Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
Student Recruitment Team
Email:general-enquiries@open.ac.uk
Phone:0300 303 5303
Ready to deepen your understanding of young children’s lives and experiences? This diploma is ideal if you work with children from birth to seven years or want to build on your knowledge in this important area. You’ll investigate early childhood from national and international perspectives with a focus on the central importance of children’s voices and the participatory nature of young children’s experiences. You'll enhance your understanding of policy and practice in early childhood, preparing you for further study. This diploma also provides a strong foundation for careers working with young children and their families across all sectors.
Key features of the course
Takes a holistic approach to understanding early childhood in diverse contexts
Covers young children’s play and creativity within the context of the family and early childhood settings
Encourages critical understanding and reflection on contemporary issues and debates in early childhood
Enhances employability and provides a solid foundation for further study
This qualification has two stages, each comprising 120 credits. You’ll start Stage 1 with two modules that explore how children learn, and and the importance of children’s play. Then, in Stage 2, you’ll study a module that further develops and broadens your knowledge and understanding of young children’s lives and learning, followed by one from a list of options.
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.
The following entry points are available for this course:
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 to enhance your learning in core practice-focused modules, it is strongly recommended that students 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.
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.
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.
No fee information has been provided for this 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.
2026/2027 academic year fees are not yet available.
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ
Visit our website Visit our course page
Email:general-enquiries@open.ac.uk
Phone:0300 303 5303