Early Childhood Studies

100% of our Early Childhood Studies students were in employment or further study 15 months after finishing their course - Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025

Unlock the potential of early childhood and make a lasting impact on children, families, and communities. This Early Childhood Studies degree explores development from before birth to age eight, using insights from a range of disciplines to understand the experiences that shape young lives and the vital role of professionals in supporting them.

What you’ll learn

• Explore how children grow, develop, and learn during the vital early years.

• Apply theory and research to real-life practice with children and families.

• Build practical experience through work-based learning opportunities.

• Understand how social, cultural, and political factors shape childhood.

• Develop communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills to set you up for graduate employment in a range of sectors.

Through a mix of hands-on learning, academic study, and real-world application, you’ll discover how psychology, education, sociology, and neuroscience all shape early development. You'll also explore how to support children’s wellbeing and development in a range of settings.

With options to tailor your learning to your career goals, this child development degree will prepare you for roles in teaching, early years education, child psychology, health and social care, and beyond.

Start your journey today and become a leader in Early Childhood Studies, shaping a brighter future for the next generation.

Course Modules

For a list of core and likely optional modules, please visit our website.
https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/early-childhood-studies

https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/early-childhood-studies

You’ll be assessed entirely through coursework. There are no written exams.

Assessments are varied and designed to reflect real-world Early Childhood practice. You’ll complete essays, reports, presentations, digital artefacts, and creative projects such as safeguarding simulations, physical artefacts for public exhibition, play and wellbeing resources, advocacy portfolios, or interactive policy guides. Some modules allow you to choose how you're assessed to reflect your preferred style or professional interests.

In your final year major project, you will engage in research that can be presented in a variety of mediums - dissertation, podcast, zine, or visual case study - on a topic of your choice, supported by a supervisor.