BA Hons Early Childhood Studies

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Derby

Program Overview

This three-year honours degree focuses on children from birth to around eight years of age, exploring how they learn, develop and experience their world. It’s ideal for students who are passionate about working in early years education, care, family support or advocacy for children’s rights.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
You will explore foundational themes such as child development, holistic wellbeing, play, family and community contexts. You’ll engage in placements in early years settings, linking theory with the realities of working with young children.

Year 2:
This year deepens your knowledge of inclusive practice, policy, research methods and outdoor learning. Modules will challenge you to reflect critically on children’s lives, social justice, sustainability and professional identity in early years. You continue regular placement experience, applying your learning in real-world environments.

Year 3:
In your final year you’ll choose specialist topics, carry out an independent research or practice-based project, and prepare for your professional transition. You’ll investigate advanced issues such as leadership in early childhood, advocacy, global perspectives or family partnership, and continue to refine your professional practice through placements and reflective work.

Focus areas:
Early childhood development · Inclusion and diversity · Play and creativity · Family, culture, community contexts · Research and professional practice

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to support and evaluate young children’s learning and wellbeing, design inclusive and effective early years environments, apply research and theory to practice, collaborate with families and professionals, and articulate a professional identity in early childhood settings.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This degree does not automatically confer Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for primary school teaching. However, it provides strong credentials for work in early years education, childcare, family support, leadership in early years settings, or further postgraduate training.

Reputation (employability rankings):
This programme at the University of Derby is highly regarded for student satisfaction and graduate outcomes, with reported employment or further study rates above 90 % within six months of graduation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This course is all about understanding how young children grow, learn, and develop — and helping you build the practical skills to support them effectively. From your very first year, you’ll combine classroom learning with real-world practice, gaining experience in early years settings, nurseries, and schools. The University of Derby makes sure your studies stay connected to real children’s lives through placements, interactive workshops, and access to specialist learning environments.

Here’s how experiential learning is built into your course:

Professional placements in early years settings: You’ll complete placements in nurseries, schools, and childcare environments across your degree, giving you direct experience of working with children from birth to age eight.
Applied learning and reflection: Each placement is supported by reflective journals and supervision, helping you link what you study in class — such as child development and safeguarding — to what you see in practice.
Specialist modules and observations: You’ll engage in practical modules focused on play, inclusion, and learning environments, observing real interactions between children and educators to deepen your understanding.
Independent research project: In your final year, you’ll design and carry out a research project on a topic that inspires you — for example, children’s wellbeing, family engagement, or creativity in early education.
Collaborative and digital learning tools: Workshops, group discussions, and online platforms are used throughout the course, developing your teamwork, communication, and digital literacy — essential for today’s early years professionals.
Access to professional facilities: You’ll use Derby’s specialist education learning spaces, library collections, and digital tools that support research, lesson planning, and early years observation.

Why this course stands out

The degree combines theory with hands-on experience, ensuring you graduate with real confidence and professional competence.
Placements across a variety of early years settings help you build a strong CV and valuable connections before you graduate.
You’ll study with experienced tutors who are practitioners in early childhood and education, bringing their real-world insight to every lecture and seminar.
The course is designed to support progression into teaching, early years leadership, family support, or postgraduate study such as teacher training or child psychology.
Derby’s strong focus on inclusive and child-centred education means you’ll graduate ready to make a positive difference in the lives of young children and their families.

Progression & Future Opportunities

If you’re passionate about shaping young minds and understanding how children learn and grow, the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies at the University of Derby offers an inspiring and career-focused pathway. This degree combines theory, practice, and research to prepare you for meaningful roles in early years education and child development. Graduates often move into positions such as early years practitioner, nursery manager, family support worker, or early childhood development officer.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

University services: The University of Derby provides excellent support through its Careers and Employment Service, helping students secure placements, develop employability skills, and connect with early years employers. Academic mentors and professional development workshops ensure you graduate career-ready.
Employment stats and salary figures: Around 98% of Derby graduates are employed or in further study within six months of graduation, with many entering early years education, family support, or childcare management roles.
University–industry partnerships: This course includes extensive placement opportunities in nurseries, schools, and community childcare organisations, offering valuable real-world experience. Derby also works closely with local councils and education networks, ensuring that your learning stays relevant to industry needs.
Long-term accreditation value: The degree is recognised as a relevant qualification for early years practice, giving you strong professional credibility to work with children from birth to eight years old.
Graduation outcomes: You’ll graduate with a deep understanding of child development, inclusion, and education policy—skills that open doors across teaching, social care, and educational leadership.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you can advance to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) to become a qualified teacher, or pursue postgraduate study such as a Master’s in Early Childhood Education, Education Leadership, or Child Psychology. These routes can lead to senior positions in education management, policy development, or research in childhood studies.