Childhood and Early Years Studies (Extended Degree) BSc (Hons)
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Northumbria University's Childhood and Early Years degree is designed to help you make a difference in the lives of children. You'll gain knowledge, insight and understanding of a range of issues relating to childhood, children, young people and society.
Covering topics including child development, education, war, poverty, health, disability, the law, you'll analyse the contemporary experience of children, looking at the latest research, historical documents, children's literature and film, and a range of other sources.
This understanding will open up a range of employment opportunities and provide a foundation to go on and study further training courses including teaching, social work, children's nursing and other related professions.
You will reflect upon current developments in childhood provision, policy and practice both nationally and internationally, and you'll be learning from staff who are contributing to the most important debates in the field.
A Research Powerhouse: Social Policy is ranked 3rd in the UK for research power in the UK out of 76 submissions (REF, 2021).
Highly Rated by Students: Over 91% of Childhood and Youth Studies students surveyed in the 2026 National Student Survey positively rated the learning opportunities on their course.
Other courses you may be interested in: Primary Education BA (Hons)
Northumbria University's Childhood and Early Years degree is designed to help you make a difference in the lives of children. You'll gain knowledge, insight and understanding of a range of issues relating to childhood, children, young people and society.
Covering topics including child development, education, war, poverty, health, disability, the law, you'll analyse the contemporary experience of children, looking at the latest research, historical documents, children's literature and film, and a range of other sources.
This understanding will open up a range of employment opportunities and provide a foundation to go on and study further training courses including teaching, social work, children's nursing and other related professions.
You will reflect upon current developments in childhood provision, policy and practice both nationally and internationally, and you'll be learning from staff who are contributing to the most important debates in the field.
A Research Powerhouse: Social Policy is ranked 3rd in the UK for research power in the UK out of 76 submissions (REF, 2021).
Highly Rated by Students: Over 91% of Childhood and Youth Studies students surveyed in the 2026 National Student Survey positively rated the learning opportunities on their course.
Other courses you may be interested in: Primary Education BA (Hons)
This extended degree provides an alternative route to higher education and supports those who don’t meet the standard entry requirements for an undergraduate degree. It includes a foundation year where you will explore a wide range of topics relating to health, education and social care.
In the foundation year, you will establish a solid foundation in key debates, theory, and practice, while developing research skills relevant to health, education, and social care. You will deepen your understanding of the broader factors influencing health, education, and social care, and will learn the necessary skills to advance to the degree level.
The foundation year of the course delivered at level 3 which develops your ability to study in Higher Education is not accredited. Subsequent levels and years are accredited and deliver the knowledge, competencies, and skills required to meet the specific course accreditation requirements that relate to the approved accredited award title
UCAS Code
Z072
Level of Study
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
4 years Full Time
School
Communities and Education
Location
Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2027
Fees
Fee Information
Supporting communities, changing futures.
You’ll learn to become self-sufficient on this course, but there is a range of support in your learning process.
Your support network starts with the staff. They’ll provide different ways of learning to inspire you and keep you progressing: from seminars to problem-solving exercises, lectures to real-world case studies.
You’ll be encouraged to think from a global perspective. A lot of the issues we’ll discuss require a global response. You’ll get a broader worldview, and can even study a portion of your course overseas. Before the start of year two you can apply for a funded position to study in Europe via an Erasmus+ exchange programme for one semester, or indeed the academic year. There are also opportunities to attend two week self-funded programme of study at Malmo University in Sweden.
You’ll learn from your fellow students. There are opportunities for you to work collaboratively in teams, and you’ll be there for each other. Giving constructive criticism to your peers will help you to reflect upon your own academic and personal development.
You will also get the chance to hear from visiting speakers and specialist practitioners, to support your learning and give you perspectives from industry experts.
You will demonstrate progressively complex levels of analysis throughout the three years of the course.
You'll be taught by a team of research active academics from a range of professional and academic backgrounds.
Members of our team have previously worked in statutory, voluntary and private organisations in Early Years, Education, Youth Work, Health, Childcare Guidance and counseling.
This means that your learning will be led by real world experience. You'll understand the practical realities of children's lives, not just the theory. This understanding will make your move into the professional world much easier.
All members of the team engage in research as well as teaching. Some current research interests include; attachment informed practice in childhood settings, inclusive practice in schools, and the use of animals in therapeutic environments for children and young people. Staff are also active in presenting their work at conferences at home and abroad.
Our team also engage in research relating to your teaching and learning experience on the course, so they're able to bring the latest information into the classroom.
We are an enthusiastic, committed, knowledgeable and likeable staff team, who are here to motivate you and propel you through your degree and beyond.
We’ve harnessed a range of technological innovations to ensure materials for learning are always available to you, accessible via a range of devices. The University’s E-Learning Portal gives you the information you need at your fingertips, wherever you are.
We also use video recording of material as well as discussion groups to share with fellow students and develop your own learning.
Just a few miles from the city centre lies Coach Lane Campus; a modern, multi-million pound complex. Here you'll find lecture theatres, teaching rooms and study spaces to support students in every aspect of learning.
At the heart of each Northumbria campus, our libraries provide a range of study spaces and technology to suit every learning style.
On this course you will be encouraged to become an active enquirer and participant in your own learning. You’ll be tackling some of the biggest questions we have in our society.
Research rich learning is important because it gives you a way of thinking that’s designed to face big questions. You’ll learn how to approach a difficult problem. How to think critically. How to be independent, unbiased and rigorous.
As active researchers, our staff can support you in this way of thinking. Their research specialisms include: institutional care for young children, child development, leadership and staff development in childhood settings, inclusive practice, children’s literature and youth culture.
This course provides a sound foundation from which to progress professional training courses including teaching, social work, children’s nursing and other related professions.
You’ll develop workplace skills, and find out more about different professions, through observational fieldwork visits and work placements. You’ll also get the chance to engage with a range of employers, alumni and external agencies. This gives you a wide network of contacts, and ensures that you know your chosen role is right for you. In your second year, you will undertake a minimum of 50 hours practical work related experience. This will get you used to the professional environment, and develop your practical skills.
The course is designed to allow you to undertake opportunities to study and work abroad during year two. You will get a global perspective on the issues facing children, which is enormously attractive to employers.
When you graduate, there are a range of careers you will be able to pursue. Social care roles, research into child development, teaching - the course is in line with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) guidance, which is the benchmark for the industry and respected in all of these professions.
If you enjoy this research element of the course, the course is great first step into a research career.
In any of these roles, you’ll leave the course with real-world experience, a deep understanding of childhood, a global perspective and network of support and contacts.
Discover our postgraduate study options in child care and consider our MSc in Childrens Nursing Science.
You can boost your CV and develop your experience whilst studying at Northumbria.
From first year through to final year and beyond graduation, we are here to help.
Visit an open day to get an insight into what it's like to study Childhood and Early Year Studies. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
56 to 72 Tariff Points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach when making offers for this course. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our university regardless of personal circumstances or background. Typically, offers range from 56 to 72 UCAS tariff points, but we’ll assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application
To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
There are no specific subject requirements for this course.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
Please note: Progression from Year 0 to Year 1 of this programme is subject to a suitable DBS Enhanced Certificate. You will be contacted directly during the first year of the Extended Degree programme (Year 0) to complete this process.
To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance Please review this information before submitting your application.
56 to 72 Tariff Points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach when making offers for this course. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our university regardless of personal circumstances or background. Typically, offers range from 56 to 72 UCAS tariff points, but we’ll assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application
To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
There are no specific subject requirements for this course.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
Please note: Progression from Year 0 to Year 1 of this programme is subject to a suitable DBS Enhanced Certificate. You will be contacted directly during the first year of the Extended Degree programme (Year 0) to complete this process.
To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance Please review this information before submitting your application.
UK Fee in Year 1: £5,760
The UK tuition fee for 26/27 is £9,790 and is set in line with the UG Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase this fee in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. The remaining fees relate to the International Soccer Academy and accommodation fees. Accommodation fees may increase in subsequent years. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of the re-issuing of tenancy agreements. Tuition fees in the academic year 2027/28* will be £10,050. Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap. *if your course is longer than one year
* Fees subject to annual increases over the course of the period of study. Students will be liable for payment of any/all tuition fees which are not sponsored by their employer or other third party.
International Fee in Year 1:
This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect.
Tuition fees in the academic year 2027/28* will be £10,050. Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap.
This is the programme fee for your first year of study. The programme fee includes the international tuition fee, International Soccer Academy and accommodation fees. Accommodation fees may increase in subsequent years. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of the re-issuing of tenancy agreements.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
There are no Additional Costs
UK Fee in Year 1:
The University may increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift, as decided by the UK Government, up to the maximum amount for fees permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year. To give students an indication of the likely scale of any future increase, the UK government has suggested that increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments). If the University intends to exercise this right to increase tuition fees, notification will be communicated with all students affected by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which we intend to exercise that right. Student fee loans have risen in line with the level of uplift decided by the UK Government.
Extended Degrees: Students will pay the applicable Foundation Year fee in Year 0. Tuition fees will follow the Year 1 (Level 4) cap in the first year of Undergraduate study, with tuition fees in subsequent years increasing as per the above information.
International Fee in Year 1: TBC
International fees for the 2027/28 academic year will be confirmed in due course. As an indication, tuition fees in the 2026/27 academic year were £19,850 or £21,500 depending on the course of study. Fees are charged for each year of study and may be subject to an inflationary or other uplift in the second and subsequent years of study as decided by the University. Students will be notified of any changes by the end of June each academic year.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
There are no Additional Costs
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
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Page last updated 14/09/26
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