Early Childhood (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons)

Designed for those who want to work in a professional capacity with or for children, this course provides an excellent foundation for careers with children or further study.

Why study early childhood?

Recent research has established the importance and quality of learning from birth. Now is a really important time to consider how children explore their world.

This Early Childhood degree considers ideas that are central for childrens lives and their education, as well as the wider world. This means graduates in early childhood are sought after for a wide range of employment opportunities.

Why UWE Bristol?

Our intellectually demanding BA(Hons) Early Childhood allows you to focus on the areas that interest you most.

Youll examine issues around childrens place in society, education, special educational needs, childrens learning and development, language and reasoning and environments for children.

Exploring issues affecting children between birth and eight years old, youll link theory to practice, and understand social, psychological and philosophical factors in childrens lives, learning and development.

Undertaking work-related experience is a central aspect of the degree. Youll spend time in early childhood settings in each year of the course.

Develop key communication, research, interpersonal and critical thinking skills, including learning to work effectively with others, organise information and ideas, and present your ideas clearly and confidently. Learn to reflect on your own and others practice.

Where can it take me?

This Early Childhood degree will equip you to work at managerial level in childcare and educational settings, childrens services and family support or in other fields.

Many early childhood students study for an early years or primary postgraduate teaching qualification, or for a masters degree in social work, psychology, play therapy or speech and language therapy.

By the end of your Early Childhood degree, youll be qualified to work at level three in an early years setting (subject to completing work-related learning practice and holding suitable literacy and first aid qualifications). This means you can be counted in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) staff:child ratios at level three.

University is a time to try new things, meet new people and make new goals. With Clearing at UWE Bristol, you'll get the chance to take control of your future and choose an exciting path for yourself.

UWE Bristol offers over 100 professionally accredited courses, including Architecture, Accounting and Finance, Games Technology, Mathematics and Sport Rehabilitation. Whether you're studying an arts, business, healthcare or science degree, all undergraduate courses are designed with employability in mind. You can work a year in industry, study across the world, and get one-to-one careers advice on campus. It's no wonder an outstanding 89% of students find work or further study just 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23, published 2025).

You'll also be studying in a top 10 most popular city in the UK (YouGov, 2026). With famous festivals, renowned galleries, lively nightclubs and independent restaurants right on your doorstep, you're guaranteed an incredible student experience in Bristol. With famous festivals, renowned galleries, lively nightclubs and independent restaurants right on your doorstep, you're guaranteed an incredible student experience in Bristol.

Your Future, Right Here. Study at UWE Bristol. Choose to do Clearing right.