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Children and staff in a nursery playground

Early Childhood Education and Care BA(Hons)

  • Intro
  • Course
    content
  • Careers
  • Entry
    criteria
  • Fees
  • Location
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Intro

The foundations for emotional, physical and intellectual development are built during the early years of infancy. On our Early Childhood Education and Care BA(Hons) you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of child development from birth to five years.

You will explore topics from theoretical perspectives, including education, sociology, psychology, health and social policy, and examine the roles of the family and wider institutions.

You’ll benefit from observational study visits which have included a forest school. Visiting speakers from early childhood fields will encourage and challenge your critical reflection and understanding through lectures and seminars.

You will be taught by a highly qualified, experienced and enthusiastic team of early years education specialists.

Key facts

Location Brighton: Falmer

UCAS code X310

Full-time 3 years

Join an online event

Apply now with UCAS

Course content

How this course is delivered

Students have a blend of on-campus and digitally enabled remote learning that keeps everyone safe, connected and involved in university life. Lots of opportunities are provided to interact and engage with lecturers and other students. The balance between online and on-campus learning varies by module, and in response to the external environment.

Course structure 

We have a balanced approach to teaching and learning, employing a combination of theory and practical skills, which you will experience through seminars, workshops, placements, research, and independent study.

Learning and teaching approaches

The course will provide you with a challenging, inclusive and creative environment including:

  • personal and group tutorial support
  • group work, discussion and debate
  • independent and enquiry based learning
  • seminars, workshops and lectures
  • Observational study visits

During the first and second year of study you will engage in a number of observational study visits. These are closely linked to modules and include the observation of children in appropriate settings.

Although education has a significant focus within the course, you will also explore multi-agency working and other early childhood contexts, according to your individual interests and career goals.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through Student View.

Students studying in a classroom

Year 1 

You will learn how babies and toddlers start to make sense of the world around them, along with key theories surrounding children’s physical, emotional and social health. You will consider the role of wider systems on a child’s development including family and community, and policy and legislation.

Modules

  • Learning in Higher Education

    This module will help you to make the most of your studies in higher education. You'll improve your self-confidence as a learner and develop your capacity to meet the academic requirements and expectations of the programme.

  • Perspectives on Learning and Development

    This module explores both major theoretical traditions and more contemporary ideas relating to learning and development. To understand the theory-practice relationship you will investigate, evaluate and apply chosen perspectives to examples of educational practice, showing awareness of relevant academic debates. You will be supported to develop the academic skills of effective essay writing.

  • Philosophy of Education and Early Childhood

    In this module you will develop your understanding of key influential theorists in education and early childhood. You will be introduced to philosophical thinking, reading and writing and will be supported to consider ways in which different philosophies have influenced education and the development of early childhood education and care.

  • Child Development: Physical, Social and Emotional Development

    This module is the first of three modules designed to support your understanding of child development within an ecological context. The focus of this module is physical, social and emotional development. The module will explore the role of early attachment relationships and the affect of this on learning, development, health and wellbeing. Perspectives from health, social care and education will be included.

  • Families and Communities in Early Childhood Contexts

    In this module you will develop your understanding of ecological contexts and the ways in which working with families enhances children’s learning and development. The module will support your understanding of theory and research related to effective parent partnerships. You will also explore the factors affecting children’s outcomes, including poverty and issues of inequality.

  • Policy and Legislation in Early Childhood Contexts

    This module will promote your knowledge and understanding of policy and legislation as it applies to early childhood education and care. You will develop an understanding the role policy and legislation has on curriculum development and safeguarding practices.

education library

Year 2 

You will focus on child development to consider the role of play and children’s developing communication, language and literacy. You will delve further into wider societal influences on children’s lives when you consider equalities and inclusion in early childhood and how policy and legislation influence and reflect children and families’ experiences.

Modules

  • Child Development: Play for Learning and Development in Early Childhood
  • Research Methods
  • Equalities and Inclusion in Early Childhood Contexts
  • Child Development: Communication, Language and Literacy in Early Childhood
  • Placement: Understanding Young Children and Young Children's Services
children at nursery

Final year 

You will draw on placement experiences to explore the complexities of multi-agency and interdisciplinary working as well as how childhood is interpreted across the globe. You will also consider the ways that different agencies approach the assessment of children’s learning and development needs.

You will also have the opportunity to research in depth the areas of early childhood that most interest you.

Modules

  • Teamwork, Collaboration and Leadership
  • International Perspectives on Childhood
  • Assessing Learning and Development in Early Childhood
  • Reflection on Learning
  • Dissertation: Researching Early Childhood
Students outside Checkland building at our Falmer campus

Placements

In your second year you will spend 120 hours in practice over a five to ten week period in a setting of interest as part of the placement module.

Our teaching staff will ensure that you are well prepared for your placement and that you have all the support and guidance you need to make the most of the opportunity. You will also have a pre-placement briefing and attend a pre-placement preparation day

You will also keep a reflective journal for the duration of the placement as a focus for your reflections and engage in group forum discussions to enhance your work-based learning.

children at nursery playing with play doh

Facilities 

Curriculum Centre
Our specialist Curriculum Centre on the Falmer campus houses more than 25,000 teaching resources, spanning all the subjects in the national curriculum. The collection includes games, DVDs, CD-ROMs, pictures, charts, education packs and an extensive collection of children’s books.

Falmer library
The Falmer library houses an extensive array of literature and resources related to early childhood education and care.

Primary education student in early years library

Student profile 

Amy-Louise Tilley

Before choosing to study Early Childhood Education and Care I was unsure of my career path so did a year-long placement in a nursery which helped me realise I wanted to work with children in some way. The University of Brighton really stood out on their open days and applicant days. It just felt right.

The people I spoke to were so kind and friendly, there was a lot of support on offer. This course is based in Falmer where there is a huge library and open learning centre, specifically for education students, with plenty of resource and book you may need during your studies. I have gained so much knowledge and enjoy the freedom I have in my studies. I can choose my own research topics and have autonomy over my learning.

At times, it has been stressful but there is so much support from lecturers and the university who genuinely want you to succeed. The lecturers on my course all bring a variety of experience in the field of early childhood and take the time to answer any questions we have and adapt the sessions to suit us. My placement and observational study visits have given me a lot of experience in different settings, including a reception class, a nursery and a baby room.

They have all been useful in putting the theory I have learnt into practice. I am hoping to continue my studies after graduating from this route to study either a PGCE course or Early Years Education PGCert with Early Years Teacher Status.

My advice to potential applicants would be to take some time to gain a bit of experience. This can be really helpful in both your application and your studies. 

Amy Tilley profile photo

Careers

Prepare for your career  

A degree in early childhood education and care is an excellent foundation for a range of careers involving working with children. You’ll leave the course confident, articulate, highly skilled and well equipped to contribute as professionals in a variety of sectors, including health, education and social care.

The course provides subject knowledge and expertise, alongside opportunities to put what you learn into practice through placements and work-related experience. You'll also develop transferable personal skills in teamwork, and project and time management that will be valued wherever your career takes you.

You’ll gain the qualification required by all early years providers working with children from birth to 5 years old who must follow the regulations on early years foundation stage (EYFS).

Nursery children with teacher

Placements 

The placement offers you the opportunity to apply your theoretical understanding of child development in practice, develop the key skills valued by employers and gain hands-on experience.

Placements also enable you to explore different career paths and help you to decide what you might want to do when you graduate. We will help you find a placement that meets your interests and aspirations. This could include: a children’s centre, pre-school, nursery, maternity ward, childminder, reception class or children’s support services such as ICAN. 

Prior to going on placement, you will attend our employability day, an annual event run by the school to ensure you are fully prepared.

Placement destinations previous students have chosen include:

  • a children’s community centre
  • a refugee camp
  • an international school
  • nurseries
  • working with charities.

Work-related learning 

Embedded into our course are many experiences that will help you in the workplace.

Observational study visits

During your study, you will take part in two separate observational study visits. These provide time for you to practise observation skills and experience different early year’s environments, supporting your understanding of the sector and highlight possibilities for future employment.

In your first year, you will take part in an observational study visit where you will spend around 12 hours spread over three visits. A second observational visit takes place I your final year. During these visits you’ll observe children’s development and see how theory learnt can be applied in early years practice.

Field trips

Field trips take your learning into the real world and let you get behind the scenes of an organisation. Trips have included a hospital baby unit, nurseries, reception classes, children centres and a forest school.

Visiting speakers

We also invite experts from early childhood fields to give guest lectures and seminars to encourage and challenge your critical reflection and understanding. Speakers have included the co-founders of Crisis Classroom, an SEN school head, managers from nurseries and a speaker from the National Citizen Classroom.

Graduate destinations

Our broad syllabus and focused support on employability ensures you’ll be equipped to be education professionals.

Your specialist knowledge and skills will be attractive to a wide range of employers. Our graduates have gone on to a variety of careers in education including:

  • teaching
  • charity work
  • youth work
  • alternative education
  • learning support
  • special educational needs
  • educational welfare
  • educational agencies
  • recruitment
  • human resources.
Primary classroom

Further study 

Many of our students choose to stay with us after graduation securing places on our PGCE courses as the next step towards their career.

We also offer an Education MA and opportunities to join our team of researchers through the Education MRes and EdD.

Students in a classroom

Supporting your employability 

Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and re-discover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Connect with our careers team

  • Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
  • Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
  • Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
  • Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
  • Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
  • Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick, and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that's not just while you are a student, our support carries on after you've graduated.

Find out more...

Coloured background with the words Be More, Connected, Skilled, Emlployable

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

A-levels and BTEC
Entry requirements are in the range of A-level BBC–CCC (112–96 UCAS Tariff points), or BTEC Extended Diploma DMM–MMM. Our conditional offers typically fall within this range.

International Baccalaureate
26 points with three subjects at Higher level.

Access to HE Diploma
Pass with 60 credits overall. Level 3 units in communication, numeracy and IT required. At least 45 credits at level 3, with 15 credits at distinction and the rest at merit.

Studied before or got relevant experience?
A qualification, HE credits or relevant experience may count towards your course at Brighton, and could mean that you do not have to take some elements of the course or can start in year 2 or 3. 

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP

International (full-time) 14,748 GBP

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Education are listed here.

  • You will have access to computers and necessary software, however many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses.
  • In most cases coursework submissions are electronic but you may wish to print notes and should budget approximately £30 for printing.
  • For courses which require a placement, you’ll be expected to pay for your travel expenses but you may be able to claim some travel costs back from the university, depending on where your placement is in relation to where you live.
  • Course books are available from the university but you may wish to budget up to £150 to buy your own copies
  • You may wish to consider budgeting up to £25 for stationery/teaching materials.

You can chat with our enquiries team through the Stay in touch panel at the end of this page if you require further information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2021–22.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Location

Local area

About Brighton

The University of Brighton is at the heart of our city's reputation as a welcoming, forward-thinking place which leads the way when it comes to the arts, music, sustainability and creative technology. Brighton is home to a thriving creative community and a digital sector worth £1bn a year to the local economy, as much as tourism.

Many of the work-based learning opportunities offered on our courses such as placements and guest lectures are provided by businesses and organisations based in the city.

You can also get involved with city festivals and events such as the Brighton Festival, the Fringe, Brighton Digital Festival, Brighton Science Festival, the London to Brighton bike ride, and the Great Escape festival of new music to name but a few. Other annual highlights include Pride, the Brighton Marathon, and Burning the Clocks which marks the winter solstice.

You'll find living in Brighton enriches your learning experience and by the end of your course you will still be finding new things to explore and inspire you.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Campus where this course is taught

Falmer campus

Set in the South Downs, our Falmer campus is around four miles from Brighton city centre. 7,000 students are based here taking subjects including criminology, English, education, nursing and medicine, paramedic science, psychology and sociology. Brighton and Hove Albion's Amex stadium and beautiful Stanmer Park are right next door.

Specialist learning facilities at Falmer include the curriculum centre used by teaching and education students, which houses over 30,000 teaching resources and clinical skills and simulation suites used by health students. Psychology students learn in our applied cognition and flexible creative method labs.

Falmer campus has two halls of residence on site, as well as a library, restaurant, cafes, and a students' union shop and bar.

The campus sports centre has a fitness suite, activity studios and a sports hall. There is also a floodlit astroturf football pitch, netball and tennis courts.

Cycle lanes link Falmer with our other campuses and the city centre and there is a BTN BikeShare hub on site. There are regular bus services to the city centre and other campuses. Falmer train station is right next to campus and a nine minute journey to central Brighton.

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Newly refurbished atrium in the Checkland Building

Accommodation

Brighton: Falmer

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Halls of residence
We have halls of residence across Brighton in the city centre, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer.

  • You'll be prioritised for accommodation in the halls that are linked to your teaching base, subject to availability.
  • Falmer campus is linked to the halls on Falmer campus and at Varley Park. All halls are self-catered.
    • Paddock Field and Great Wilkins halls are on Falmer campus and offer a range of rooms
    • Varley Park offers a mix of rooms. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre. Public transport in the city is excellent.

Private renting
There's plenty of support if you opt for private renting. This is an option which offers choice and flexibility – enabling you to choose where you live and who with. We manage our own studenthomes database of properties. This lists accommodation offered by landlords who have signed up to our code of standards. Every summer we provide online events and resources, as well as other advice services, for students looking for a place to live and people to share with.

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Students dining at Westlain

Students dining at Westlain

Maps

Falmer campus

Stay in touch

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Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

Statistics

These charts give an indication of how much time you will spend on different activities at each level of the course, and an indication of the balance of assessment by coursework, and written and practical exams. For courses with option modules, actual proportions will depend on the modules you choose.

Find out more about how the academic year and degree courses are organised, and about learning and assessment activities you might get to grips with at Brighton. More specific information about this course is detailed in the programme specification (linked above). You can find out also about the range of support we offer to help you adjust to university life.

Overall workload

Assessments

Discover Uni

Discover Uni enables you to compare information when choosing a UK university course. All UK universities publish Discover Uni data on their website. Discover Uni will be launching a widget this month that will show top line stats for this course. Once live, the widget will appear below. 

Programme specification

The programme specification is the approved description of each course. They are updated following course changes, and give a detailed breakdown of the content and structure of the course.

Programme specification

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  • Physical Education BA(Hons)

    Physical Education BA(Hons)

‹ ›

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