BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Foundation

University of Plymouth

United Kingdom, Plymouth

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Home/United Kingdom/Plymouth /University of Plymouth/BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Foundation

University of Plymouth

United Kingdom , Plymouth

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

X312

Campuses

Plymouth

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 18,150 / year(s)

Next Intake September-2026

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Foundation

About

Key features

This four-year course is designed to give you the grounding necessary to progress through your undergraduate programme in BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies giving you a broader view of children’s development by studying the subject in practical, historical and international contexts.

Your first year will:

enable you to enter University from non-traditional entry routes, whether you are returning to education after a break or if you come with qualifications other than A levels
introduce you to supportive and accessible academic staff in a welcoming community with personal tutor support
prepare you for level 4 study in a research-rich environment, establishing relationships with the University, support services, teaching staff and other education students
provide research-informed teaching opportunities which build on your prior learning, encouraging you to draw on your work/professional/personal experiences
provide you learning experiences which offer small group work, problem-solving and interactive approaches through a wide range of diverse and innovative teaching methods
support you in developing essential study skills through a variety of coursework-based inclusive assessments – from essays and presentations to creative projects, personal development plans and written projects.

This course is an integrated part of the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree at the University of Plymouth. Successful completion of the foundation year (Year 0) will not lead to a separate award or qualification its own right but provides progression onto Year 1 of one of the following degree programmes:

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies

BA (Hons) Education

BA (Hons) Primary Education (2-year fast track)

BSc (Hons) Sociology

When you join the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Foundation, you will:

explore the relationships between play and learning in your own studies as well as in child development
see for yourself how theories and policies are applied in practice by visiting a wide range of provision for children and families
expand your options beyond traditional teaching and open up further career opportunities in education, social care, community work, psychology, management and research
learn from experienced lecturers and tutors who are actively engaged in national and international research projects.

Disciplines

Plymouth Institute of Education

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

Don’t have 32 UCAS tariff points? We will consider ‘non-standard’ applications on a case-by-case basis.

A levels: For Level 3 entry the Tariff points entry level will normally be 32 UCAS points from A level or equivalent. Non-standard applicants will normally be interviewed.

BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma/CACHE: All applications to be referred to the Admissions Tutor.

All Access courses: Pass a named Access to HE Diploma (preference to education/ social science/ health and social care, but all considered) with at least 33 credits at Merit/Dist.

T levels: Pass (preference to education, social science, health and social care, but all considered)

Welsh Baccalaureate: Refer to the Admissions Tutor.

Scottish Qualifications Authority: 32 UCAS points at Advanced Highers – refer to Admissions Tutor.

Irish Leaving Certificate: Irish Highers, H5 in five subjects equivalent to 32 UCAS points.

International Baccalaureate: 24 overall

GCSEs: Applicants are recommended to have GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English at Grade C/Level C or above. If applicants do not have the equivalent, completing this during this degree will be promoted.

Proficiency in English: Students for whom English is an additional language will need to demonstrate ability in spoken and written English equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0 and/or successfully complete the university’s special test before entering the Foundation Year.

English language requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

We are looking for applicants with good potential including with non-standard qualifications and background, so will consider every application on a case by case basis.

Alternatively, if you have any questions or concerns about meeting the entry requirements listed above we would encourage you to contact the Admissions Team on +44 1752 585858 or email [email protected], where a member of the team can offer you further advice.

Non-academic requirements

All candidates will be required to complete a satisfactory DBS (formerly CRB) Enhanced Disclosure, register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority and complete a criminal convictions self-declaration form.
All candidates will be expected to demonstrate an active interest in work with young children, evidenced through placement/practice experience.

For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Career

Careers with this subject

Do you dream of working with young children, in a children’s centre, nursery or school setting or as a social worker, teacher, psychologist or researcher? Wherever you want to end up, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies is a great place to start. A combination of academic knowledge and practical skills makes graduates from this course stand out from the crowd.

Where can your early childhood studies degree take you?