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Early Childhood (T26)
- CertHE
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- Distance learning
- 10/2025
- Undergraduate
- Distance Learning
- Awarded by:
- The Open University
Course summary
This certificate is relevant for anyone interested in young children’s learning and development, including practitioners working in early years settings or those wanting a career working with children from birth to seven years. With this certificate, you'll develop your understanding of policy and practice in early childhood. It will prepare you to engage with further study as a foundation for careers working with young children and their families across all sectors.
Key features of the course
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Develops your understanding of young children’s learning and development
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Focuses on young children’s play and creativity within the context of the family and early childhood settings
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Includes national and international perspectives on early childhood
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Builds a solid foundation for further study
Modules
This qualification has one stage comprising 120 credits. You’ll study two modules that explore how children learn, and the importance of children’s play.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Distance Learning
Study options
- CertHE • Distance learning • 1 to 2 years
Start dates
- 10/2025
Application codes
- Institution code:
- O11
- Campus name:
- Distance Learning
- Campus Code:
- D
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
Open University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.
Application codes
- Institution code:
- O11
- Campus name:
- Distance Learning
- Campus Code:
- D
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
There are no qualification requirements for this course.
You do not need to be working with young children in order to study this qualification; however, in both core practice-focused modules we strongly recommend you gain direct experience with young children (birth to 7 years, 11 months).
Students not working with young children (employed or in a voluntary capacity) will need to negotiate opportunities to gain such practical experience. It is your responsibility and that of your employer – not the OU’s - to ensure the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (or equivalent if not working in England) required for the setting and country in which you’re working is obtained and that you meet the ‘fit person’ criteria for work with young children. If you are in any doubt about your eligibility, or to find out more, contact the relevant agency in your country.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £7784 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £2480 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £2544 | Whole course |
| Wales | £2624 | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £7332 | Whole course |
| EU | £8184 | Whole course |
| International | £8184 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £8184 | Whole course |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Fee information is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually.
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