Overview
Get ready with a foundation year and learn the foundational skills and knowledge to complete a full Honours degree. You'll be able to embark on this qualification without meeting the level 3 entry requirements, giving you the opportunity to study at degree level through this four year course.
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.
92%
of our Early Childhood Education Studies students were satisfied with the teaching on their course
National Student Survey 202592%
of our Early Childhood Studies students were in work or further study 15 months after finishing their course
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023Why study Early Childhood Studies at CCCU?
of our Early Childhood Education Studies students were satisfied with the assessment and feedback on their course
National Student Survey 2025
Be supported throughout
Join our thriving CCCU community where you'll always be supported.
64
Total Points required
- Select your qualification
- Select your grade
- Add it and repeat
Qualifications:
Grades
Points required: 64
Accepted qualifications
We accept a wide range of general qualifications that attract UCAS Tariff points either on their own or in combination with others. Below are some common examples.
| Qualification | Grades |
|---|---|
| A Levels | DDE |
| BTEC | MPP |
| Access | Pass 45 Credits |
| International Baccalaureate | TBC |
DBS clearance
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is not an entry requirement. However if you take part in work-related experience, visits, or placements to settings where you are undertaking regulated activity, the setting may determine that a DBS check is required.
You will be required to undergo a DBS check and arrange this through the University before undertaking the activity.
More information
Contact us
Module information
As well as the core modules, you may also have the opportunity to study a number of option modules. Option modules will not be pre-selected for you. We provide examples of option modules. The availability of specific option modules may vary from year to year. The offer of an option will be subject to a minimum number of students choosing the module to ensure the appropriate student experience. The offer of option modules may also be affected by staff availability. It means we cannot guarantee the availability of a particular optional module. However, we will ensure you have a choice of option modules.
Core/optional modules
How you’ll learn
Teaching takes place through lectures, seminars, workshops, field visits, online activities, and work-integrated learning. Your actual contact hours will depend on the optional modules you select. Each module typically includes around 6 hours of timetabled sessions per week, delivered over an 11-week teaching period.
Each module includes 33 hours of structured preparation and follow-up, and around 161 hours of independent study and assessment. This includes reading, digital learning activities, reflective journaling, collaborative projects, and creative exploration.
To ensure effective management of individual student workload, our university utilises a virtual learning environment (VLE) to provide a structured and supportive framework. Through the VLE, you will access a range of resources, guided tasks, independent tasks, and tutorials - carefully designed to support progressive learning and time management. This approach enables you to work at your own pace while receiving clear guidance to help you stay on track and reach your academic goals.
After Level 3, you’ll study 60 credits per semester, totalling 120 credits in Levels 4,5 and 6 - approximately 40 hours of study per week across all activities.
Your teaching team includes lecturers with expertise in Early Childhood practice, education, sociology, psychology, and non-governmental organisations (NGO) work. You’ll also benefit from academic input by researchers and PhD students from across our education department.
Our friendly and experienced team is committed to helping you thrive, whether that means; personalised learning plans, flexibility, or simply someone to talk to. This diverse team will support your development as a reflective, research-informed Early Childhood professional.
Lecturers consistently go above and beyond to ensure all students feel supported, understood, and encouraged throughout their academic journey. Their approachable nature, timely feedback, and genuine care for our development make a real difference.ClaireEarly Childhood Studies Graduate
How you’ll be assessed
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.
Your future career
Our graduates take on a wide variety of roles. Some work directly with children in Early Childhood settings, schools, or therapeutic roles. Others move into areas like social work, local government, charity work, or policy. Many continue their studies through postgraduate routes such as the MA Early Childhood Education, PGCE Primary (QTS), or MA Social Work.
Whether you're just starting out or returning to study, this course helps you build confidence and use your learning to make a real impact. You don't have to work directly with children to make a difference - your knowledge will equip you to influence the policies, systems, and communities that shape children’s lives.
Studying Early Childhood at CCCU gave me the keys to open more doors in life - not only academically, but personally.SarahEarly Childhood Studies graduate and current MA in Social Work student
Fees
Tuition Fees for 2026/27 have not yet been finalised. These course web pages will be updated with Tuition Fee information once they have been agreed.
- Read advice about funding your degree
- See information about the financial support available for undergraduate studies
- If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact accounts.receivable@canterbury.ac.uk
- For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk
Regulated by the Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) regulates Canterbury Christ Church University. The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. It aims to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. Further details about its work are available on the OfS website.
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Duration:
4 yearsUCAS code:
X391Location(s):
CanterburyAny questions?
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