Childhood Studies with Primary Education with Foundation Year

This course is offered as a four-year programme which includes the initial Foundation Year.

If you're passionate about shaping the future of children, the BA (Hons) Childhood Studies with Primary Education offers a comprehensive pathway into understanding childhood development from a holistic perspective. This course combines the study of child psychology, education theory, and practical primary education strategies, making it ideal for anyone eager to work in education, child welfare, or community services.

Why study BA (Hons) Childhood Studies with Primary Education at BNU?
Diverse career
Unlock a wide range of rewarding career opportunities in childcare and work with young people across sectors like education, research, health, and social care. Whether you see yourself in the classroom, supporting families, or shaping policy, our degree equips you with the knowledge and insight to make a lasting impact. You’ll gain the skills and confidence to become a trusted and valued professional in any setting.

As well as this you’ll also connect with experts and practitioners throughout your studies, giving you real-world experience and a strong foundation for wherever your career takes you after graduation. You could also go on to further study, such as School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), Early Years Initial Teacher Training, or even a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Blend theory with hands-on practice
From day one, you’ll explore evidence-based approaches to childhood development and education, while consistently connecting what you learn in the classroom to real-life settings, such as through placement opportunities.

Our lecturers, many of whom are former practitioners, bring a wealth of professional experience, offering valuable insights into what it truly means to work with children and families. Their stories, case studies, and hands-on guidance will help bring academic concepts to life, giving you a clear understanding of the practical realities of the field. By the time you graduate, you’ll not only understand the theory, you’ll know how to apply it with confidence as a future professional.

What will I study?
This course is ideal for anyone considering a career in the early years or primary education sector. It offers a strong focus on essential areas such as pedagogy, play and learning development, child wellbeing, and early childhood development, all of which are fundamental to working effectively with young children.

In addition to subject knowledge, you'll also build vital professional skills, including effective communication, presentation techniques, and strategies for engaging with both colleagues and, most importantly, the children and families you support.

You’ll develop a deep understanding of how children learn and grow, exploring key themes such as sustainability, emotional wellbeing, safeguarding, and the child’s role within family, community, and society.

This degree provides the knowledge to work effectively with children in a variety of settings, not just in classrooms but also in social services, community outreach, and youth work. You’ll gain insight into how children learn, develop, and interact with their environments, making this course perfect for those who want to support children in meaningful ways, whether that’s through teaching, social care, or research.

The course also emphasises the importance of inter-professional collaboration and equips you with key transferable skills valued across a range of careers. Even though it doesn’t lead to a formal teaching qualification, the course offers a solid foundation for further study, such as a PGCE, or can take you into a rewarding career in childhood services, educational psychology, or youth advocacy. If you're passionate about supporting children’s growth and well-being, this course gives you the skills, knowledge, and flexibility to make a real difference.

Foundation Year
Core
Human behaviour
Research matters
Human science - dissecting the details
Human communication
Exploring intersections
Knowledge unleashed

Year one
Core
Introduction to childhood studies
The developing professional
Fundamentals of placement practice
Safeguarding children
Theories of child development
Capturing professional development 1

Year two
Core
Classroom pedagogy
Inclusion
Research methods
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths)
Capturing professional development 2
Supporting emotional wellbeing through childhood loss

Year three
Core
Policy and Practice influences in Primary Education
Research project
Capturing professional development 3

Optional Modules
Exploring children’s literature
Supporting children’s emotional wellbeing
Education and sustainability
Learning and teaching with technology

We assess your work in several different ways to reflect the different learning styles our students have, some of which are listed below:

essays and reports
poster presentation or children’s books with explanatory rationale
PowerPoint presentations with explanatory rationale or reflective commentary
collage (a series of images used to illustrate the benefits of play)
images (a series of sequential images to illustrate an aspect of childhood)
reflective commentaries
observations of practice
projects and exhibitions
micro-teaching sessions
training materials
professional discussion
portfolio of evidence