BA Single Honours Early Childhood Studies (with Foundation Year)(full-time)
Undergraduate
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Discover how your learning supports inclusive practice and prepares you for professional life.
The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies at Birmingham Newman University offers a purposeful and inclusive route into working with young children and families. If you’re committed to helping children feel safe, valued and understood, this course gives you the knowledge, experience and mentoring to make that commitment a reality. You’ll explore how children grow and learn across the 0–8 age range, while developing confidence in observation, planning, inclusive approaches and reflective practice. From your first day, you’ll be part of a university community that champions care, integrity and personal growth.
Foundation Year at Birmingham Newman University
Start with confidence. Progress with purpose.
The Foundation Year is the first year of a four-year undergraduate degree at Birmingham Newman University. It offers a flexible route into higher education for students who may not meet standard entry requirements or who are returning to study after time away. Whether you are exploring a new direction or looking to strengthen your academic foundations, this additional year of study provides the structure, support and space to help you succeed.
You’ll apply through UCAS for your chosen degree with Foundation Year. Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression criteria, you’ll move into Year 1 of your undergraduate course.
Who is the Foundation Year for?
• This route is designed for students who:
• Are returning to education after a break
• Do not currently hold the qualifications for direct entry onto a three-year degree
• Want to build confidence and academic skills before starting undergraduate study
• Are seeking a structured and supportive introduction to university life
You’ll be part of a learning community that recognises your potential and supports your development from the very beginning. The Foundation Year is not just a pathway into university. It is a purposeful and personalised start to your academic journey.
What Will I Study?
The Foundation Year focuses on helping you become a confident, reflective and independent learner. You’ll begin by exploring how you learn and identifying strategies that work for you. You’ll also engage with wider themes such as identity, inequality and the human experience in a digital world. These topics encourage critical thinking and personal insight, while connecting across subject areas.
You’ll develop core academic skills including writing, research, digital literacy and communication. These are taught through seminars, workshops, online activities and one-to-one support. The aim is not only to prepare you for your chosen subject, but to help you feel connected to your learning and to the university community.
‘For someone returning to education after a hiatus, this foundation (year) was essential in helping me regain my academic footing and feel prepared for the challenges ahead.’ – Alix Wyatt, Birmingham Newman University Alumna
What Happens After the Foundation Year?
Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression requirements, you’ll begin Year 1 of your undergraduate degree. You’ll already be familiar with the university environment, your subject area and the expectations of academic study, giving you a strong foundation to build on.
The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies at Birmingham Newman University is for those who want to work with young children and their families in a meaningful and informed way. Focusing on children from birth to eight years, the course explores how they grow, learn and develop, and how early years professionals can support them through inclusive, ethical and evidence-based practice. With a strong emphasis on social justice and high-quality provision, the course prepares you to understand the wider influences on children’s lives and how to respond effectively in practice.

Got a question you’d like to ask?
Entry requirements, for UK home students, for September 2025 entry: 48 UCAS points Those with significant work and life experience of a complexity that demonstrates an aptitude to study at degree level, but with no formal qualifications, will also be favourably considered. Different degree pathway options available at the end of the foundation year may have different additional entry requirements. If you require any further information or clarification of entry requirements please contact our friendly, helpful Admissions department, who will be happy to help.
The full-time course fee, for UK home students, for September 2025 is: £5,760
Additional Costs
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
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As part of your Early Childhood Studies degree, you’ll undertake a carefully structured placement in an early years setting, working directly with children aged 0–5. This practical experience is designed to complement your academic learning, helping you apply theory to practice while developing inclusive, child-centred approaches. You’ll have the opportunity to work towards Early Years Educator (EYE) status, supported by experienced mentors and university tutors throughout. Placements are tailored to your interests and career aspirations, giving you the confidence, insight and professional grounding to make a meaningful impact in early years education.

You’ll graduate with a degree that holds ‘full and relevant status’ as recognised by the Department for Education, which supports progression into early years roles and counts towards staff: child ratios in settings across England. Whether you choose to work in nurseries, schools, children’s centres or community organisations, you’ll be equipped to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives. Many graduates go on to roles such as early years practitioner, inclusion worker or nursery manager, while others pursue further study through PGCE or School Direct routes. You’ll also remain part of a vibrant professional network that continues to support and inspire long after your degree ends.
This is an academic degree with recognised professional value. The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies is registered with the Department for Education as having ‘full and relevant status’, which is particularly beneficial for graduates working in early years settings, as it contributes towards staff-to-child ratios. The course also includes the opportunity to gain Early Years Educator (EYE) status through a structured placement in the second year. Grounded in the values of inclusion, social justice and child-centred practice, the degree provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study and careers in early education, family support, social policy and related fields.
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