BA Early Years Education and Care in Nottingham

Cost£8,250.00
Duration3 years
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime

About this course

BA (Hons) Early Years, Education and Care (Level 6) in Nottingham. Classes run at Basford, full-time over three years. The course covers the holistic development of infants and young children from conception to age eight. You'll build knowledge of professional practice across education, health, and social work settings. Each year includes hands-on practice within the early years sector, integrated with theory, policy, and research. Entry requires a minimum of 48 UCAS points from qualifications including A Levels, a BTEC Diploma, an Access to HE Diploma, T Levels, or the International Baccalaureate. Mature applicants with relevant experience are also welcome.

Who this course is for

Make a real difference to the lives of young children and their families.

You’ll understand the steps children take on their learning and developmental journey, and learn how to support them along the way.

This new degree focuses on the holistic development of infants and young children - from conception to the age of eight - developing knowledge of professional practice within the early years.

The programme enables progression to a career in the early years' sector through a variety of roles in education, health and social work.

On completion, graduates can undertake a PGCE or relevant teaching qualification.

The BA (Hons) Early Years, Education and Care programme is designed for those who want to develop their career working with younger children, and gain skills and knowledge around early childhood. You'll learn how to support child development and education, preparing for a career working with young children in many sectors including education, health and the community.

The degree aims to develop the individual’s experience of working in the Early Years, exploring through the lens of theory, policy, research, wider reading and practice.

A feature of this programme is that students undertake Early Years’ practice within the sector and this experience will be integrated within each of the modules covered.

Applicants who have already achieved (or expect to pass) a full Level 5 qualification (such as an Higher National Diploma, Diploma of Higher Education or Foundation Degree) in a relevant subject area can apply for direct entry to Year 3 (Level 6) of the programme.

Nottingham College is proud to have been awarded the Teaching Excellence Framework Bronze Award for high quality student experience and outcomes.

Entry requirements

Applicants must also have a minimum of 48 UCAS points from:

At least two A Levels at A2 BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma International Baccalaureate Access to HE Diploma T levels

Mature applicants not meeting the standard entry criteria but with relevant industry or life experience are very welcome to apply.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore child development from conception to age eight, including physical, cognitive, and emotional milestones.
  • You'll examine the theory, policy, and research that underpins early years professional practice.
  • You'll develop skills to support children's learning and developmental journeys in a range of settings.
  • You'll gain hands-on experience through practice placements in the early years sector.
  • You'll study the role of families and communities in early childhood.
  • You'll build knowledge of health and social care contexts alongside education settings.
  • You'll learn how to apply research and wider reading to your own professional practice.

How you will learn

You'll study through classroom-based sessions at Basford, combining taught content with independent study. Practice placements in early years settings are integrated throughout the programme, with that experience feeding directly into your academic work. Assessment methods are linked to each module and include written assignments, practice-based tasks, and reflective work tied to your placement experience.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Basford will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: working with children from birth to five in nursery settings.
  • Early years educator: supporting learning and development in pre-school or reception.
  • Family support worker: helping families access early years and community services.
  • Children's centre worker: delivering programmes for young children and their parents.
  • Teaching assistant (early years): supporting class teachers in reception or Key Stage 1.
  • Play worker: leading play-based activities in early years or out-of-school settings.
  • Health visiting support worker: assisting health visitors with infant and family caseloads.

What you could study next

On completing this degree, you can apply for a PGCE or other recognised teaching qualification to qualify as a primary or early years teacher. You could also progress to a Master's in Education, Early Childhood Studies, or a related field. Those moving into health or social care roles may pursue further professional qualifications in those sectors.

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