Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

**The foundation year will introduce you to study at university and your chosen subject. It also provides a highly supportive environment where you can develop your self-confidence.** <br/><br/>The development and growth of children during their early childhood is extraordinary as they grow from babies, completely dependent on care, to children able to act for themselves. Our course explores this very special time in childrens lives from before birth to approximately eight years old and examines the factors and experiences that shape their development and growth. <br/><br/>Youll be able to pursue your own specific interests by undertaking research, and diverse practice-based experiences where youll have opportunities to explore the roles of professionals supporting children in the early years of their lives and their families.<br/><br/>You’ll be supported in creating your own e-portfolio, which will demonstrate your skills, knowledge and experiences against the national Early Childhood Studies Subject Benchmarks. Youll build this portfolio over three years, and it will become an invaluable tool when applying for postgraduate opportunities or graduate employment.<br/><br/>The combination of strong academic study and diverse practice-based experiences will help to prepare you for many exciting careers where you can make a real difference to children’s lives.<br/><br/>**Top reasons to study with us**<br/>- You’ll be supported to tailor your studies to your own interests through optional modules, research and work related practice.<br/><br/><br/>- 100% of our Early Childhood Studies students were in jobs or further study 15 months after finishing their course. Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022<br/><br/><br/>- You’ll explore the most significant issues facing children today, such as digital technologies, children’s wellbeing and sustainability.<br/><br/><br/>**Location** <br/><br/>You can study this course at our Canterbury Campus. Canterbury is just 50 miles south-east of London and less than an hour by high-speed train from St Pancras. Located on a UNESCO World Heritage Site the campus offers state-of-the-art buildings, right in the centre of a vibrant and world-famous cathedral city. You’ll benefit from a campus with excellent learning and teaching resources, music venues, a superb sports centre, a well-stocked bookshop and plenty of coffee bars and places to eat. A short walk away is Augustine House our award-winning library and home to a vast range of learning resources and student support teams.

University isn't just an education, it's the start of your career. At Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), you'll get to explore a number of exciting career paths, whatever you study.<br/><br/>CCCU is ranked top 5 UK university for employability (Uni Compare Rankings 2026), highlighting its excellent student careers and employability support. The university is home to career-relevant courses and industry-standard facilities. For example, film students can showcase their creativity in the fully equipped film/TV studio, forensics students can test their observational abilities in mock crime scenes, and nursing students can practice their skills in simulated hospital wards.<br/><br/>With a campus in a World Heritage Site, Canterbury is also less than an hour on the train from London and is buzzing with student life. You've got beautiful coast and countryside right on your doorstep, and plenty of opportunities to make friends. With CCCU's range of clubs and societies, including Tennis, Musical Theatre and Dodgeball, you're bound to meet your friends for life.<br/><br/>Apply now to secure your place at CCCU this September.