Enter OTP
This degree explores how young children learn and develop, focusing on early years education, child development, and inclusive practice. It’s ideal for students who want to work with children from birth to eight years old and make a meaningful impact on early childhood learning, care, and wellbeing.
Curriculum Structure
Foundation Year:
Your foundation year builds key academic, communication, and professional skills to prepare you for degree-level study. You’ll study modules such as Health and Education Study Skills, Media and Communication Skills, Mental Wealth and Professional Fitness, and Educators of Tomorrow. This year helps you gain confidence in your writing, research, and understanding of how education and health intersect in early childhood contexts.
Year 1:
You’ll begin exploring core themes in childhood studies through modules like Exploring Social Worlds, Key Principles for Inclusion and Diversity, Emerging Research Communities, and Practice Module Parts 1 & 2. This year gives you a strong foundation in child development, inclusion, and early years learning, combining theory with hands-on practice in early childhood settings.
Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll deepen your understanding of contemporary issues, policy, and professional practice. Modules include Identity and Social Justice, Contemporary Issues in Education, Building Research Communities, and Practice Modules 3 & 4. You’ll critically explore how global and social factors affect children’s experiences and further develop your skills through real-world placements.
Year 3:
Your final year allows you to take ownership of your professional and academic development. You’ll study Critical and Global Perspectives on Education, Practice Module 5 (Montessori Educational Setting), Practice Module 6, and complete an Independent Research Project. You’ll apply your knowledge to real educational challenges, develop leadership skills, and prepare for future roles in early childhood education or postgraduate study.
Focus areas:
Child development and learning · Early years pedagogy · Inclusion and diversity · Educational policy and leadership · Professional practice and research
Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to understand and support early childhood learning across diverse settings, analyse education policies and practices, design inclusive early years programmes, conduct independent research, and apply theory to real-world educational challenges.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
While this course does not provide Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), it is designed in line with early years professional standards and offers a strong foundation for roles such as early years practitioner, nursery teacher, family support worker, and early childhood manager. It also provides a pathway to further training such as a PGCE or postgraduate degrees in education and leadership.
Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of East London’s Early Childhood Studies program is highly regarded for its strong teaching and practical focus. The course receives excellent student satisfaction scores and offers valuable placement opportunities across London’s diverse early years settings. UEL’s education degrees are also ranked among the top in London, reflecting the university’s growing reputation for employability and professional development in the education sector.
The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies at the University of East London is designed to help you understand how children learn, grow, and develop — but it’s not just about theory. You’ll gain genuine, hands-on experience throughout your studies, working with early years professionals and applying what you learn to real-life contexts. From your very first year, you’ll explore the social, emotional, and educational needs of young children through a mix of practical modules, workshops, and community engagement.
UEL’s modern Stratford campus provides excellent learning spaces, digital tools, and dedicated support for your development as an early years practitioner. The programme blends academic learning with reflective practice, helping you build confidence, creativity, and leadership skills in childcare and education settings.
Here’s what experiential learning looks like in this course:
Practice-based modules: You’ll take dedicated practice modules where you’ll engage directly with early childhood environments, observing and applying key developmental and educational theories.
Independent Research Project: In your final year, you’ll design and complete a research project on an early childhood topic that interests you, gaining valuable experience in academic writing and investigation.
Collaborative learning: Through seminars, workshops, and group tasks, you’ll develop essential teamwork and communication skills that are key in childcare and education professions.
Community engagement: Many modules encourage you to work with local organisations, helping you understand real-world issues such as child welfare, health, and social policy.
Digital learning tools: You’ll use online platforms like Moodle and Microsoft Teams for coursework, reflection, and collaboration, preparing you for digital learning environments.
Supportive facilities: You’ll have access to UEL’s Stratford Campus library, study hubs, and early years resources — perfect for lesson planning, research, and self-study.
Optional placement opportunities: Some study routes include a professional placement, allowing you to gain direct experience in nurseries, community centres, or early years education settings.
Why this course stands out
The programme is consistently praised by students for the quality of its teaching and support.
It offers clear career routes — from becoming a nursery educator or family support worker to progressing into leadership or policy roles in early education.
You’ll study in one of London’s most diverse and dynamic communities, learning from real examples of inclusive and multicultural childcare practice.
The course prepares you not just for employment, but also for further professional qualifications or postgraduate study in early childhood or education.
If you’re passionate about supporting young children’s learning and development, the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies at the University of East London (UEL) offers the perfect foundation for a rewarding career in the early years sector. Graduates from this program often move into roles such as nursery educator, early years manager, family support worker, or early childhood development officer.
Progression & Future Opportunities:
University support: UEL’s Career Zone provides personalised career coaching, mentoring, internship opportunities, and workshops designed to help students build confidence and professional experience before graduation.
Employment outcomes: Around 81% of UEL graduates from the Childhood and Youth Studies subject area are employed or pursuing further study within 15 months of graduation, earning an average of £24,000.
Industry links: The course is built on partnerships with local councils, nurseries, and early years organisations such as Newham Council and the London Early Years Foundation, offering students real-world experience and strong professional networks.
Long-term value: UEL’s Early Childhood Studies course is highly regarded for its teaching quality and emphasis on practical learning, with students consistently reporting high satisfaction in areas like teaching and support.
Graduate outcomes: You’ll graduate ready to step into early years settings such as nurseries, children’s centres, and family services, with the practical and reflective skills needed to make a positive impact on young lives.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, you can continue your academic journey with a Master’s in Early Childhood Leadership, Education, or Special Educational Needs and Inclusion. These postgraduate routes prepare you for senior positions such as early years centre manager, policy advisor, or academic researcher in the field of childhood education and development.
CBSE (India – National Boards): Students under CBSE or CICSE boards must secure at least 60% overall in Class 12, including English (Core, Communicative, or Functional) as a compulsory subject.American Curriculum (GPA/AP/SAT/ACT): U.S. applicants need a High School Diploma or GED with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (Grade B average), along with SAT, ACT, or AP exam scores.IB (International Baccalaureate): IB students should achieve a minimum of 24 points overall to meet entry standards for undergraduate study.A-Level: Applicants need A Levels in at least two subjects relevant to their intended degree for eligibility.GCSE: A GCSE English grade of 4/C or Level 2 Functional Skills is required to show English proficiency.IELTS: An overall IELTS score of 5.5, with no band below 5.5, is needed to meet English language requirements.TOEFL: Equivalent TOEFL scores matching an IELTS 5.5 are accepted as proof of English proficiency.UCAS: Applicants must hold 64 UCAS tariff points from Level 3 qualifications listed on the UCAS tariff calculator.Primary School TeacherSecondary School TeacherSpecial Educational Needs (SEN) TeacherEducational ConsultantTeaching AssistantEducation Policy AdvisorCurriculum DeveloperEducation CoordinatorEarly Years EducatorLearning Support SpecialistEducation OfficerTutorEducational Psychologist AssistantYouth WorkerTraining and Development OfficerAcademic AdvisorEducation Program ManagerLiteracy SpecialistEducation ResearcherCareers Advisor
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University of East London
