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Level 6 Early Years Care and Education BA in Southend-on-Sea

Cost£24,000.00
Duration3 years
DeliveryClassroom based
Start15 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
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About this course

Early Years Care and Education BA (Hons) Course in Southend-on-Sea. Classes run at South Essex College Southend Campus, full-time over three years. Fees are £8,000 per year for UK students, and the fee includes Level 2 safeguarding training, Paediatric First Aid, and library resources. The early years care and education BA (Hons) qualification is validated by the University of East Anglia. You'll study across four disciplinary strands, drawing on psychology and sociology to understand child development, inclusive practice, and the early years sector from birth to age seven. One day each week is spent on placement, with two days of taught study.

Who this course is for

Early years education is one of the most exciting and rewarding occupations. As an early years professional you can help to transform children’s lives and play an instrumental role in helping to prepare them for learning and later life.

Entry requirements

A Minimum of 64 UCAS Points from one or more of the following: A Levels T Levels BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4) Or equivalent EU/International qualifications GCSE English Language and Maths at minimum Grade C / 4 OR Level 2 equivalent

All successful applicants for this course must undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in Year 1, prior to starting placement. The cost of the initial DBS check is included in the course fees.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of child development theory and how it applies to early years practice.
  • You'll explore inclusive practice and how to support children with a range of needs.
  • You'll study psychology and sociology as they relate to working with children and families.
  • You'll build research skills and learn how to apply them to early years settings.
  • You'll gain hands-on experience through regular work placements in early years environments.
  • You'll examine social justice and its role in early childhood education.
  • You'll develop professional skills for working across multiple domains of the early years sector (0 to 7 years).

How you will learn

The course is taught across three days per week: two days of classroom-based theoretical learning and one day on placement. Teaching covers four key strands: early years care and education practice, psychology, sociology, and research methods. You'll be assessed through a combination of academic work and work-based learning. An enhanced DBS check is required before your placement begins in Year 1; the cost is included in the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South Essex College Southend Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to complete an enhanced DBS check before your placement begins; this cost is covered as part of the course.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery Practitioner: work directly with children aged 0 to 7 in nursery settings.
  • Early Years Educator: plan and deliver learning activities in early years provision.
  • Room Leader: lead a room or age-group team within a nursery or pre-school.
  • Children's Centre Worker: support families and young children in community settings.
  • Family Support Worker: work with families to improve outcomes for young children.
  • Teaching Assistant (Early Years): support learning in Reception or Key Stage 1 classrooms.
  • Play Therapist (with further training): use play-based approaches to support children's wellbeing.

What you could study next

With a BA (Hons) in Early Years Care and Education, you could progress to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) to qualify as a primary school teacher. A Master's in Early Childhood Studies or Child and Adolescent Psychology is another option if you want to specialise further. Some graduates pursue Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) through a School Direct or assessment-only route.

Apply on southessex.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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