Early Childhood (Professional Practice) BA (Hons)

Early Childhood (practitioner options)

This course will provide you with experience in a wide range of Early Years settings as well as developing an understanding of how theories can be put into practice.

Are you interested in how young children think, learn and develop? The study of Early Childhood is concerned with the development and care of children from birth to eight years, within the context of society, family and culture.

Core modules will provide you with the framework for developing your skills and knowledge. You will then be able to select from an extensive range of optional modules in areas of specific interest to you or to follow a potential career path.

We welcome applications from students without the formal entry qualifications but who have experience of working with children and families - please see our Mature Students page for details.

Please be aware that Early Childhood is undergoing many positive changes in terms of Government priorities and funding. To ensure that the degree is responsive to these changes it is currently going through a re-approval process. As a result some of the content within this website may be subject to change. The Centre for Early Childhood team are committed to ensuring your student experience with us offers the highest quality in terms of your developing professional knowledge and any changes will reflect this.

UCAS code

UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for entry onto full-time undergraduate courses in Higher Education in the UK.

Early Childhood (Professional Practice) BA (Single Honours) X310 BA/EL

For the latest information, check the UCAS website at www.ucas.com

Study options

Single Honours
Chance to study overseas
Opportunities for fieldwork and invaluable practical experience in early childhood settings

Get in touch

Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

240-280 UCAS tariff points and minimum of 4 GCSEs at C or above including Maths and English Language
An Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure is required for this course

Modules

Practice Experience
Introduction to Policy in Early Childhood
Tuning into Children
Children in Society: Aspects of Childhood
Researching in Early Childhood Settings
Professional Practice in Early Childhood
Independent Study
Understanding Children’s Play
The Gendered Child
Communication & Representation
Children as Learners
Representations of Childhood
Managing People in Organisations
Special Education Needs, Disability & Inclusive Practice
Parenting Today
Art Experiences in Early Childhood
Children Becoming Literate
Children’s Rights
Values in Education

Assessment

A variety of methods are used within this course to assess learning. These include displays, reports, presentations, portfolios including e-portfolios and essays.

Sophie

Student, Early Childhood (Practitioner Options) BA (Hons)

"The University’s reputation has lived up to my expectations. My course offers an excellent balance of theory and practical experience, offering the opportunity to work alongside Early Years professionals in the context of my academic work.”

Academic department

Institute of Education

“Our high quality programmes and innovative teaching methods prepare and train the very best professionals. Worcester graduates have made a huge difference in the field of education.”
Professor Chris Robertson, Head of Institute

Employability

The care and developing of young children is rapidly expanding area, offering graduates a wide range of career opportunities. Early Childhood (Professional Practice) BA (Hons) will equip you with the skills needed to find employment within the childcare and education professions. You will also have a suitable foundation for a range of careers in social work, children's charities, nurseries, day-care centres, schools and the health service.

For example:
Supervisory roles within Early Childhood settings
Social care
Children’s charities e.g. Barnados
Day Care Nurseries, pre-schools and play- work
Family and Children’s Centres
Early education: Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA)
Health and welfare services
Local Authority Children’s Services
Children’s Workforce Development Council
Post-graduate qualifications in Social Work, play therapy, teaching and research degrees.

An interesting example of the transferability and relevance of skills learnt and of experience gained during the course is that of a graduate of our Early Childhood programme around 6 years ago has since undertaken a significant leadership role in a regional Sector Council focusing on equality, then a similar role national role and has now become the Principal of an FE college, demonstrating the breadth of opportunities available.

This course is also an ideal platform from which to access the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) programme and an ideal base for postgraduate study.

All of our students undertake a minimum of 20 days practice in a variety of registered early years settings each year. Invariably, students who demonstrate the qualities and skills required of the profession are then offered part time employment, especially during the holidays.

In addition, our students have the opportunity to access a combined Early Childhood Studies/Early Years Professional Status pathway. This enables networking opportunities between employers, supervisors and students which further enhances a student’s CV and employability prospects.

We encourage students to enrol on extra-curricular, workforce relevant training leading to certificates in areas such as ‘signing’ and CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) training. These are skills that are very attractive to prospective employers and will offer students an advantage at application stage and interview.