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Key details

Course area
Early Years and Education
Student type
University Level
Course type
Full-time University Level course
Course level
Level 6
UCAS course code
CHL3
UCAS institution code
N30

Course introduction

Make a real difference to the lives of young children and their families.

You’ll understand the steps children take on their learning and developmental journey, and learn how to support them along the way.

This new degree focuses on the holistic development of infants and young children - from conception to the age of eight - developing knowledge of professional practice within the early years.

The programme enables progression to a career in the early years' sector through a variety of roles in education, health and social work.

On completion, graduates can undertake a PGCE or relevant teaching qualification.

The BA (Hons) Early Years, Education and Care programme is designed for those who want to develop their career working with younger children, and gain skills and knowledge around early childhood. You'll learn how to support child development and education, preparing for a career working with young children in many sectors including education, health and the community.

The degree aims to develop the individual’s experience of working in the Early Years, exploring through the lens of theory, policy, research, wider reading and practice.

A feature of this programme is that students undertake Early Years’ practice within the sector and this experience will be integrated within each of the modules covered.

Applicants who have already achieved (or expect to pass) a full Level 5 qualification (such as an Higher National Diploma, Diploma of Higher Education or Foundation Degree) in a relevant subject area can apply for direct entry to Year 3 (Level 6) of the programme.

Year 1 (Level 4) indicative modules

  • The Developing Child
  • The Professional Practitioner
  • Safeguarding Children
  • Methods of Enquiry 

Year 2 (Level 5) indicative modules

  • Play, Learning and the Curriculum
  • Inclusive Practice
  • Parents and Professional Relationships
  • Children’s Health and Well-being

Year 3 (Level 6) indicative modules

  • Management and Leadership in Early Years Settings
  • Dissertation – Primary Research Project 

Timetable (subject to change)

The current timetable is as follows but this is subject to change:

  • Monday 10:30 – 16:00 and Wednesday 10:30 – 16:00
  • Plus self directed study

Please note: Some classes may be delivered online.

Useful links:

Nottingham College is proud to have been awarded the Teaching Excellence Framework Bronze Award for high quality student experience and outcomes. You can read more about this on the Office for Students website.

Course information

3 years

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Years, Education and Care

We expect applicants to be working at (or to demonstrate competency at) Level 2 or above in English/literacy and maths/numeracy. We accept GCSE passes in English Language and maths at Grades 9 to 4 (previously A* to C).

Applicants must also have a minimum of 48 UCAS points from:

  • At least two A Levels at A2
  • BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T levels

Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff.

Mature applicants not meeting the standard entry criteria but with relevant industry or life experience are very welcome to apply.

A mixture of traditional and innovative assessment methods will be used, including individual and group presentations, discussions, report writing, case studies, presentations, research and project work, reflective journals and work-based projects.

Graduates will be well-placed for careers in a wide range of educational settings in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

They will possess key transferable skills sought after by employers such as: communication, time management, teamwork, critical analysis, negotiation, problem-solving, and the ability to deal with challenging situations.

This degree is an excellent springboard to roles such as teacher and teaching assistant, nursery practitioner and manager, learning mentor, special educational needs teacher, out-of-school worker, family support worker, social worker and youth worker.

Some of these roles require postgraduate study or relevant experience.

Please note: this programme does not qualify you as a teacher. However, the qualification is an excellent route towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) via a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), or other postgraduate study options.

The Open University logo


Nottingham College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards.

About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

View our TEF assessment (opens in a new window/tab) Learn more about the TEF (opens in a new window/tab)

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Early Education and Childcare Assistants

Potential Earnings

£27,401.28

Average Earnings

£18,353.98

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Health, Social and Child Care Services

People in these occupations provide care and support services for children, healthcare patients, and the elderly, and administrate social programmes.

Skills

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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