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Early Childhood Education and Care BA(Hons)

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Start Dates

20 September 2027

Duration

3 years full-time

UCAS Tariff

112-104 points

Recent Awards For Excellence

Award logo 1 Education - QS 2025 Ofsted outstanding provider logo
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About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Explore how early experiences shape children’s lives and develop the skills to support their learning and wellbeing.
  • Learn through real experience. Take part in work placements to build confidence and apply your knowledge in early years settings.
  • Whether you’re aiming for teaching, social care, or early years practice, this course prepares you for a range of careers.

If you want to support young children’s learning, development and wellbeing, this course helps you build the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a lasting difference. You will explore how children grow and learn from birth to seven, and how play, relationships, environments and early experiences shape their futures.

You will be taught by a supportive team of early years specialists who are passionate about helping you develop as a reflective, knowledgeable practitioner. In the National Student Survey 2025, Childhood and Youth Studies was ranked top in Yorkshire for teaching on my course, assessment and feedback and organisation and management.*

You will learn about child development, assessment for learning, safeguarding, social policy, children’s rights and the factors that influence children’s lives. You will also develop your ability to create inclusive, nurturing and responsive environments where every child can thrive.

Work placements form a key part of the course, giving you the chance to gain real experience in professional early years settings. These experiences, combined with your academic learning, help you grow the skills and confidence that support a wide range of progression routes, including teacher training, early years practice, SEND support, social care and further study.

*(All modes, all levels, taught, using Yorkshire £100m+, limited to rank = 1 and more than 3 institutions)

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

BBC-BCC at A Level or equivalent.
112-104 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.
DMM-MMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, DD BTEC National Diploma or CACHE Diploma grade B relevant to working with children.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
Merit at T Level.
112-104 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

In addition you must also:

  • Have GCSE English Language at grade 4 or above (or equivalent, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme).
  • Provide a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and occupational health clearances prior to registration on the course. We arrange these as part of the application process.

You'll be required to sign a self-declaration at the start of each year and at the end of the course. All police contact during the course must be reported to the course leader as a matter of urgency and may lead to suspension or termination.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

We will request an Overseas Police Check if you have lived in a country outside of the UK for 6 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years before applying to us and whilst aged 18 or over.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see Undergraduate entry requirements.

We offer a range of fair access opportunities and support to help students progress to higher education. You may also be able to earn extra UCAS points. For more details, please see our Contextual Admissions Guidance.

What will you learn?

Course Details

This module introduces you to a variety of key skills intended to support your transition into higher education. The module encourages the development of academic study and communication skills necessary for success on your course along with academic tenacity and resilience. It encourages you to harness your organisation skills, have aspirations and develop self-efficacy.

This module introduces significant theories and research which underpin development and learning for children, young people and adults. It considers a range of key concepts to explain the basis of development and learning. It identifies the different dimensions of development (cognitive, linguistic, social, moral) and locates these aspects of development in their cultural and social context and in an international context. It focuses on different transitions that children and young people must make as they develop into adulthood and introduces students to different perspectives on the processes involved in learning and development.

On this module you'll be introduced to practice in supporting young children's development. You'll develop a holistic approach to enhancing your own professionalism and practice. Assessment typically involves a written case study detailing an individual child's learning and development. Students will be required to complete a placement with 0-7 year olds.

This module explores concepts of childhood and youth and how psychology, sociology, history and philosophy contribute to understanding the experience of childhood.

Raise your awareness of current legislation, policies and procedures which exist to promote children and young people’s rights and to keep them safe. Knowledge, skills and qualities required to work with children, young people, their families and carers and other professionals in safeguarding contexts. Critically explores broader safeguarding concepts (such as CSE and PREVENT).

On this module you'll focus on developing your employability as a graduate through enhancing your professionalism and practice through structured workplace learning. Assessment typically includes a written assignment and a portfolio demonstrating your developing practice in an ECEC setting. Students will be required to complete a placement with 0-7 year olds.

This module develops your understanding of language acquisition in children and young people. You will learn about why speech, language and communication (SLC) skills are important to children and young people’s development and how this potentially impacts on their life. You will also explore curriculum and pedagogical strategies that underpin educational resources to support speech, and communication needs, producing two activities.

You will study theories of child development from historical, psychological and sociological perspectives, exploring how neurodivergent and autistic children are constructed within these narratives. You will explore atypical development, examining a range of neurodivergent experiences of education, and analysing pedagogical approaches utilised to strengthen inclusive practices for neurodivergent children and young people in a range of educational settings. You will explore the impact of autism and neurodivergence on individuals and their families and demonstrate critical understanding of support systems within and beyond educational settings.

This module helps students to understand theories and models concerning the voice of children and young people. The module will encourage students to evaluate and consider the complexities of international, political, socio economic, ethical and cultural implications within the context of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN 1989). It creates the opportunity for students to develop their analysis of children and young people’s capacity and opportunity to express their voice and encourage them to participate meaningfully to influence policy in a range of differing contexts. Students will explore the significance of voice and identify appropriate responses. The module is designed to improve the effectiveness of students in responding to the needs of children and young people to have a voice within a variety of contexts. This module is designed to improve your ability to respond to the needs of children and young people to have a voice and to enhance your understanding of different definitions, theories and models of voice.

This module will help you to learn how to design and conduct a final year project. It does this by exploring a range of research and design approaches, strategies and methods. The module helps you to design a project that utilises your knowledge and abilities, carry it out and evaluate its outcomes. Your final year project will focus on an empirical research, policy or practice development, documentary research, policy analysis, entrepreneurship activity, or other options in negotiation with your tutor. The module guides you towards gaining a thorough, critical understanding of project planning and evaluation, research protocols, methods, ethics and ways of doing data analysis. By the end of the module you’ll be confident and capable of designing your own rigorous and valid project.

This module allows you to pursue your academic and work-related interests and to demonstrate the breadth of knowledge, understanding, and strengths that you have developed during your degree studies. You will review critical understanding of project planning and evaluation, research protocols, methods, ethics, and analysis. You will be supported in the selection of a focus for your final project, in the development of an application for ethical approval, and at each stage of your study. Your final year project will focus on an empirical research, policy or practice development, documentary research, policy analysis, entrepreneurship activity, or other options in negotiation with your tutor. This module is your opportunity to work together with a supervisor to confidently and rigorously undertake a valid project.

Choose one from a list which may include:

This module explores the context of and responses to a range of social, emotional and mental health needs in educational settings. Your understanding of different techniques that can be used to promote positive social, emotional and mental health plus behaviours for learning will be developed. You will explore causes of social, emotional and mental health needs, and look at how these can lead to dysregulated behaviour as well as the way that emotional and other difficulties can be recognised in one-to-one, small group encounters and whole class contexts. You will also consider theoretical aspects of supporting positive social, emotional and mental health, alongside behaviour management.

You will examine definitions and different understandings of inclusion and models of disability, considering a national and global context. You will explore the impact these different definitions and models have on educational policy and practice. You will critically analyse current approaches to inclusion in a range of settings. You will develop your understanding of approaches to inclusive planning, teaching and assessment that ensures accessibility, challenge and achievability for all pupils.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

Interested in a placement?

Placements

During your time on the course, you will be required to complete 240 hours of placement in Year 1 and 216 hours in Year 2, totalling 456 hours of compulsory placements across various educational settings.

Our network of placement settings includes Private, Voluntary, and Independent (PVI) providers, as well as schools, offering opportunities to work with children aged 0–7.

We will endeavour to place you in a location convenient to you.

Additionally, your dedicated course tutors will work closely with placement mentors to provide guidance and support throughout your experience, ensuring you gain maximum benefit from your placements.

Your placements could be based in areas some distance from your point of study, so please be aware of potential associated travelling costs.

Find Out More
I’ve just started my placement at a primary school, which I’m really excited about! I’m hoping it’ll help me understand what I want to do after my degree. Do I want to do a PGCE, or go into teaching further education, or become a social worker, or something else? There are so many things you can do with this degree.

- Ainaa Imran
Second Year Childhood Student.

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

This course opens up a wide range of career possibilities. You'll develop transferable professional skills such as organisation, leadership, teamwork, communication, record keeping, and report writing — all essential for working with children and young people, promoting their wellbeing and keeping them safe.
Graduates go on to roles in early years practice, teaching assistance, social work, family support, educational pastoral support, special educational needs (SEN) teaching and support, training consultancy, early years marketing, speech and language support, health visiting assistance, and roles such as nannying or childminding. Please note that some of these careers may require further postgraduate study.

Your degree will also be valuable for roles in early years settings (including childminding), children's centres, community hubs, schools, local authorities, training organisations, and further education colleges.

If you’re looking to continue your studies, you might consider postgraduate routes into teaching (such as a PGCE), speech and language therapy, social work, disability or children’s nursing, play therapy, or educational psychology. You could also explore Master’s degrees in early years or childhood practice, pursue research assistant roles, or even work towards a PhD or start your own business.

85-90% of graduates from this subject who are in work and/or further study fifteen months after graduating.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 22/23, UK domiciled graduates, other activities excluded.

I developed so many skills on the Early Years course – team working, time management and reflective skills – all are essential in a classroom environment. I also met some amazing friends and the tutors gave me constant support and understanding.

- Joe Tremble
Early Years Graduate

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£10,050 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2027/28.

Modules credits can range from 15 to 60, dependent on the content of the module. Read more about total credits required for a range of degrees, to allow you to calculate the potential total cost.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit our fees page.

£17,600 per year

This is the tuition fee for 2026/27 entry. Tuition fees for 2027/28 will be published once the information becomes available.

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit our international fees and funding page.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required to enable you to undertake placements in settings with children. We arrange this as part of the application process. Please note that there may be a charge for the DBS check.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Discover what additional help you may be eligible for to support your University studies.

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Tuition Fee Loans

Find out more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement tuition fees loans available to eligible undergraduate students.

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What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

Find out more

If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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What does the University offer?

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Our purpose built primary teaching room is in the

Primary teaching room with books, seating and play kitchen

Practise your skills in our purpose-built primary

Primary Education classroom with paint and sandbox

Train in a realistic classroom designed for future

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Get classroom-ready in our dedicated primary teach

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Develop confidence in our hands-on primary classro

Primary education classroom table and games

Experience real scenarios in our specialist classr

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Education at Huddersfield

Curious about studying Education at Huddersfield? Hear directly from our students and staff about the course, the community, and how it prepares you for a career that makes a difference.

Why I’m Studying at Huddersfield

Hear from Joseph Tymon, a student on our Primary Education Studies (Non-QTS) Accelerated Degree BA(Hons) at the University of Huddersfield. If you’re passionate about making a difference or exploring routes into teaching, this gives insight into life at Huddersfield and our Primary Education courses.

Undergradute Open Days

Visit our Undergraduate Open Day to explore our courses, tour the campus, and meet academics and students who can answer your questions.

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Student Life at Huddersfield

When it comes to student life at Huddersfield, our students are best placed to give you the low-down on what it's like here. Read Joe's profiles to discover his experience of applying to and studying here, and get a feel for if the University of Huddersfield is the right place for you.

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Why Hud

Explore the unique opportunities and resources that make our institution a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and future-focused education.

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Explore Huddersfield

Make Huddersfield your home. A Yorkshire town, surrounded by beautiful countryside, with easy access to neighbouring cities; Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. You’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink, shop and socialise, there’s ambitious plans for future development. Our campus is situated next to the town centre - making your commute a breeze.

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Your Student Experience

Get involved in great opportunities helping you to make friends from all across the world and create lifelong memories. Join one of over 100 societies with the Students’ Union, experience new cultures through global events, earn whilst you learn and build your skills via our Global Professional Award.

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Budget Friendly

Huddersfield is not only one of the friendliest towns, it also offers you a lower cost of living than most big cities. This means you could have more money to spend, making your uni experience even better. On campus you’ll also find plenty of facilities and services to help you budget and make your money go further.

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Sustainability Matters

We’re committed to sustainability and aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. Our plan includes reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and improving wellbeing through sustainable buildings. We’re investing in digital solutions, low-impact travel, and embedding sustainability into teaching and research, investing over £1m in carbon reduction.

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Committed to Your Future

Since 2015, we’ve invested £198 million to create spaces where you can learn, collaborate and thrive. We’re continuously investing in our campus with your wellbeing in mind—adding features that make our buildings healthier, more supportive and better places for you to succeed.

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