Early Childhood Studies

Why Early Childhood Studies?
Our Early Childhood Studies degree will give you the specialist skills you need to make a real difference to the lives of children (aged 0–8 years) and families, including those with additional needs. You’ll explore contemporary influences and factors that impact upon children’s lives and examine how to provide the most enabling environment for their development. You’ll investigate areas linked to education including health, social care, psychology and sociology. With opportunities to gain work experience in a range of early years settings, our graduates stand out from the competition. Previous placements have seen students work in children’s centres, schools, nurseries, family support teams and more. There is also the opportunity to go on a field trip to Sweden, an international leader in early years practice (additional costs may apply, see course web page for details).

You’ll draw on the expertise of lecturers with a wealth of varied professional experience, as you develop your own knowledge and understanding of the complex world surrounding young children and their families. There are also opportunities to improve your employment prospects even further, by undertaking continuing professional development activities and achieving additional qualifications, for example in first aid and child protection. What's more, our Early Childhood Studies course scored 95% for assessment and feedback in the National Student Survey 2024.

Why University of Gloucestershire?

University of Gloucestershire (UoG) is a vibrant, close-knit and diverse community where small class sizes and dedicated personal tutors ensure students receive guidance and support from day one. UoG has been offering a wide range of degrees, courses and apprenticeships at undergraduate and postgraduate levels since 1847. Alongside our strong support system, guest speakers, networking events and influential partnerships will help you prepare for life after graduation, whether that be in a successful career in your field or onto further study.

Our promises to you

UoG Career Promise – if you are not in a job 6 months after graduating, we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support post-graduation should you need it, followed by the offer of a paid internship and lifetime career coaching* (*eligibility conditions apply).
UoG Accommodation Promise – we guarantee all first-year students’ accommodation on, or near, the campus you’re studying at.
UoG Connections Promise – offering thousands of placements, internships, clubs and societies to help students find their community and build valuable experience and career connections.

Career focused courses

95% of our graduates are in work or further study and courses at UoG are designed in collaboration with industry partners and benefit from the professional experience and expertise of its staff. This approach ensures students gain practical, relevant knowledge that prepares them for real-world careers.

Student life

Home to 11,300 students and 900 staff across four campuses, University of Gloucestershire offers dynamic learning environments on the edge of the Cotswolds, the UK’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With over 45 festivals each year, global business placements nearby and more than 500 bars, clubs and pubs, Cheltenham is known as the ‘Festival Town’, while Gloucester blends rich history with a modern city feel, from its iconic cathedral to its famous docks.

Visit us.

Come and explore our campuses, facilities, teaching areas and accommodation. You’ll get the chance to attend course talks and meet our lecturers, current students and support staff and answer all of your questions.

To find out more information about this course, visit www.glos.ac.uk/OurCourses, email us on enquiries@glos.ac.uk or call 03330 14 14 14.

Course Modules

Develop skills and qualifications to work with mainstream and special educational needs (SEN) children (aged 0-8 years). You'll explore education practices and theories through lectures, workshops, presentations, projects, electronic discussions and assignments. Assessment is through 100% coursework. There are no exams. Develop 'real-world' skills through annual work placements. Students currently enjoy placements for organisations such as Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals and Battledown Children's Centre.