Early Years Initial Teacher Training

Early Years Initial Teacher Training at University College London (UCL) is a comprehensive program designed to prepare committed individuals for a rewarding career in early childhood education. This postgraduate teacher training course provides students with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and professional insights needed to teach children in the early years age range, typically from birth to age five. Delivered through a blend of university-based modules and school-based placements, the program ensures that trainees gain a thorough understanding of child development, learning frameworks, and the diverse needs of young learners. UCL’s Early Years Initial Teacher Training offers a rigorous academic curriculum that covers key areas such as child development theories, inclusive education practices, safeguarding, play-based learning, and curriculum planning. Trainees are encouraged to reflect critically on educational policies, embrace innovative pedagogical strategies, and develop a student-centered approach tailored to individual children's needs. The program also emphasizes working collaboratively with families, other professionals, and communities to promote holistic development and well-being of young children. Throughout the course, students undertake extensive placements in a variety of early years settings, gaining invaluable practical experience supervised by experienced mentors. UCL supports trainees through this hands-on approach, ensuring they develop confidence, professionalism, and adaptability. Upon successful completion, graduates are equipped to register with the appropriate regulatory bodies and to make a positive impact in early childhood education settings. The UCL Early Years Initial Teacher Training program is ideal for passionate individuals aiming to influence the educational trajectories of young children and contribute to shaping inclusive, innovative, and nurturing early learning environments.

Early Years Teachers will be specialists in early childhood development and the Early Years curriculum. As highly skilled graduate leaders, they will be responsible for facilitating and leading high quality professional practice in early years settings. Participants will leave the programme as reflective practitioners who work with integrity, fostering positive relationships with parents/carers and children as well as other professionals.

Students undertake modules to the value of 60 credits.

Participants will be working to a timetable of no more than 90 per cent of full time working hours and be released for training and study days. Students take three core modules (60 credits total). In addition to this, students will undertake other placements of up to 6 weeks in order to cover the full 0-5 age range.

Where less than 60 credits are achieved at Master’s level (level 7), but are successfully passed at undergraduate/Bachelor’s level (level 6), a Professional Graduate Certificate of Education (PgCE) will be awarded.

An additional pathway is also available for those who wish to study full-time.

Core modules

• Teaching and Learning Module (level 7)
• The Action Research Module (level 7)
• Professional Practice Module (level 6)

Optional modules

• There are no optional modules on this programme.

Placement

Students will undertake placements of up to 6 weeks in order to cover the full 0-5 age range, including 10 days in a Key Stage 1/2 placement.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered via a combination of taught sessions, workshops and work-based learning. The content of the programme aims to keep a careful balance between early years initiatives, educational theory and its practical application. Work-based learning means that academic knowledge, skills and understanding are clearly integrated and contextualised within the professional role of an early years practitioner.

First degree

Normally a minimum of a lower second-class UK Bachelor’s degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

A levels

No specific subjects required.

GCSEs

English Language, Mathematics and Science at grade C.

School experience

Prospective students must complete a minimum of ten days of experience, in an EYFS Setting, before they can be enrolled on the EYITT PGCE. This may involve observations, work experience (e.g. as a teaching assistant or cover supervisor), or voluntary work. Ideally applicants should have completed a majority of their EYFS Setting experience before interview.

DBS and Occupational Health

If you are made an offer you will be required to successfully complete Occupational Health and Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure checks. These checks are required to ensure you meet the Department for Education’s requirements for physical and mental health to teach, as well as assessing your suitability for access to children and vulnerable adults. These checks will be carried out by the school or college that employs you. More details can be found on the Entry requirements page.

Funding for the Early Years Initial Teacher Training (ITT) program at University College London is primarily available through a combination of government-backed bursaries, scholarships, and student loans. Prospective students who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for these financial support options to help cover tuition fees and living expenses during their training period. The UK government offers bursaries for eligible trainees, which can range from £6,000 to £26,000 depending on the subject specialism and the applicant's academic background. For those specializing in early years education, bursaries are often available to support both tuition costs and additional training-related expenses.

Additionally, students eligible for tuition fee loans can access government-backed funding that covers the full cost of tuition fees, repayable after graduation based on income level. There are also various scholarships and grants provided by UCL and external organizations aimed at supporting students from diverse backgrounds or those with outstanding academic records. The university offers guidance counseling to assist prospective and current students in navigating financial options.

International students may have access to different funding routes, including, in some cases, scholarships and sponsorship opportunities provided by external organizations or home country governments. UCL’s financial aid services also provide advice on part-time work opportunities available on or off-campus, which can help students supplement their income during their studies. It is recommended that applicants consult the official UCL website or contact the university's admissions and financial aid offices for the most current and detailed information about available funding options and application procedures. Overall, UCL is committed to supporting its students financially to ensure access to high-quality initial teacher training in early years education.

The Early Years Initial Teacher Training program at University College London is designed to prepare aspiring early years educators to deliver high-quality education and care to children in the age range of birth to five years. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines academic theory with practical teaching experiences, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to support children’s early development and learning. As part of their training, students engage with a variety of modules covering child development, pedagogy, inclusive education, health and well-being, and safeguarding practices. The program emphasizes the importance of reflective practice, professional ethics, and collaborative working with families and communities.

Students benefit from UCL’s strong links with local early years settings, providing numerous opportunities for hands-on experience in diverse environments such as nurseries, preschools, and early years centers. This practical component is integral to the course, enabling trainees to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, develop classroom management skills, and understand the needs of different learners. The program also includes opportunities for research, allowing students to explore current issues and innovations in early childhood education. Additionally, the course prepares graduates for registration with the relevant professional standards required to work as qualified teachers in early years settings across the UK.

UCL's program is accredited by the Department for Education, ensuring that graduates meet the national standards for Early Years Initial Teacher Training. The course is delivered by a team of experienced academics and practitioners who are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and stimulating learning environment. Students are encouraged to adopt an evidence-based approach to teaching, ensuring that their practice is informed by the latest research and best practices in early childhood education. The program also places significant emphasis on the importance of promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within early years settings, preparing teachers to meet the needs of all children and to support their holistic development.

In addition to the core training, students have access to extensive support services, including academic mentoring, peer collaboration, and career guidance. The university’s strong network of alumni and professional contacts provides graduates with valuable opportunities for employment and continued professional development. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are awarded QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), enabling them to work as accredited early years practitioners across a range of formal and informal settings. The program is suitable for those passionate about working with young children and committed to making a positive impact during the crucial early years of development.