Early Childhood Education BA (Hons)

This programme is the natural progression for students who have completed Lincoln Bishop University’s Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Education. It is also open to applicants with other, similar qualifications from Lincoln Bishop University or other institutions. The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education degree offers a flexible route to gaining a bachelors qualification while continuing to work or volunteer regularly in a setting that supports learning. It may appeal to those working in early childhood settings, including nurseries and reception classes in schools, as well as in wider community, support, or care roles where early learning and development are a core focus.<br/><br/>The BA (Hons) degree is a blended, work-based programme that combines practical learning with live online teaching and occasional campus sessions. You will attend online classes twice a week in real time, along with five in-person teaching days across the academic year. This format is designed to make it possible to continue working or volunteering while you study.<br/><br/>Throughout the one-year programme, you will build on your previous study and professional experience to develop a deeper understanding of current issues, practice, and practitioner research in early childhood education. The programme welcomes applicants from a range of early childhood contexts, including nurseries, preschool settings, reception classes in schools, childminders, home-based care, and community projects that support the learning and development of young children and their families.<br/><br/>The modules will encourage you to critically reflect on your own practice, analyse key systems and policies, and explore professional challenges through topics such as leadership, contemporary social and political issues, and critical approaches to early childhood pedagogy. You will have the opportunity to develop your understanding of the complex factors that contribute to children’s learning and development. Building on the knowledge and understanding gained from your foundation degree, this course aims to stretch and deepen your insight into how to support children by exploring alternative perspectives on child development.<br/><br/>Throughout the programme, the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education incorporates the full and relevant criteria set by the Department for Education. However, this can only be achieved if the student holds a suitable Level 2 qualification in English. You will also undertake an independent research project to support your development as a graduate practitioner.