Early Childhood Education BA (Hons)

Do you aspire to make a significant difference to young children’s lives, future generations and transform communities in a rewarding field? Are you excited to learn about children’s education, development and care? We’ll teach you the latest theory, philosophy and best practice. There are so many different approaches you can try. This is a chance to specialise in the development of young children between 0 – 7 years old. We’ll teach you how to give every child you work with the best possible start.<br/><br/>Youll have the opportunity to focus on practice or research. Whichever path you choose, you can enter a variety of careers related to working with children and families. <br/><br/>If you focus on practice, you’ll complete two extended work placements in your 2nd and 3rd year. In addition to your degree, you’ll graduate with Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies. This puts you in an excellent position to seek immediate employment in early childhood settings and to count in staff-child ratios from the day you start work. This means you’ll be able to make a difference early on in your career. Plus, you’ll have a range of transferable skills that are in high demand. <br/><br/>If you focus on research, you’ll specialise in theory and critical analysis. You’ll investigate philosophies, concepts and current issues related to early childhood education. We’ll teach you how to critique their impact through work-based learning. Through your studies, you’ll become an expert in the theories which underpin child development, education and care. You’ll become a confident, self-aware and reflective graduate. You’ll have the research skills to work in a variety of multi-agency settings or progress to post graduate studies.

The University of Hertfordshire will provide you with the skills needed for the modern workplace by delivering career-focused degrees. Herts consults with employers when designing courses and their facilities provide you with up-to-date, real-world experience, mirroring the careers and industries you'll work in after graduation.<br/><br/>You'll have the opportunity to take part in a range of co-curricular activities to help boost your CV, including an award-winning mock assessment centre.<br/><br/>Herts is a campus-based university spread over two sites with easy access to London, opening up a wealth of opportunities for placements, work experience, teaching and learning, as well as social and cultural experiences. It has a wonderfully diverse community of students and staff and offers a range of support services, from counselling to childcare, ensuring you can concentrate on studying and make the most of your time at university.