Early Childhood Development and Learning BA (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses
Lady in a library sifting through books

Being involved in the educational and personal growth of children can offer a highly fulfilling profession. This course provides you with the opportunity to gain recognition as an early childhood development graduate practitioner, subject to meeting placement and assessment criteria.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years sandwich
3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC
Flexible part-time

UCAS codes

X300 / X301 / X302

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026


Course overview

Success in this field demands a combination of creativity, empathy, logical thinking and extensive knowledge, coupled with the capacity to draw upon personal life experiences. Given the dynamic nature of this industry, this course emphasises the exploration of policies, procedures, exemplary approaches and hands-on learning to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental aspects of child development.

As a successful graduate of this course you will meet the Graduate Practitioner Competencies which are considered full and relevant training by the UK Department for Education standards.

Why you should study this course

By studying this course, you'll get:

  • an opportunity to take part in invaluable practical placements2,5 (if taking the Graduate Practitioner route).
  • an additional option to work towards obtaining Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner status*
  • to undertake an investigation into a topic relating to early childhood enabling you to make informed recommendations for future policy, research and practice
  • to draw on your own personal experience and make links between your study at studies, your personal experience and your professional practice in the field of early childhood
  • to explore a range of international perspectives on early childhood, which you can apply to your own research area.
  • opportunities to engage with students at other international universities and industry experts through initiatives like our Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project2.
  • opportunities to conduct critical research with our highly experienced staff.

 

*Subject to meeting all the competencies set out by The Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN), which includes securing and passing work-based assessed placements2,5. Successful completion of all modules (across all three levels), work-based placement criteria, will lead to an Early Childhood development and Learning BA Hons Degree certificate and an additional Graduate Practitioner Competency certificate. Please check the ECSDN website for further information.

Membership


Memberships are reviewed on an annual basis and are not guaranteed. Applicants and students will be informed of any changes as soon as possible.

 


What you'll study

With a child-centred approach, this year is designed to introduce the key concepts and principles within childhood development and learning. Setting the framework for both academic and professional skills, you will seek to gain an understanding of factors that impact upon learning and development from both individual needs to environmental influences for children between the ages of 0 to eight years. Within the first year you will be introduced to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), alongside various other international curricula.

Students who successfully complete the first year are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Early Childhood Development and Learning.

Modules

As the course progresses, you will continue to build on knowledge gained in the first year to solidify core principles. Critical appraisal of childhood perception is introduced, alongside evaluations of diversity in development methods. You will analyse the role of statutory guidance for early years practice and legislation. Finally, you delve into the global sphere, interacting with students from international universities to understand global methods (subject to availability). This research is then used to compare different countries’ early years policies with the UK educational system. Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Early Childhood Development and Learning.

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur before your final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

In your final year, you explore cultural diversification and management as well as delving into international perspectives of children. You’ll examine family structures and different environments, analysing and understanding diverse ethnic backgrounds and educational differences. You will be trained at an executive level, learning the skills required to manage a nursery, including key components such as the recruitment of staff and the Management of Special Needs and Disabilities (SEND) requirements. By successfully completing your final year, you will be awarded a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Development and Learning degree.

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

This course is available as a full-time three-year course without placements, a full-time three-year course with local placement in the first, second and final years or an optional four-year sandwich course where you undertake a work placement or study year in a related field2,5.

This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Request further information about the part-time study.

Students who undertake the Early Childhood Development and Learning degree will undertake assessed placements at each level (levels 4, 5 and 6)2,5. Upon successful completion of your placements, you will obtain a licence to practise, in line with best practise in the early childhood sector. 

If you choose degree with placement route, you will have to complete your compulsory ECDL placement modules. You will also need to complete an enhanced DBS check and attend a meeting with a placement coordinator. Students will be subject to satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure. Please refer to the full requirements in the disclaimer section5.

You will then start your placement days alongside your studies. Your placement could be in schools or nurseries that are Ofsted registered as "good" or above. The placement days can be scheduled in different ways, such as in weekly blocks or daily, for example every Wednesday, accumulating the required placement days over the year.

For your ECDL placement modules, you need to complete 25 days in Year 1 (Level 4), 30 days in Year 2 (Level 5), and 25 days in Year 3.


Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours
Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and Independent study
Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning
As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

  • essays
  • group work
  • presentations
  • reports
  • projects
  • coursework
  • individual assignments.

Assessment for ECDL placement module include:

  • observations
  • portfolio
  • discussions
  • APL of coursework (applied learning).


The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Our BA (Hons) Early Childhood Development and Learning degree is your first step to a successful and worthwhile future. It aims to provide theoretical and practical learning modules that underpin knowledge and understanding of concepts of early years, education and teaching, and are relevant to both current practice in early years and the changing context of the sector.

Angela Bonehill, Course Leader, 2023
Two women training for childhood learning and development

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.


Students will be subject to a DBS check before enrolment. Students will be subject to satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure. Please refer to the full requirements in the disclaimer section5.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Access Course 
Successful completion of our Health and Human Sciences Access to HE course will guarantee you progression onto this degree programme, subject to meeting progression requirements.

If you undertake an Access to HE course, you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. If you are eligible and awarded an Advanced Learner Loan, and successfully complete an eligible Higher Education course, the outstanding balance from your Access course could be written off. For full information and to check your eligibility visit www.gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies.

Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

 

Students will be subject to a DBS check before enrolment. Students will be subject to satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure. Please refer to the full requirements in the disclaimer section5.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on how to apply, travel to and live in the UK.

You can view our full list of country-specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

For information regarding specific requirements, please ask a question.

English language requirements

  • Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no component part lower than 5.5)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.


Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees-£7,950 per year
Request fee information
EU 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - as UK per year with EU Support Bursary**
2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees -£18,300 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International 2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees -£18,300 per year
Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement2 or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee3 of £1,250 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Fees and funding page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our international scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

The modern CU Coventry Mile Lane campus has been designed to promote collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Facilities include:

  • indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a ground floor café
  • a ground floor library that includes loan laptops and a silent study area
  • open-access IT suites
  • student support and careers advice teams.


CU Coventry students also have access to facilities located on the Coventry University campus. These include the Lanchester Library and The Hub.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.


Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of the Early Childhood Development and Learning degree, BA (Hons) graduates will possess a wide range of knowledge, skills, and abilities that will enable them to make a meaningful impact in the field.

Successful completion of this course can equip graduates with the Graduate Practitioner Competencies they need for employment within the early years sector.

Obtaining practitioner status can help graduates advance to postgraduate study or higher-level professional employment, as well as improve their employability in the field of childhood studies.

These key areas include expertise in Child Development including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical aspects. You should understand how to create engaging and inclusive learning environments that foster holistic development and cater to the diverse needs of children. You will have a repertoire of effective teaching strategies and techniques tailored to early childhood education. You will be adept at using play-based learning, hands-on activities, and inquiry-based approaches to facilitate children's learning and promote their curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

You will be proficient in assessing children's progress and learning outcomes. You will be able to use various assessment tools and strategies to gather data, track individual progress, and make informed instructional decisions to support each child's development. You will possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, enabling you to effectively collaborate with families, colleagues, and other professionals in the field.

You should uphold high ethical standards and demonstrate professionalism in your interactions and practices.You will understand the importance of ongoing professional development.

There are opportunities to progress in your career during and beyond the course, with your study with us opening up a number of avenues for future career development in areas such as:

  • Teaching in early years and primary schools, educational leadership and management
  • Working in services relating to Inclusion and SEND, safeguarding
  • Children’s mental health, speech and language therapy, play therapy
  • Family support worker, social work
  • Early childhood education and care research, publication
  • Further studies in Early Childhood at postgraduate level

Where our graduates work

Graduates from previous Early Childhood Development and Learning BA (Hons) degree have gone onto work in:

  • Primary schools
  • Private day nurseries
  • Forest schools
  • Local authority
  • Further education colleges and schools
  • Child-minding

Previous graduates have progressed into successful careers within industry, for a number of organisations such as Busy Bees Nursery and Angels Childcare Recruitment.

Further study

  • Early Childhood MA
  • Education MA
  • Leadership and Management MA
  • PGCE
  • SCITT
  • EYITT

How to apply


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