Course Summary
Course Category: Direct Entry (Higher Education - HET)
The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care & Education is a three-year level 8 honours degree awarded by University of Essex. The programme examines how play, learning, and policy influence young children’s development across historical, political, and cultural contexts.
Delivered through blended learning, this honours degree allows students to continue working full-time while completing their qualification. Throughout the three-year programme, learners develop a strong understanding of children’s rights, health and wellbeing, diversity, and inclusive practice, drawing on disciplines including psychology, sociology, education, and health studies.
A key feature of the programme is the supervised work-based learning completed each year, enabling students to integrate academic study with professional practice in early years settings.
Graduates receive a BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care & Education recognised at NFQ level 8, meeting the Professional Award Criteria for Early Childhood Care and Education and supporting eligibility for the DCDE Graduate Premium.
- Awarding body: University of Essex
- Qualification outcome: BA (Hons) Early Childhood Care & Education (NFQ level 8)
- Key progression note: Graduates meet the Professional Award Criteria for Early Childhood Care and Education and may qualify for the DCDE Graduate Premium, while also gaining eligibility for postgraduate study.
Further Information
Book a call with Career Pathway Consultant Limin Bai to discuss study options.
Funding and payment plan information is available.
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
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Year 1:
Promoting Holistic Development of Children (0-12 yrs)
Pedagogical Approaches and Practice Frameworks for Early Childhood Education
Becoming an Educator, Academic & Professional Skills
Reflective Practice & Professional Development (Placement Portfolio)
Year 2:
Leadership Skills for Inclusive Practice
Leading & Managing Services for Children
Childhood in Society
Evaluating Policy & Practice: Themes & Debates
Professional Development in the Community of Practice
Year 3:
Research Methods for Evidence Based Practice & Dissertation
Professional Development: Sharing the Learning
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
Progression to CAO Courses
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
