Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)

A degree from our Early Childhood Studies programme is ideal if you want to gain a graduate-level qualification that will enable you to work with children aged from birth to 8 years old.

Youll have a holistic approach to understanding early childhood, relating appropriate educational theory to practice. Youll look critically at the role of play, considering differing curriculum models and examining the impact of early childhood researchers and theorists on current government perspectives and practices.

This degree will prepare you for many types of employment and is supported by employers within the industry. Graduates from our Early Childhood Studies degree have progressed into primary Teacher Training, early years teaching, social work, further education, charity work and management. Youll gain placement opportunities across the birth to 8 years old age range and youll establish lifelong networks that you can use throughout your career.

In addition to our ‘core’ Early Childhood Studies degree we offer 3 pathways: Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND), Mental health and well being or which provide a more detailed focus into those area via specific modules and work based learning experiences.

On successful completion of study, we will issue one of the following awards dependent on your chosen pathway:
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Special Education Needs and Disability, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Mental Health and Well Being or BA (Hons) with Education for Our Sustainable World

Work placements
Our placement staff will work with you to identify a suitable location for your work placement. Please also note that you are responsible for any costs incurred in travelling to and from your work placement, and for any accommodation costs.
Students on our Early Childhood Studies degrees have worked with:
• Schools



• Colleges



• Early years settings



• SEND settings



• NGOs



• Private training organisations



• Local Councils



• Armed Forces



• Prison Service



• Local Authorities



All students will attend work placements in early years settings throughout the programme, they will be expected to undertake work based activities in preparation for their teaching and learning sessions. These may include information exercises such as locating relevant policies and resource audits for review and discussion. Observations of children or work processes in the placement/work setting may be used to inform discussion, such as analysing childrens needs, involvement in the planning process or the preparation of work focused learning materials. Placement records will provide support for learners on placement and all students will be supported by a work-based supervisor within the setting.

From your first day to your graduation day and beyond, University of Staffordshire will help you build your future career.

Recently named University of the Year (Academic Employability Awards 2026, Graduate Futures Institute), employability is embedded across the student experience.You’ll be involved in real-world projects and activities that develop your professional practice. You’ll also make connections that open doors through employer partnerships and industry mentoring opportunities.

Expect lots of hands-on learning too. You can travel from crime scene to courtroom in simulation spaces – and bring topics to life with AI and VR-powered technology.

You’ll also get personalised support, with your own academic mentor. Staffordshire prides itself on offering an inclusive, welcoming environment. With more than 70 clubs and societies, and a brand new Student Village, there’s a community waiting for you. Click Call University to secure your place at University of Staffordshire today.