• Undergraduate

Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

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Overview

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 Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year 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).

Foundation Year

The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

Early Years Education video - thumbnail

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.
Without Foundation Year
Duration: 3 years

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year with us?

Why study Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

With engaging, supportive lecturers and modules that focus on vital aspects of studying education, this course helped me understand the importance of childhood development and the challenges educators face on a day to day basis. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who wants to explore not just early years settings, but education in any sense.

Christopher Craig
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Benefits of this course include integrated work experience
statistic announcing this course has been ranked 23rd overall in the UK by the Guardian University Guide
Lifelong careers support from the UWL Careers Service.
Industry focused teaching
Course detail & modules

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 cover 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).

Foundation year

There are many reasons for joining a foundation year course; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have been living abroad or want to change direction with your career. Whatever your starting point, the foundation year offers a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge that you will need to get the most from your studies and thrive at University. Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

Compulsory modules

  • Personalised Learning

    The Personalised Learning module is intended to equip you with the study skills needed to successfully progress onto level 4, the first year of undergraduate study. Tutor group sessions are an integral part of the module, where you will consolidate your learning and frame it in the context of your subject area. The module will focus on various aspects of study skills, such as those skills related to reading and writing, learning approaches, problem-solving techniques, critical thinking, researching, referencing, plagiarism, legal research and time management.

  • Study Skills for Success

    This module will enable you to read critically, present an argument, and distinguish between the quality and suitability of materials. It will prepare you to use and evaluate a range of evidence sources throughout your degree.

  • Understanding Global Inequality

    This module explores global political issues around the general topic of inequality. The goal is to examine this topic from all sides in order to discover why inequality exists to such an enormous extent in the world. We will look at issues around trade, travel, gender, race and education, as well as historical factors, such as the transatlantic slave trade, postcolonialism and migration. The students will be expected to discuss and debate competing perspectives relating to global inequality, learning to reflect on a range of global social problems. By the end of the module students will have the theoretical and conceptual foundations for further investigation into global and social issues.

  • Unlocking Research Perspectives: Inclusivity and Diversity

    This module aims to give you foundation knowledge of the most prominent learning theories in the discipline of education. These theories underpin many educational policies, processes and practices.  You will also gain an awareness of the importance of assessment in education and some of the tools educators might use for assessment in education.  You will begin to recognise how different people learn and knowledge about who you are as a learner.

  • How Do We Learn?

    This module aims to give you foundation knowledge of the most prominent learning theories in the discipline of education. These theories underpin many educational policies, processes and practices.  You will also gain an awareness of the importance of assessment in education and some of the tools educators might use for assessment in education.  You will begin to recognise how different people learn and knowledge about who you are as a learner.

  • Effective Communication in Education

    This module aims to give you foundation knowledge of the most prominent learning theories in the discipline of education. These theories underpin many educational policies, processes and practices.  You will also gain an awareness of the importance of assessment in education and some of the tools educators might use for assessment in education.  You will begin to recognise how different people learn and knowledge about who you are as a learner.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

72 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

  • A Levels at grades B and C (if you have two A levels) or grades D, D and D (if you have three), or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Pass
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

Your UCAS points (based on Level 3 qualifications) will normally be in a minimum of two subject areas.

Looking for BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

You will also need a satisfactory enhanced DBS and you will have to sign up to the online update system so that your details are regularly updated: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

We take pride in our inclusiveness and the diversity of our student population. We have a vibrant mature student community and look forward to welcoming you.

Looking for BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
5.5 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the four 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.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Looking for BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

You will also need a satisfactory enhanced DBS and you will have to sign up to the online update system so that your details are regularly updated: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

We take pride in our inclusiveness and the diversity of our student population. We have a vibrant mature student community and look forward to welcoming you.

Looking for BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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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 under special circumstances such as if you have dependants or a disability.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students on a four-year degree with a foundation year have received our Path to Success Scholarship. View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

Funding your studies
{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year

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.

 

Financial support for international students
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Viktoria Magne image

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

Study & career progression

A female teacher looking over primary school students on tablets

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

You could also continue your studies, specialising in an area of interest or exploring something new. See our postgraduate courses.

How to apply

How to apply

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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.