- Undergraduate
Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)
Overview
Why study at UWL?
- In the top 30% of universities nationwide - The Guardian University Guide 2024
- University of the Year for Social Inclusion - Daily Mail University Guide 2024
- Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
- Number 1 London university (non-specialist) - National Student Survey 2023**
Why study this course?
Our BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree* will give you the knowledge and skills that you need to work in a range of roles in the early years sector, including early years settings, primary schools, family support, social work, charities and healthcare settings:
- Successfully completing the course and placements will qualify you as a Level 3 early years practitioner, enhancing your appeal to employers. This recognition by the Department for Education is contingent on holding suitable literacy and numeracy qualifications.
- you will be well prepared for further graduate study (essential if you wish to pursue a career in teaching).
- you will learn through interactive lectures and seminars, as well as a placement in which you will gain hands-on experience.
- we encourage you to further develop your experience of working with children through part-time or voluntary work, and our excellent Student Support services are here to help you secure these opportunities.
- a focus on understanding children’s language development and supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities is a unique feature of our degree.
- another unique aspect of the degree is our focus on nutrition, health and wellbeing in the context of children and their environment, bringing attention to sustainability in the natural world. This specialist knowledge will stand you in good stead with employers.
- you will also learn how to support young children’s learning and development, understand early childhood policy and what this means for your practice, and undertake a research project on a topic of your choice.
Additionally, you will gain valuable experience through placement opportunities whilst applying academic learning to practice. In the final year, you will have the opportunity to carry out independent research which can lead to published work.
A multi-disciplinary and experienced academic team who will support you throughout to reach your full potential and consider successful careers in education, health and social care.
This course is guided by current policy and legislation including the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (2012), Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) and The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989). University of West London is a member of the Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECSDN).
Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:
Start date:
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Why study Early Childhood Studies with us?
What our students say…
Course detail & modules
This rewarding course in early childhood studies is designed for future professionals working in a multicultural society.
You will examine ways to work with families and communities so that young children can thrive, as well as covering the basics of child development and assessment for children. Transferable skills and employability are strongly woven throughout the Early Years Education degree.
The course prepares you for a wide range of graduate careers including teaching and social work and has a strong focus on linking theory to practice. Current theories and issues that affect childhood education today are ongoing themes of the course.
From the start, you will look at issues of child development, the rights of children, inclusion and equality and learning in multicultural contexts. You will also develop essential research skills for professionals in education. These skills will help you not only to write your final-year dissertation but also in your future career.
You will complete an integral work experience module, during which you will see how the principles you are studying are applied in the real world. In addition, you will develop your skills in assessment and evaluation. Further modules will cover the effect of society on childhood, and Early Years literacies.
Finally, you will examine policy and leadership, along with special needs in childhood education. Your dissertation will be your opportunity to use your enhanced research skills to explore an area of interest in the field and produce an independent piece of work based on your research.
The University of West London is a member of the Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECSDN).
Compulsory modules
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Using play to support learning and development in the early years
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Communication, Language and Literacy in the Early Years
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Children, Culture and Society
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Research in Practice
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Preparing for Professional Practice in Early Years Education
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Professional Practice in Early Years Education
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Evidenced Based Practice
Entry requirements
These can include:
- A Levels at grade B, B and C, or above
- BTEC Extended Diploma with Distinction, Merit, Merit
- Access to HE Diploma
- T Levels
Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed above but have relevant work experience, you are strongly encouraged to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.
You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents. If you do not meet this requirement, find out more about our free English and Maths courses.
Upon course completion, if you intend to apply for PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) to attain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you will need grade 4 (C) or above in GCSE Maths, English and a Science subject (for Primary), or approved equivalents.
Looking for BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year?
Looking for BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year?
You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.
You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents.
We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.
Looking for BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year?
Looking for BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year?
Fees & funding
The fee above is the cost per year of your course.
If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.
If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.
Funding your studies
You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.
We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students have received our Full-time Undergraduate Student Bursary.
View full details, including conditions and eligibility.
The fee above is the cost per year of your course.
If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.
If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.
International students - funding your studies
We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships.
Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
Teaching staff
Dr Viktoria Magne
Viktoria Magne is an Associate Professor of Education Studies and Early Childhood at the University of West London. She started her teaching career as an ESOL teacher working mainly in higher education. Viktoria completed a PhD in Education from the Université de Sherbrooke.
Her main research interests are in the area of critical applied linguistics with a particular focus on sociolinguistic aspects of second language speech. Viktoria has also collaborated on projects related to second language acquisition, psycholinguistic and student assessment.
Viktoria has published articles in a number of journals including Critical Inquiry in Language Studies, TESOL Quarterly, Studies in Second Language Acquisition and Applied Psycholinguistics. Viktoria is a member of the London Second Language Acquisition Research Forum (L-SLARF) and the London TESOL Research Forum.
Viktoria Magne is an Associate Professor of Education Studies and Early Childhood at the University of West London. She started her teaching career as an ESOL teacher working mainly in higher education. Viktoria completed a PhD in Education from the Université de Sherbrooke.
Her main research interests are in the area of critical applied linguistics with a particular focus on sociolinguistic aspects of second language speech. Viktoria has also collaborated on projects related to second language acquisition, psycholinguistic and student assessment.
Viktoria has published articles in a number of journals including Critical Inquiry in Language Studies, TESOL Quarterly, Studies in Second Language Acquisition and Applied Psycholinguistics. Viktoria is a member of the London Second Language Acquisition Research Forum (L-SLARF) and the London TESOL Research Forum.
Study & career progression
An array of potential jobs and career fields await early childhood studies degree graduates, including:
- teaching*
- education planning or policy
- higher or further education
- nurseries and primary schools**
- international kindergartens
- early help or social care roles
- youth or community education
- charities or voluntary organisations
- social mobility and social justice organisations
- personal development
- residential support.
*further post-graduate training, such as PGCE, is required
**further qualifications/certifications may be required
Additionally, you could choose to continue your studies, specialising in an area of interest or exploring something new. See our postgraduate courses.
How to apply
Head to the UCAS website where you can apply using:
- our institution code - W05
- the UCAS course code (below)
Want to ask us a question first? We would love to hear from you. Contact us free on:
Apply for this course
- Institution code
- W05
- UCAS code
- currentVariantData.field_p_cv_ucas_code
5pm Friday 26 April - 8am Monday 29 April 2024
Due to maintenance work, the UWL application system will not be available during this time. Applications can still be made via UCAS as normal. Please contact admissions@uwl.ac.uk for any help with submitting your application during this time.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
Head to the UCAS website where you can apply using:
- our institution code - W05
- the UCAS course code (below)
Want to ask us a question first? We would love to hear from you. Contact us free on:
Apply for this course
- Institution code
- W05
- UCAS code
- currentVariantData.field_p_cv_ucas_code
5pm Friday 26 April - 8am Monday 29 April 2024
Due to maintenance work, the UWL application system will not be available during this time. Applications can still be made via UCAS as normal. Please contact admissions@uwl.ac.uk for any help with submitting your application during this time.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
You can apply online at any time by following the link below.
Our application form will ask you for some information about what you want to study, your previous qualifications or experience, and how we can contact you.
Want to ask us a question first? We would love to hear from you. Contact us free on:
- 0800 036 8888
- courses@uwl.ac.uk
Apply for this course
5pm Friday 26 April - 8am Monday 29 April 2024
Due to maintenance work, the UWL application system will not be available during this time. Applications can still be made via UCAS as normal. Please contact admissions@uwl.ac.uk for any help with submitting your application during this time.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
You can apply online at any time by following the link below.
Our application form will ask you for some information about what you want to study, your previous qualifications or experience, and how we can contact you.
Want to ask us a question first? We would love to hear from you. Contact us free on:
- 0800 036 8888
- courses@uwl.ac.uk
Apply for this course
5pm Friday 26 April - 8am Monday 29 April 2024
Due to maintenance work, the UWL application system will not be available during this time. Applications can still be made via UCAS as normal. Please contact admissions@uwl.ac.uk for any help with submitting your application during this time.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
You can apply to us in two ways:
- on the UCAS website you will need our institution code (W05) and the UCAS course code (at the top of this page)
- directly on our website – follow the ‘apply now’ link below
Want to ask us a question first? Our dedicated international students’ team would love to hear from you.
- Ask the International Recruitment Team a question
- learn more about international student applications
- find out more about why you should study in London at the Career University.
Apply for this course
5pm Friday 26 April - 8am Monday 29 April 2024
Due to maintenance work, the UWL application system will not be available during this time. Applications can still be made via UCAS as normal. Please contact admissions@uwl.ac.uk for any help with submitting your application during this time.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
You can apply to us in two ways:
- on the UCAS website you will need our institution code (W05) and the UCAS course code (at the top of this page)
- directly on our website – follow the ‘apply now’ link below
Want to ask us a question first? Our dedicated international students’ team would love to hear from you.
- Ask the International Recruitment Team a question
- learn more about international student applications
- find out more about why you should study in London at the Career University.
Apply for this course
5pm Friday 26 April - 8am Monday 29 April 2024
Due to maintenance work, the UWL application system will not be available during this time. Applications can still be made via UCAS as normal. Please contact admissions@uwl.ac.uk for any help with submitting your application during this time.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
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Student life at UWL
Important notes for applicants
Disclaimer
*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.
**The National Student Survey 2022 and 2023 - Based on an average of all 27 questions. Excludes specialist institutions.
Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.
Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.
Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.
Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.