Childhood and Early Years Studies (Extended Degree) BSc (Hons)

How are you supported in a Childhood and Early Years Studies degree?

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.

What is your learning journey at Northumbria?

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.

• See all the Modules for this Childhood and Early Years Studies course

Who will teach me during this degree?

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.

View all staff profiles.

How does modern technology at Northumbria support your learning?

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.

• You will submit your assignments and receive feedback online, to make it easier to develop your work and learn from your feedback.
• You will have the chance to engage with other students, staff and partners, and build your own learning community online.
• You will also visit a range of childhood and early years settings and early learning environments are also facilitated in the course of the course.

How is research applied to the teaching on this course?

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.

• What is childhood? The many different perspectives from which childhood can be viewed.
• How does a child develop? Is it the family? Community? Wider Society?
• What does a child need to become a healthy and happy adult?

How does Northumbria approach Childhood and Early Years Studies research?

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.

Learn more about our research expertise here.

What can I do after my Childhood and Early Years Studies?

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.

How does studying at Northumbria prepare you for the future?

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.