Explore our campus, including our modern accommodation and innovative course facilities on our virtual tour.

level: UG top_up: false international: true clearing: false full_time: true part_time: true start_month: September location: Waterside

Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)

Key Facts

  • UCAS Code

    X310

  • Level

    UndergraduateUG BA (Hons)

  • Duration

    3 years Full Time
    4 years with Foundation
    3-6 years Part Time

  • Starting

    September

Updated 19/12/2024

Updated 19/12/2024

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@northampton.ac.uk
44 (0)1604 892134

Follow Us


The BA Early Childhood Studies degree at the University of Northampton takes a holistic approach to the development of young children, from conception to the age of eight and provides opportunities to apply this learning in placement settings. The Early Education degree draws on a range of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, early years pedagogy, policy, law, health, philosophy, and leadership and management, providing you with the breadth of knowledge to pursue careers in early childhood education and care, education, health and social care.

The part time route for the degree in childhood studies is ideal for anyone looking to fit study around existing commitments. You could expect to be on campus for approximately eight hours per week. If you are not already working in a related role you would also need to attend a placement for half a day per week. In addition to the taught sessions you would need to commit around six hours per week to independent study.

The University of Northampton is proud to be recognised for it’s excellence

The University of Northampton is a top 20 institution for Childhood and Youth Studies in the Complete University Guide league tables for 2025.

21st for Satisfied with Teaching for Education –The Guardian University Guide 2025 (Education League Table)

Our BA Early Childhood Studies Degree has been awarded with the Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECSDN) quality mark for the Graduate Practitioner Competencies, indicating our commitment to an excellent application of knowledge to practical skills.

ECSDN Quality Mark

Highlights


  • Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies
  • Arranged placements are an integral part of the Early Childhood Studies course
  • Trips and opportunities to visit a European country to enhance learning
  • Paediatric and Mental Health First Aid training included as part of the course
  • Guaranteed interview for PGCE Primary Education (5-11) (QTS) on completion (T&Cs apply)
  • HP Laptop and software included with this course for eligible students.*
  • Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.

*See eligibility criteria, terms and conditions apply

Entry Requirements


A typical offer would be:

  • CCC at A Level or,
  • MMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
  • Pass (C and above) at T Level

We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.

Course Content


Fees and Funding


2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,535*
  • UK – Part Time: £1,585 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year (IFY): £5,760 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA/BSc rate).
  • International – Full Time: £15,700
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year (IFY): £15,700

* The 2025/26 annual tuition fee for undergraduate courses has not yet been confirmed by the Department for Education but is expected to be £9,535 for year one. UON will adjust fees annually in line with government policy.

Staff


slide 6 to 8 of 8

Master's and Careers


Guaranteed Interview: Teacher Training

If you complete your degree in Early Childhood Studies with us and apply for the PGCE Primary Education (5-11) (QTS) programme at the University of Northampton during your final undergraduate year, you are guaranteed an interview.

Terms and conditions apply:

  • Interviews are subject to you meeting the entry criteria for the course, we require a minimum 2:2 degree and relevant GCSEs
  • An interview does not guarantee an offer to study on the course
  • Places are limited and applications will close once the limit has been reached

Successful completion of this course can lead onto further studies if required.  BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies graduates could progress on to study PGCE Primary Education (5-11) (QTS), MA Social Work, MSc Child and Adolescent Mental Health, MA Special Educational Needs and Inclusion and many more.

Our BA Hons Early Childhood Studies graduates have gone on to a range of professions, including, but not limited to: early years practitioners, teachers, social workers, child protection roles, advisory roles, play therapists, university lecturers and nursery managers.

Please see the careers map for more information.

Is this course for you?

Share