Early Childhood Studies

UCAS code: X310

Here's what University of Derby says about its Early Childhood Studies course.

In this Early Childhood Studies degree, you’ll explore how children develop, learn and think from birth to eight years, and gain the professional skills and knowledge you need to make a real difference to their lives.

Education at Derby has been ranked 2nd for teaching (National Student Survey 2025) and Top 5 for student voice (National Student Survey 2025).

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE? If you want to work in health, education or social care, Early Childhood Studies gives you an excellent start. Last year, over 98% of our graduates were in work or further study within six months of finishing. That’s in part due to the practical experience you’ll amass on this degree – for one or two days each week you’ll be on placement.

• A well-established and long-running degree that has been successfully running for over 20 years. Be part of our learning community that advocates for the recognition of the Early Years Graduate and the role that graduates play in leading practice with children aged 0 to 8 years across all discipline

• Our new re-validated programme reflects contemporary issues such as advocacy for children, inclusion, nature connectedness, and sustainability

• Our outdoor learning spaces will provide you with an opportunity to increase your knowledge and awareness of learning in the outdoors for children 0-8 years across social care, education, and health. The closer we feel to nature, the happier we are, our outdoor spaces will enhance your well-being as well as learning within the ever-changing outdoor classroom

• You will be challenged to think critically about different realities and form your pedagogical judgments, bearing in mind the concepts of equality, diversity, and inclusion for the development of continued reflective practice

• You will engage in a variety of placements over the three years. These can include settings in education, social care, and health provision. These will enable you to meet the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies and enable you to achieve Level 3 practitioner status in line with the DfE guidelines

• Our purpose is to inspire you to become forward-thinking advocates of change and become sector leaders in the care and education of children and families.

• You can broaden your experiences with opportunities including paediatric first aid training and the opportunity to carry out primary research which could lead to published work

• You will have opportunities to focus on modules specific to your personal interests and career aspirations (subject to demand)

• You will benefit from the expertise of a multi-disciplinary research active academic team who will ensure your learning is relevant, up to date and research-informed

• If you complete this course and meet the entry requirements for PGCE Primary, you will be guaranteed an interview to progress

IS THIS COURSE FOR YOU? If you want to build up a thorough understanding of early childhood and gain practical experience to take into a range of early years’ settings (nurseries, children’s centres etc) then it’s definitely for you.

HOW YOU WILL LEARN As well as lectures, seminars and tutorials, you will be working with children on placement every week and learning through practice, observation and reflection.

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY This Early Childhood Studies degree is recognised by the Department for Education and the industry, so it opens doors to roles in the independent, private, public or voluntary sectors. Alternatively, if you decide you’d like to train as a teacher after graduating from this course, you will be guaranteed an interview for our PGCE Primary, providing you meet the entry requirements.

RELATED COURSES BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year