Undergraduate

Early Childhood Studies

An education student in the classroom with child
Student watering plants in the Interactive Education Suite
A student sits on the grass on a sunny day with a young child
Childs learning toy

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Develop the key skills you need for a range of careers in children’s and young people’s services.
Get hands on with a variety of resources and tech in our simulated early years learning environment.
You could discover the benefits of learning beyond the classroom and study for Forest School certification.
Graduate Practitioner Status and work placements are just two of the career-boosting opportunities you can experience on this degree.
You’ll study the theory in our lecture rooms, learning as part of a community who share an interest in developing excellent learning opportunities.
An education student in the classroom with child
Student watering plants in the Interactive Education Suite
A student sits on the grass on a sunny day with a young child
Childs learning toy
Education Lecture Room

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Duration

Mode

  • Standard course
  • With a foundation year

Want to make a real difference to young children and their families? This is where you start.

With a team of highly respected and experienced tutors, who are all experts in their specialisms, you’ll learn from some of the best in the field. This rewarding, flexible degree has babies and young children at its heart. It draws on subjects such as education, health studies, social work and social policy, psychology and sociology.

You’ll experience work-based placements in a range of early childhood settings. And gain the skills you need to move into the early years workforce.

  • 94.9% of students

    in work or further study 15 months after graduating 1

  • Ranked joint 2nd

    for Value Added 2

  • Learn hands on

    with a work-based placement

  • Early years

    simulated learning environment

  • Forest School

    certification opportunity

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Course overview
Module options

About this course

This degree takes a holistic approach to the development of young children, from birth to the age of eight.

From climate change, global pandemics and economic austerity to screen use and social media, the 21st century has brought many factors that are shaping childhood experiences. This course teaches you to understand the challenges of supporting children and babies in this rapidly changing world, and the skills to respond to them.

Develop practical skills within a range of early years environments – from nurseries to care farms – thanks to our links with over 600 education institutions across the UK. Your training will include outdoor play and learning opportunities and the chance to study towards an accredited Forest School certification, and you could experience a placement overseas. This gives you a valuable additional qualification and the ability to take into account a range of extra needs.

We’re proud to be part of the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network, which benefits students through events and profile-raising activity. You’ll also have the opportunity to achieve Graduate Practitioner Status2.

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time is divided across the year varies and depends on the module you are studying.

How you'll be assessed depends on the course you study, and the modules you choose. You may be assessed through a mix of examinations, coursework, presentations and group projects.

Choose your modules

Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.

Preparing for Learning in Higher Education

This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.

Core•20 credits

Introduction to Education

This module sets the scene for the programme, starting with your own background and experience and exploring what education means, how it differs from schooling and key concepts and approaches. It will also help you to develop the academic skills necessary for your degree programme.

Core•20 credits

Research in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Education

This module will equip you with the necessary skills to conduct and analyse research in a specific interest, supported by academics within your subject. You'll navigate through the research process, from identifying an area of interest to presenting their findings to your peers.

Core•20 credits

Group Challenge (Humanities)

Formulate and execute a group led enquiry into texts, cultural artifacts, film, music or dance. You'll explore their topics in groups at supervised workshops and develop questions on the cultural object relates to the living world of human experience, as well as developing your own methods to answer these questions.

Compulsory•20 credits

Foundation in Data Analysis

Develop a strong foundation in data collection and analysis. This module will introduce you to qualitative and quantitative data and how to analyse it; the collection of primary and secondary data; the production of high quality graphics; and report writing.

Compulsory•20 credits

Academic Writing Skills

Developing confidence in expression, oral as well as written, is a key feature of this module, which also aims to familiarise you with submission and assessment procedures in the context of Higher Education. This is a clear building block onto your degree programme and places you at a distinct advantage when you move into the following year.

Compulsory•20 credits

In the foundation year, you are introduced to subjects relating to education. Modules comprise aspects of psychological, sociological and historical aspects of learning; study skills; and an introduction to the environments for learning, which will investigate learning in a variety of settings.
6 Modules

Play and Learning

How do adults and environments in early years settings support young children’s learning? In this module you will explore the power that play and everyday experiences have on the development of babies and young children. You will reflect on the role you and others have in supporting them to make sense of the world.

Compulsory•20 credits

Children’s Health and Wellbeing

The significance of good physical, emotional and mental health has never been more important for children and society. In this module you will explore the role of practitioners in supporting the health and wellbeing of young children and babies.

Compulsory•20 credits

Ethical Dilemmas and the Moral Maze

Dealing with real-world, ethical, or moral dilemmas is both challenging and pertinent to all areas of lived experience and professional, practice.  The module will introduce you to a range of theoretical models and provide opportunities to explore these in relation to real world ethical dilemmas drawn from professional practice contexts.  

Compulsory•20 credits

Professional Practice 1 - The Developing Practitioner

Your introduction to professional placement practice, this module will provide you with the the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical context and reflect on your experiences to inform future practice.

Compulsory•20 credits

The Wonder Years- Early Child Development 0-8

You will be introduced to the evidence based prinicples of of child development. Giving due consideration to play and learning, children’s rights, diversity, equity and inclusion, this module supports students to apply theoretical perspectives to practice situations.

Compulsory•20 credits

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

This engaging module provides foundation knowledge and skills that will enable you to develop understanding and analysis of social inequalities and the nature of discrimination in contemporary society. There will be opportunities to explore key equality legislation and policy. The module will explore the ethical and political rationale for developing equitable, diverse, and inclusive practices as part of an agenda for social justice and social change.  

Compulsory•20 credits
6 Modules

Safeguarding and Family Support

You'll consider the historical and social context of safeguarding and child protection, examining key issues of safeguarding practice including communication, leadership and multi-disciplinary working.

Compulsory•20 credits

Working Therapeutically and Inclusively with Children with SEND

This exciting module enables you to consider how you might work more effectively and inclusively with children and young people who have Special Educational Needs Disabilities. You will be able to develop hands-on practical experience with therapeutic approaches such as play therapy, life story work and Lego therapy.  

Compulsory•20 credits

Global Constructions of Early Childhood

 By encouraging you to develop yourknowledge and understanding of the lived experience of childhood in different parts of the world, this module will focus on exploring what childhood is, how it has changed over time and how it is viewed in legal, social and cultural terms.

Compulsory•20 credits

Professional Practice: Supporting the Unique Child.

You will have the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of children aged 0- 8 through an extended placement within early childhood in the UK. Through the placement, you will become increasingly professionally confident, competent and develop your leadership capacity. We have exciting placement opportunities in various early childhood contexts that will introduce you to a range of innovative ways you can work with and alongside organisations, practitioners, children, and families which have real impact in their lives.

Compulsory•40 credits

Time to talk, Nurturing Communication and Language in Early Childhood

This module examines the development of speech, language, and communication in young children aged 0- 8. The module introduces students to the distinctive and different features of speech, language, and communication to support and promote young children’s learning, it explores how theories of speech, language and communication development are put into practice. The module enables students to develop a depth of knowledge and understanding regarding the current regulatory framework guidance for the Early Years, it further encourages students to reflect upon, review and assess theories of learning, research evidence, and curriculum in shaping pedagogic practice in education speech, language, and communication development is the cornerstone of early childhood which provides all children with an equal of success.

Compulsory•20 credits
5 Modules

Professional Practice 3 - The Graduate Practitioner

This module will encourage you to engage with multiple perspectives on the roles and responsibilities of graduate practitioners leading practice in the early childhood sector. Explaining, analysing and reflecting upon your own professional practice and personal development,this module will provide you with an opportunity to bring synthesis to your academic and practice-based journey and personal progression.

Core•20 credits

Voice and Influence – The Impact of Advocacy

We highlight the importance of voice and influence within decision making processes, and explore how advocacy can safeguard and enable children, young people, adults and communities.

Core•20 credits

Extended Research Project

This module builds on your learning and development throughout the three years of your degree and offers an exciting opportunity to delve deeply into and explore a contemporary issue which you feel passionate about that is relevant to your programme of study. You will have the opportunity to design, develop and conduct your own research project. Through the process of this research and writing up your extended research project you will develop specialist knowledge and skills relevant to your graduate future, whether that be employment or postgraduate study. 

Core•60 credits

Environments for Learning

You will identify and apply pedagogical knowledge of how to develop enabling environments for children, young people and families. An innovative approach to a range of pedagogical approaches including Forest Schools, home learning environment and community based projects. Optional accredited Level 2 Forest Schools training is available through this module.

Core•20 credits
4 Modules

Playlist

Kerrie Lee

Course Overview 1 min

Rewilding Reading

Research Highlight 9 mins

Teaching facilities

University Life 1 min

Accommodation at Hull

University Life 2 mins

Entry requirements

What do I need?

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.

What do I need?

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Our academics

Our team of highly respected and experienced tutors are all experts in their specialisms.

Taught by a team of experts in the fields of education, social care, health, inclusion and therapeutic approaches, you’ll gain real, practical knowledge that will be invaluable in your future career.

See more academics for this subject
Joanne Traunter
Featured academic

Dr Jo Traunter

Jo’s teaching and research interests are in early childhood education and care. She brings over 20 years’ experience of different early years teaching methods and activities to her role as Head of Subject for Education, Childhood and Youth Studies.
Kerrie Lee
Featured academic

Kerrie Lee

An experienced early years practitioner, Kerrie's research focuses on how environment, space and place interact and shape the lives of young people. She is working on a consultation for new projects to support early years in museums and galleries.

Take a look at our facilities

Early Years Room

Develop practical skills in our on-campus simulated early years learning environment. This engaging, inclusive space incorporates a range of resources and technology.

Forest School Training Centre

Discover the benefits of learning beyond the classroom and study for Forest School certification within our training centre with gardens, wooded area and wildflower meadows.

Brynmor Jones Library

Our seven-storey library is a superb learning space. As well as more than a million books, there’s a variety of study areas, over 400 open-access PCs and one amazing view.

Group Lecture Room

Collaborate in group lecture rooms working as part of our vibrant community of students and staff who all share an interest in developing excellent learning opportunities for others.

See more in our virtual tour
Child and teacher playing in the Early Years Room
Forest School Training Centre

Look around

Look around

Child and teacher playing in the Early Years Room
Forest School Training Centre
Brynmor Jones Library Observation Deck
Wilberforce TV Teaching Room
A student sitting on green grass reading a book

Future prospects

Our degrees reflect the high demand for well-trained practitioners and are tailored to prepare you to move straight into employment.

With a focus on the key skills valued by employers we’ll support your development into a practitioner for the early childhood sector. You’ll gain experience of working independently and in teams as well as presentation skills and an ability to articulate effectively across a range of contexts with a variety of tools.

The opportunities for graduates in children’s and young people’s services are varied and wide. Potential future careers include Portage worker, community nursery nurse, children’s centre practitioner, family support worker, early years practitioner and child support worker.

University of Hull Open Day

Your next steps

Not ready to apply?

Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

Book your place now

You may also be interested in…

Course

BA (Hons) Education Studies
Course

BA (Hons) Primary Teaching Studies
Course

BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People and Families
Course

B.Ed Education and Childhood Studies (1 year top-up)
Course

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care (1 year top-up)

1. 94.9% employability (Education Studies) UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Higher Education Graduate Outcomes statistics, for the academic year 2021/22, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency June 2024.

 2. Joint 2nd out of 91 institutions for Value Added (Education), Guardian 2025

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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