Early Childhood Studies

You’ll gain knowledge and understanding of:

• Social, cultural, historical, political and economic contexts of early childhood
• Approaches to working with babies, young children, families and communities
• An understanding of global issues and debates, such as young children as active participants in the lives and practices of families, societies and cultures
• The processes which shape early childhood and young children's lives, including ethical principles and children's rights
• Educational research and enquiry methods
• Skills which support participation, critical engagement, and intellectual independence.

In addition to this, you’ll gain skills that will make you attractive to employers. You’ll learn to present your ideas confidently in a variety of forms, use ICT for various professional purposes and work collaboratively.

Year one
In year one you’ll examine constructions of childhood and widely accepted policy, pedagogy and provision in relation to babies and young children. The position of play is explored, as well as the diversity of socio-cultural contexts in which young children explore the world.

You’ll be introduced to a variety of international perspectives which influence and challenge our understanding of babies and young children. In addition, you’ll develop your understanding of ethical practice, children’s voice and participation.

Year two
You’ll gain depth in understanding of the care, development and learning of children between birth and eight years through exploring of a range of perspectives in theory and in research. You’ll examine issues in early childhood, the purpose and diversity of early childhood provision including multi-disciplinary approaches, and the influence of policy agendas.

You’ll have an extended placement in an early childhood setting, and the opportunity to link theory to professional practice.

Year three
You’ll gain understanding of the principles and theories of leadership in early childhood settings, including effective ways of leading a team, reflective leadership and working with families and communities.

You’ll also be able to explore how young children make meaning, examine international perspectives on early childhood, and visit early childhood settings.

In your third year, you’ll also write a dissertation, balancing independent work with one-to-one support.

You’ll be assessed through coursework. There are no exams.

Assessments could include essays, group presentations, research-based reports and portfolio-based work. We’ll provide you with regular feedback on how well you're doing and give you regular guidance on how to improve your skills, knowledge and understanding.

Teaching is through a mix of lectures, seminars and individual tutorials. Seminars are usually more informal than lectures – they are opportunities for you to discuss, ask questions and get involved in activities and debates.

You’ll be taught by experienced and respected University staff. Throughout the course they’ll introduce you to their specialisms and research interests.

You’ll also benefit from visiting speakers – these include early childhood setting leaders, play therapists, children’s services, educational advisers, specialist researchers and international visitors.

You’ll have the opportunity to study in a wide range of locations around the world, by taking advantage of our Erasmus+ and Exchange programmes.

Some of our students complete educational placements as part of our international education modules. For instance, in year two you can study in Zambia; and in your final year you can travel to Nepal. Alternatively you can arrange your own international placement.

Placements occur in each year of the programme. In year two there is an extended placement in an early childhood setting which spans over two modules. This enables you to collect practice-based evidence for the accredited vocational qualification ‘Early Years Educator’. 

Optional modules provide further placement opportunities for you to work with young people both locally and internationally. The Institute for Education Partnership Office will arrange each placement for you. We try to ensure you are located within a reasonable distance from where you live; however, you should normally expect to travel using your own or public transport.

Previous students have also worked with charities, youth centres, and third-sector organisations such as museums, as well as schools and early years settings.

Early Childhood Studies will provide the basis for you to work with young children in different early years settings and contexts. You may choose to work in educational and training advisory roles in a range of organisations including local community, businesses, local authorities, non-government organisations and charities, museums, art galleries and libraries.

You’ll also be able to apply for PGCE courses in teacher training – but if you know at this stage that you want to be a teacher you should consider our early years specialised teaching pathway.

This optional placement year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Before your Professional Placement Year, you'll work to secure your placement, constructing a development plan with your module leader and your placement coordinator from our Careers and Employability team.

On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio, detailing your development on your placement.

The course is taught on Newton Park campus.

You'll have access to a range of excellent facilities including:

• Newton Park Library
• Commons building
• Twiverton and Compton
• Virtual Learning Environment

You can hire out equipment using SISO, Bath Spa University’s free equipment loan service. We provide a huge variety of equipment, from cameras to laptops.