Early Childhood Studies (Top-Up)

About the course

BA Early Childhood Studies (Top-up) enables you to build on prior study and complete your honours degree with a strong focus on shaping positive beginnings for young children. The programme brings together Froebelian heritage, contemporary research and interdisciplinary perspectives to help you understand childhood from birth to eight within families, communities and wider social contexts.

You will explore childhood as a socially constructed and culturally situated stage of life, drawing on history, education, psychology, sociology, health, policy and leadership. A Froebelian approach underpins your studies, emphasising holistic development, play, natural environments and nurturing relationships, alongside a commitment to equity, diversity and social justice. Childhood and Youth Studies at Roehampton is ranked top 6 in London in the Complete University Guide 2025, the University holds Silver in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework, and is ranked the number 1 modern university in the UK for Research in the Research Excellence Framework.

What you’ll study

You’ll build a solid foundation in advanced early childhood studies, while gaining professional skills valued across early years education, family support and health and social care sectors, including advocacy for young children, reflective practice, leadership, inclusive practice, collaborative working and ethical research.

Modules offered can vary each year but may include:

• Professionalism and Professional Identity: Advocacy and Young Children

• Outdoor Learning and Play in Different Contexts

• Capstone Project

• Representations and Perceptions of Childhood

• Placement 3: Who am I as a Competent Practitioner, Continued Professional Development and Collaboration

How you’ll learn

You will learn through:

• Lectures, seminars and tutorials grounded in research informed and Froebelian principles

• Practice based simulations and collaborative activities

• Placements in nurseries, schools and community settings linking theory with professional practice

• Digital resources and recorded content supporting flexible learning

• Professionally relevant assessments with formative feedback to support academic and leadership development

You will also benefit from structured support to strengthen reflective practice, critical thinking and professional identity as you prepare for leadership within the sector.

Future opportunities

This programme develops confident graduate leaders for the early childhood sector, broadening your career possibilities and strengthening your professional identity.

• Early years education and care

• Family and community support

• Health and social care

• Leadership and multi agency roles

The degree also provides a strong foundation for further study such as a PGCE, social work, therapy or research in early childhood and related fields.

Facilities

You will study within the School of Education, supported by strong partnerships with early childhood settings and community organisations.

• Placement opportunities in nurseries, schools and children’s centres

• Collaborative teaching spaces for seminars and professional dialogue

• Access to digital learning resources

• Engagement with guest lecturers and sector professionals

These facilities support your academic development and help you apply early childhood studies knowledge with confidence.