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Early Childhood (W50)

Course details
  • DipHE
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  • Distance learning
  • 10/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Distance Learning
Awarded by:
The Open University

Course summary

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

Modules

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.

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 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.

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

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.

Additional fee information

2026/2027 academic year fees are not yet available.

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