develop your core academic and study skills. The syllabus includes a year-long module relevant to your chosen degree subject such as Education Essentials: Learning and Development. This will provide you with a subject specific knowledge in Education which is essential for success in your degree.
Start date:
September 2023
Entry tariff:
Foundation Year entry: 48 UCAS points (or equivalent)
UCAS Code:
X110
Modules
The following modules form the foundation year of this degree.
These modules are those we currently offer and may be subject to change each year.
Graduate Practitioner Competencies
We now offer the opportunity to gain a certificate for Graduate Practitioner Competencies (level 6). The graduate level practitioner will be offered to students studying the BA Early Childhood Studies course.
Students will gain the level 6 recognition through undertaking an assessed placement alongside their course, that focuses on the topics learnt throughout the degree. Gaining recognition for Graduate Practitioner Competencies (level 6) is supported by the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network and is recognised in the Department for Education’s career progression map.
Tuition fees and funding
January 2023 entry tuition fees
Year 1 fees, see links in table below for more information.
2022/23 academic year funding
September 2023 entry tuition fees
Year 1 fees, see links in table below for more information.
| UK | EU and International | Placement year |
| £9,250 | £TBC | £TBC |
September 2023 funding
Study Abroad
This course has the option of studying abroad as part of your degree in your second semester of second year.
With Roehampton Abroad scholarships of up to £1,000 and Turing Scheme funding available, you could spend a semester at one of our partner universities across the globe, with destinations including the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe.
Find out more about where your degree could take you here.
Career Options
You will be well placed to secure a variety of roles, such as working as an education professional in primary and nursery care (teaching, administration or management)* or a special needs professional in schools, children centres and the community. You could work for a children's charity undertaking policy and research, in community support, welfare or housing, or for an NGO or central or local government department.
Our careers team is available to support you from the start of your studies until after you graduate. They 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.
*This is an academic degree- further study may be needed to gain professional qualifications
How to apply
Undergraduate programmes
You can now apply for any programme for any entry point in 2023.
- Home (UK) students – apply through UCAS (Roehampton UCAS institution code is R48)
- International students – apply using our direct application form.
If you need any help or advice with your application, or just want to ask us a question before you apply, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Detailed advice on applying for an undergraduate degree is available in the FAQs section below.
Application process FAQs
How do I apply?
If you are applying to us for a full-time degree or extended degree programme, you will need to apply online through UCAS, or direct, depending on the start date of your course and your fee status. Please see tabs above. And don't hesitate to contact us at the same time. Either fill in an online enquiry form, or contact us at the details below!
This is the official applications service for the UK, and they will send your application details to each of the universities you have listed on your application.
When you register with UCAS, you will also receive a username and password so that you can access your application at a later date.
It is very important that you enter the correct institution code (for Roehampton this is R48) and course code for each choice. These can be found on the relevant course pages on our website.
Contact us directly if you have any questions.
What is Roehampton’s UCAS institution code?
The Roehampton UCAS institution code is R48.
What is a buzzword?
Your school, college or centre will give you a buzzword so you can link your application to them. You add this word to your application when you register to make an undergraduate application.
If you are applying independently, without a school or college, you do not need a buzzword.
What if I’m not at school/college?
If you are no longer at school or college you will need to apply to university as an independent applicant. When you register with UCAS they will give you a username and password so that you can complete your application whenever you like.
You will need to complete the online application, including your personal statement and will also need to supply a reference from someone who knows you well, and is able to write about why you are suitable for higher education.
It is very important that you enter the correct institution code (for Roehampton this is R48) and course code for each choice. These can be found on the relevant course pages.
Further guidelines can be found on the UCAS website.
Contact us directly if you have any other questions about applications.
Do I need to complete all of my online application at once?
No. UCAS will issue you with a username and password which you can use to log in whenever and wherever you want to work on your application.
There is no time limit from when you start your application to when you send it, as long as you complete it within the deadlines set by UCAS and your school.
How do I apply if I’m an international student?
If you are a international student, you can apply direct using our online application form.
Details of support we provide for international students, and useful information about the application process, are available on our international web pages.
Can I apply through UCAS more than once?
No, you can only send one UCAS application in each year’s application cycle, but this can include applications for up to five courses. Applying for more than one course will cost extra.
If you do not receive any offers from your initial UCAS application, you can make additional choices through UCAS Extra in the Spring term. You will be sent details of UCAS Extra if you are eligible.
When will I hear back about my application?
If you apply to university before the 25 January deadline you should have received decisions from each of the universities you apply to by 18 May 2023. In this case, you will need to make your replies about which to accept by 8 June 2023.
If you applied after the January deadline, or one or more of your universities hasn’t made a decision on your application by the end of May, other reply dates will apply – please do contact us to find out more.
Can I accept more than one offer?
You can accept two courses – one firm choice and one insurance choice.
If you meet the requirements of your firm choice, then you will be expected to take that place, so you need to be sure that the course you have accepted firmly is the one you want to do.
If you miss the grades for your firm choice and meet the requirements for your insurance choice you will be expected to take up that place.
If you meet the terms of your firm choice and ask to be released from this, you will be entered into Clearing and cannot go to your insurance choice.
How do I know what’s happening with my application?
Once you have applied through UCAS you will be able to follow the progress of each of your applications by using UCAS Track.
You can also contact us directly to find out the status of your application with us.
What are conditional and unconditional offers?
If you apply through UCAS and we make you an offer, we will ordinarily make you one of the following types of offer:
Conditional Offers
This offer requires you to meet particular academic or other conditions before you can join the course of study you have applied for. This could be a combination of grade, scores or subjects and will be outlined in the offer communication that you receive.
Unconditional offers
An unconditional offer has no conditions attached. Unconditional offers are often made to students who already have their achieved qualification grades and who are returning to education after a gap year or a period of time in work.
What happens if Roehampton is my firm choice and I don’t meet the conditions of my offer?
If Roehampton is your firm choice, and you have not met your conditions, please check UCAS track, we may be able to show some flexibility, although this is not guaranteed.
If you have missed the conditions of your firm choice, but met the conditions of your Insurance choice. Congratualtions, you will be studying at your Insurance choice. If you miss the conditions for both your firm and Insurance choice, then UCAS will automatically enter you into Clearing.
Make sure that you are prepared for results day and any decisions you may need/want to make. Check UCAS for more advice about what happens on results day.
If you would like any advice on this, please contact us directly and we can discuss your options.
Will my application be accepted after the January deadline?
If you are applying to university from the UK or European Union (EU), irrespective of your nationality, you must submit your UCAS application before the January deadline in order for it to be guaranteed equal consideration. The deadline for the 2023 cycle is Wednesday 25 January 2023 at 18:00.
We understand that there are many reasons why you may not be able to meet this deadline. With this in mind, Roehampton will still consider applications received after the January deadline, if there are places available on the course.
I am studying T Levels. Can I apply to Roehampton?
The University of Roehampton welcomes the introduction of T Levels and is delighted to confirm that we will be able to accept them across the majority of our programmes. Students will be able to apply using T Levels for both three year and four year undergraduate degrees. UCAS Tariff requirements for each programme, will be made available on programme webpages.
I have accepted an offer to study at Roehampton through UCAS. Can I change my mind?
Yes, if you accepted an offer of study at us or another University through UCAS, you have 14 days in which you can change your response, and you can do so by contacting UCAS.
I have accepted a place at another University but want to join Roehampton. What do I do?
If you want to change your mind, please do get in touch to discuss your options with us. Call us on 0208 392 3314.
What is Clearing and how can I apply?
If you first apply through UCAS after 30 June 2023, UCAS will not send your application to universities but will instead send you details about Clearing.
Clearing a service that is available between July and September to help people find places on higher education courses.
Does Roehampton offer financial support for undergraduates?
Yes, we offer a range of scholarships, alongside support on managing your finances while you are with us.
You can find more information on our financial support pages.
Do you offer student accommodation?
Yes, we have a wide range of on-campus and off-campus student residences. You will be guaranteed University accommodation if you are applying for September 2023 entry.
Find out more about our accommodation and accommodation guarantee here.
Do you provide additional support for care leavers?
Yes to find out more visit our care leavers webpage.
I am already studying at another university. How can I transfer to Roehampton?
We can support you to transfer to Roehampton from another university, into the relevant year of study. Find out more here.
Where can I find advice on applying to University?
UCAS offers a number of helpful articles on the process of applying to universities. You can also find advice and guidance from the Schools and Colleges Engagement Team here.
Need help before you apply?
Who Teaches Early Childhood Studies?
Dr Clara Rubiano
I'm Clara and I'm a senior lecturer and the Programme Convenor for the BA Early Childhood Studies.
Read More
Dr Sally Howe
I'm Sally and am Senior Lecturer in early years education.
Read More
Dr Penny Lawrence
I'm Penny Lawrence and my main research interest is in agency and dialogical learning, particularly in non-verbal, multi-modal interactions and including the more-than-human.
Read More
Dr Michelle Cottle
I am Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies on the BA and MA programmes.
Read More
Dr Fenling Tang
I'm Fenling and I am a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies.
Read More
Sigrid Brogaard-Clausen
I am a senior lecturer on the Early Childhood Studies Programmes.
Read More
Dr Evelyn Corrado
I'm Evelyn and I use multidisciplinary approach in my teaching and research.
Read More
Dr Kyara Rojas-Bustos
I'm Kyara and I teach on the undergraduate Early Childhood Studies, but I am also the programme convenor for the MA ECS.
Read More
Dr Peter Elfer
I'm Peter and my research focuses on policy and practice within early years settings and primary schools.
Read More
Dr Sofia Guimaraes
My research and teaching focus is on children’s development, learning and wellbeing.
Read More
Dr Antonia Zachariou
Hi, I'm Antonia and my research interests lie in the area of studying young children's learning and emotional, social and cognitive development.
Read MoreOur Alumni
Andrea Yankah
Class of 2016
Andrea Yankah started her BA Early Childhood Studies degree at Roehampton in 2013 and we're delighted to say she's still with us. Here's her testimony:
I initially chose Roehampton as a mature student, attracted by the rich history of Froebel College. From the moment I arrived, I decided I never wanted to leave.
What I've learnt since 2013 has completely opened my eyes to the political and complex nature of the early years sector. Importantly, it's taught me that it's not only OK to question the status quo, it's necessary to do so.
This realisation ignited my passion for advocacy. At the time I started my degree, I was closing down a successful childcare business that I had been running for a few years. Government policy and funding changes made it difficult to continue providing quality care whilst remaining sustainable. During my undergrad study I founded the Early Childhood Studies Society, I also became a student rep and represented the department at Senate.
After graduating I completed a master's and also ran a consultancy supporting struggling early years providers. It was at this point that Roehampton invited me to work as a visiting lecturer, which led to a role managing the early childhood degree at one of Roehampton's partner colleges. Running that programme and reflecting on my studies alerted me to some of the issues facing those engaged in early years study, issues that became the basis for my PhD research that I am now halfway through.
On top of everything I am building a think tank in Ghana, to advocate for culturally competent early childhood programmes and education reform. You can check out this project on www.no-ri.org, or search Andrea Yankah on social media. The staff in Roehampton's Early Childhood Studies department, who I now have the pleasure of calling my colleagues and friends, have been integral to my personal and professional development throughout my time here."
Megan Griffiths
Class of 2017 – BA Primary Education (QTS)
Megan Griffiths graduated with a first class honours degree in Primary Education from Roehampton in 2017, with the teaching of English as her curriculum specialism. Having made the decision to do a teaching degree while at sixth form, she visited lots of universities but chose Roehampton on the basis of its beautiful campus and the warm welcome she received here.
Throughout her studies Megan enjoyed the placement modules most, and in her final year she was offered a job by one of her placement schools working a Year 2 class teacher in Kingston. Since then she has made two major strides in her career: a recent promotion to Early Years Foundation Stage Lead in her school was followed by the opportunity for part-time secondment to the Schools Alliance for Excellence (SAFE) as the organisation’s English Teaching and Learning Lead. In this role Megan visits schools across Surrey and shares best practice in English with other teachers. On top of this she is planning to embark on a master’s degree in teaching and learning in 2022, with the active support of her school. Megan told us “I’m excited for my future in teaching and my master’s degree, but I still have such fond memories of my time at university and will be forever grateful to Roehampton for shaping my future.”
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