
Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)
Course Overview - Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)
Take a fresh look at childhood. Explore the theory and reality of childrens early years through a variety of perspectives including sociology, social psychology, history, and philosophy. Develop a well-rounded view of childhood and a clear understanding of potential career paths within this dynamic field. This innovative course encourages critical thinking, fosters innovation, and provides practical insights to navigate the complexities of working with children during their formative years.
Engage with young children and their families in the Work Based Learning module, ope...
Take a fresh look at childhood. Explore the theory and reality of childrens early years through a variety of perspectives including sociology, social psychology, history, and philosophy. Develop a well-rounded view of childhood and a clear understanding of potential career paths within this dynamic field. This innovative course encourages critical thinking, fosters innovation, and provides practical insights to navigate the complexities of working with children during their formative years.<br/><br/>Engage with young children and their families in the Work Based Learning module, operating in various settings according to your preferences; for example, childrens charities, family centres, child development centres, family work within prisons, and womens rehabilitation centres. Or opt for the Work Based Learning Plus module to attain professional recognition in a nursery, primary school, or special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school environment.<br/><br/><br/>• Explore the relationships between play and learning in your own studies as well as in child development.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Expand your options beyond traditional teaching and open up further career opportunities in education, social care, community work, psychology, management and research.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• See for yourself how theories and policies are applied in practice by visiting a wide range of provision for children and families.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Learn on the job during the work-based learning placement. You will gain the practical skills employers are looking for.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Opportunities to extend your early years practice through assessment in placement; gaining valuable experience in working with children and families.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Take a broader view of children’s development by studying the subject in practical, historical and international contexts. <br/><br/><br/><br/>• Develop essential skills through a variety of coursework-based assessments – from essays, surveys and child observations to group presentations and video commentaries. <br/><br/><br/><br/>• Learn from experienced lecturers and tutors who are actively engaged in national and international research projects.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Make the most of the opportunities presented by being part of a department that has strong links with universities in Europe, Canada, Africa and the USA and through the International Students’ Exchange Programme.<br/><br/>
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
21/09/2026
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
X310
Institution Code
P60
Points of Entry
Year 1, Year 2, Year 3
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
96
Including a minimum of 2 A Levels. Preference for social science/ health & social care/ early years/ childcare qualifications but others are considered.
Scottish Higher
112 points to include two Advanced Highers preferably social science/ health and social care/ early years/ childcare
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with at least 33 credits at Merit or Distinction. Preference for social science/ health & social care/ early years/ childcare qualifications but others are considered.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
26
28
Preference for social science/ health & social care/ early years/ childcare qualifications but others are considered. English and Maths accepted within as GCSE equivalents
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
MMM
DMM
Preference for social science/ health & social care/ early years/ childcare qualifications but others are considered.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H3,H4,H4,H4,H4
H3,H3,H4,H4,H4
Preference for social science/ health & social care/ early years/ childcare qualifications but others are considered. English and Maths accepted within as GCSE equivalents
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD
D*D*
Preference for social science/ health & social care/ early years/ childcare qualifications but others are considered.
AS
Considered alongside other qualifications.
Scottish Advanced Higher
96-112 UCAS points to include two Advanced Highers. Preference for social science/ health & social care/ early years/ childcare qualifications but others are considered. English and Maths accepted within as GCSE equivalents
Extended Project
Considered alongside other qualifcations.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Considered alongside other qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Considered alongside other qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Considered alongside other qualifications.
A level
96-112 UCAS points including a minimum of 2 A Levels. Preference for social science/ health & social care/ early years/ childcare qualifications but others are considered.
T Level
P
Pass (C or above on the core) 96 points or above , (preference to education/ social science/ health and social care, but all considered)
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
C
This would be accepted in combination of other level 3 qualifications
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
C
This would be accepted in combination of other level 3 qualifications
Search Undergraduate Courses at University of Plymouth
Find more courses from University of Plymouth with our undergraduate course search.
Fees and funding
Unfortunately, we're unable to gather fee information for this course.