Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner) Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Discover how babies, toddlers and young children develop, learn and think, and pick up practical skills and experience to help shape their future.

You’ll grow your understanding of professional and inclusive practice and how you can develop a rewarding career supporting babies, toddlers, young children and families in a variety of early years settings.

You’ll study the latest theories, issues and approaches in education, and put your knowledge into practice on placement. You’ll develop as a professional Early Childhood practitioner and build your leadership skills.

* Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies (ECGPC)\*

When you study with us, you’ll complete the ECGPC (Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies). This is a professionally recognised framework that’ll enhance your employability and provide clarity for employers about the graduate level of your achievements.

Why ARU?

* Join a course that ranked 13th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

* 95% for “Learning resources” and 95% for “Communication of mental well-being support” (National Student Survey 2024).

* Gain a globally recognised degree qualification.

* Learn on placements to gain experience in a variety of early years settings.

* Gain additional experience though volunteering and work experience.

* Save time and money with an accelerated degree and demonstrate the drive to succeed.

Careers

Guided by the Early Years Professional Framework, we work with employers to ensure our BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies will give you the knowledge, skills and abilities that they need.

You’ll be qualified to work in any registered setting in England, including nurseries and pre-schools, and with additional training you could also consider a career in educational psychology or social work.

Jobs directly related to your degree include Early years teacher, Education consultant, Education mental health practitioner, Family support worker, Learning mentor, Play therapist, Primary school teacher, Special educational needs coordinator (SENCO), Special educational needs teacher, Teaching assistant.

When you graduate, you might decide to continue on to a Masters course, such as one of our MA Education degrees, which include options to specialise in leadership and management, SEND, and Montessori settings, or our PGCE. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship to get 20% off your fees.

Teaching

You’ll start by focussing on human development and the role played by parents and other key people in children’s lives, as well as your own development as a learner.

Later, you’ll consider wider and more complex issues around children’s education, including children’s rights and protection, and disability, difference and special educational needs.

In your final year, you’ll also explore leadership and management, and complete an independent research project on a relevant topic of your choice.

Throughout the course you’ll gain experience on placement, and achieve your Early Childhood Practitioner Competencies.