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Early Childhood Studies at the University of Suffolk offers a comprehensive and innovative programme designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in early years education and care. Our course provides in-depth knowledge of child development, pedagogy, and the social and cultural factors that influence young children's learning experiences. Through a combination of theoretical understanding and practical application, students develop essential skills to support children's development in a range of settings, including nurseries, preschools, primary schools, and community organizations. The programme emphasizes the importance of reflective practice, effective communication, and teamwork, equipping graduates with the confidence to make a positive impact on young children's lives. Delivered by expert educators and practitioners, the course incorporates current research and best practices in early childhood education, ensuring students are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the sector. The curriculum includes modules on child psychology, inclusive practice, curriculum planning, health and safety, and safeguarding. Students also undertake work placements to gain hands-on experience and build professional networks. The programme is suitable for those wishing to pursue a career as a nursery teacher, early years practitioner, family support worker, or further academic study in early childhood education. Flexible study options, including part-time and full-time routes, allow students to balance their studies with work and personal commitments. Upon successful completion of the degree, graduates will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enhance the educational experiences of young children and support their development and wellbeing in diverse settings, making a meaningful difference in their communities.
Detailed Course Facts
Application deadline UK or any other EU country - 15 January ; International - 30 June Tuition fee- EUR 9550 Year (EEA)
- EUR 12530 Year (Non-EEA)
UK/EU Fees Students starting at UCS from September 2012 will be charged £8000 for a full-time Bachelors degree or £7500 for a full-time Foundation degree. Tuition fees for full-time International Study: Classroom-based 10,500 GBP (£) Laboratory-based 12,600 GBP (£)
Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTSDuration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test
- English
Course Content
Content and Modules
All modules generate either 20 or 40 credits as stated below. Students must gain 120 credits at each level to progress to the next level.
At Level 4, emphasis is placed on ensuring a sound knowledge of principles underpinning key subject areas and the development of key skills. The main teaching methods are lectures, group work, seminars and individual activities.
At Level 5, students are expected to develop an enquiring attitude to their studies and should corroborate or challenge assertions made. They will be taking more responsibility for their own learning through extended personal reading and wider ranging module tasks. The main teaching methods are as in the first year, with the addition of presentations and discussion/debate. There is an increasing expectation that students will contribute actively to learning through reading and student-led seminars.
At Level 6, Honours level, students are required to take major responsibility for their own learning, exhibiting autonomy and contribution to the development of peer learning through seminar presentations and self directed activities. Considerable emphasis is placed on developing the ability to critically analyse and evaluate information from a range of sources and in a variety of formats, in order to draw conclusions.
Modules Studied
First year modules
- Perspectives of Childhood (core) 40 credits
- Development and Learning (core) 40 credits
- Children & Social Policy (core) 20 credits
- Children & Health (core) 20 credits
Second year modules
- Safeguarding Children (core) 20 credits
- Research Methods in Early Childhood (core) 40 credits
- Practitioner Options* (option) 40 credits
- Social Psychology and Children (option) 20 credits
- Childrens Health & Wellbeing (option) 20 credits
- Play and Learning (option)20 credits
- Childrens Geographies (option) 20 credits
- Diploma Project (option) DipHE students only 20 credits
*certain pre-requisites necessary - The Practitioner Options module offers students the opportunity to work alongside professional practitioners and gain practical competences mapped to National Occupational Standards.
Third year modules
- International Perspectives on Health & Education (core) 40 credits
- Dissertation (core) 40 credits
- Early Childhood Intervention (option) 20 credits
- Communication and Creativity (option) 20 credits
- Management in Early Year Contexts (option) 20 credits
- The Politics of Childhood (option) 20 credits
- Dissertation additional assignment (available to part-time students only) (option) 20 credits
English Language Requirements
IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 75(Grade B) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 79
To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to
take an IELTS test. More About IELTSRequirements
English language requirements
All students need to be able to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English. Students whose first language is not English will need to take a recognised English Language test in advance of commencing a course at UCS and before the Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) letter is issued for visa purposes.
UCS accepts a range of English qualifications, with the following standards required:
IELTS (academic version): 6.0 for all degrees, apart from Diagnostic Radiography,Radiotherapy and Oncology, ODP and all Pre-Registration Nursing and Midwifery courses that require 7.0. Postgraduate courses generally require between 6.5 and 7.0.
TOEFL: 550 on paper-based test; 213 on computer-based test; or 79-80 on the internet-based test for all degrees
Pearson Test of English Academic - Minimum score of 50 is required
Cambridge Proficiency Certificate: Grade C; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: Grade B
GCE O-level or GCSE English Language/Use of English: Grade C
Test in English for Educational Purposes (TEEP) International Baccalaureate English Grade B (standard level).
Hong Kong Certificate of English Education
Work Experience
No work experience is required.
Related Scholarships*
- Academic Excellence Scholarship
"The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."
- Access Bursary
Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.
- Alumni Bursary
Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students
* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University Campus Suffolk.
Funding
National Scholarship Programme
As part of the new student finance system, students with households incomes under £25,000 per year will benefit from a new National Scholarship Programme. This new scheme is targeted towards students who most need financial help.
The National Scholarship is funded jointly by the Government and Universities. UCS has been awarded a number of National Scholarships which students can apply for Suffolk Access Champion Scheme
The Suffolk Access Champion Scheme will be open to eligible students currently studying at a Suffolk State Sixth form, College or Academy, and applying to study at UCS on a full-time undergraduate degree programme in 2012-13.
The Suffolk Access Champion will work over two years mentoring Year 10 and 11 students to encourage progression on to higher education.
Scholarships for international students
UCS offers a generous scholarship scheme for all undergraduate students paying international fees.
All international students that are offered and have firmly accepted a place on a full-time undergraduate Foundation or Honours degree course at UCS by the 30 September for the year of entry, will be eligible for a scholarship of £1,000 per year for the duration of their course. This scholarship will be awarded each year once annual fees have been paid in full.
Please note that any international students accepted on a course that requires a practice placement with a Primary Care Trust, for example Nursing, Midwifery or Radiography, will incur an additional £3000 fee per each year of study (this excludes all British Islands students except the Falkland Islands).
Early Childhood Studies at the University of Suffolk offers students an in-depth understanding of the development, education, and care of young children from birth to age 8. The program is designed to equip future professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively with children, families, and communities in various early years settings, including nurseries, preschools, primary schools, and early intervention services. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics such as child development theories, safeguarding, inclusive practice, play and learning, health and wellbeing, and communication skills. Throughout the course, students engage in both theoretical study and practical placements, providing opportunities to apply learned concepts in real-world environments. The program emphasizes current policies, frameworks, and best practices in early childhood education, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of working with diverse populations.
Students will develop critical thinking and research skills, enabling them to evaluate existing practices and contribute innovative ideas to the sector. The course also encourages a reflective approach to professional development, fostering a commitment to lifelong learning. The university offers a supportive academic environment with access to experienced faculty, dedicated resources, and placement partners. Collaboration with local early childhood providers allows students to gain valuable hands-on experience and establish professional networks. The program is suitable for those seeking to enter careers such as nursery manager, early years practitioner, childcare consultant, or special educational needs coordinator.
Graduates will be eligible to pursue further specialist qualifications or postgraduate studies in related fields. The University of Suffolk’s Early Childhood Studies program is designed to respond to changing industry needs, ensuring that students are prepared for the dynamic landscape of early childhood education and care. With a focus on academic excellence, practical competence, and professional ethics, the course aims to produce confident, reflective practitioners committed to fostering the developmental potential of every child.