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Early Childhood Studies introduces you to a range of perspectives on early childhood development and learning across a variety of contexts, offering a theoretical understanding of issues and controversies within the early childhood field.

Applicants wishing to work as a practitioner in an early years setting will be required to have a level 3 practitioner qualification in addition to their academic degree once they graduate. Students move into a variety of careers and onward study in social work, education and children's services.

You’ll come to understand that there are many different ways of understanding early childhood. We give you a range of academic and professional perspectives on childhood, then ask you to explore the deeper philosophies, beliefs and attitudes that underpin them.

You’ll learn how children develop, from conception onwards, how they experience life and how that experience forms the basis of their later development.

You’ll develop an understanding of the factors that influence childhood, and of how this knowledge is critical in supporting the learning and development of children.

We’ll teach you about how early years services are structured in this country, and how to work across the system to get the best results for children.

You’ll also benefit from field-based learning as you carry out the third-year research project which you’ll devise yourself.

Based at UEL’s School of Education and Communities in Stratford, you’ll explore the significance of early childhood in different cultures and societies.

This is particularly relevant given the ethnic and cultural diversity which exists in east London and, indeed, among UEL’s student intake and staff. We use that diversity to our advantage by incorporating discussion time into our teaching.

You’ll benefit from the extraordinary richness of the research conducted in childcare by UEL’s International Centre for the Study of the Mixed Economy of Childcare (ICMEC), which has a worldwide reputation.

All of your lecturers are research active and draw upon their own and others’ publications to enhance your understanding of key themes and concepts.

Professor Eva Lloyd is a founder of the International Centre for Mixed Economy of Childcare, a renowned research centre informing public policy and practice. This ensures students have access to contemporary fieldwork research relevant to the programme.

The subject of Early Childhood is only relevant when it is applied to the reality which exists outside UEL’s walls. It’s why we take your learning off campus and give you the chance to work on real-life projects that benefit society directly.

This fieldwork will not only broaden your own practical experiences but allow you to observe the practice of professionals as you do so.

Coursework will include assignments, self reflective assignments, presentations and group work.

The approximate percentages for this course are: 

Year 1: 100% coursework
Year 2: 100% coursework
Year 3: 100% coursework 

The course is assessed entirely by coursework such as essays, video presentations and a research dissertation.  

You’ll be taught by staff with relevant experience and practice to ensure you learn from real life experience and research. We offer dual delivery which combines traditional on-campus face-to-face teaching and online teaching simultaneously, allowing you to interact as if you were there in person. You can move smoothly between online and on campus teaching subject to your individual timetable (and health requirements). Students can interact and collaborate in person and online in any of these live-streamed sessions. Live-streamed sessions will also be recorded, so you can login when you want, playback and watch from the comfort of your home and whilst on the go.

When not attending timetabled lectures you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This will typically involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, Microsoft Teams and Moodle.

We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7. 

Students are supported with any academic or subject related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, former and current UEL students. If you need support with certain skills such as academic writing, our Skillzone and English for Academic Purposes offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments will help you to achieve your potential. 

You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need. 

We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research. Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning. 

UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).Your overall workload consists of class and online tutor led sessions, individual learning, practical activities. 

Our aim is to prepare our students for a broad range of careers, so that they can make amazing contributions to their communities. When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at UEL and who will show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer. 

Class sizes: 30

Who will teach on this course

Hattie Campbell (Programme Leader)

Micky LeVoguer (Programme Leader)

The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.

Watch a welcome video from our programme leaders or watch an introductory video to this programme.

Early Childhood Studies gives you the skills and knowledge to work in a wide range of jobs with children and for children and their families.

Graduates have taken jobs in local government, the NHS, charities, housing associations and day nurseries.

Their roles have included childcare project managers, family support workers, play co-ordinators, out-of-school project managers and classroom/education assistants.

The University of East London has strong and trusted relationships with local schools, childcare organisations and loyal alumni. This means you’ll have plenty of contact with potential employers through work placements, mentoring and guest lecturers.

If you already work, the degree will enhance your enjoyment and boost your progress because you will have a deeper understanding of what you do. You may find it easier to move into a management role, for example.

Early Childhood Studies also equips you with transferable skills such as working to a deadline, giving presentations and project management, which are beneficial in many other careers.

You may wish to further your journey in childhood studies on one of UEL’s postgraduate courses. For example, this degree allows you to qualify as a social worker by taking an approved postgraduate degree, or as a primary school teacher by taking a PGCE. It also prepares you to train as a speech and language therapist.

Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal