Education Studies with Early Years (Distance Learning)

If you have a Foundation Degree or a similar qualification in Education, Early Childhood Studies, or Teaching and Learning Support, you can expand your knowledge and advance your career with a BA (Hons) in Education Studies with Early Years.

This one-year top-up course will enhance your understanding of key topics in education, with a particular focus on early years practice. You’ll apply early years theory and knowledge through practical placement modules and explore both national and international perspectives on early years education. The course also examines current issues in the field, including social justice, policy, and leadership and management.

Please note applications for international students are for online only.

Overview
Throughout the course, you’ll complete practical placements in early years settings, giving you valuable hands-on experience. You’ll have the flexibility to choose a placement with an institution or organisation you’re already familiar with, or we can support you in finding a new one. If you’re currently working in an early years setting, your job can even count as your placement.

Our industry-experienced tutors will guide you, providing a solid academic foundation to enhance your practical learning. You’ll explore key topics in early years education, teaching, and learning, while gaining both national and international perspectives on education.

On This Course You Will

• Complete work-based placements, enhancing your academic knowledge and boosting your employability.

• Develop a critical understanding of educational environments and approaches in relation to early years practice including equality, diversity, leadership and management.

• Benefit from a personalised learning environment, including a personal tutor and small class groups.

• Complete research inquiries in early years educational settings on issues that are of interest to you, developing analytical and critical thinking skills.

• Learn flexibly and study at times that suit you via Distance Learning.

This programme will develop useful skills for a future working in a range of education and early years settings, including roles such as a nursery assistant, nursery nurse, nursery manager, pre-school assistant/leader or play-work assistant/leader. Alternatively, if you want to become an Early Years school teacher, you can top up your qualifications with a one-year PGCE course to gain Qualified Teacher Status, subject to application.

Year One:

• Professional Studies and Work-based Contexts in Early Years
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Educational Leadership and Management in Early Years
• Current Issues and International Perspectives
• Special Study in Early Years