Early Childhood and Social Care

Early childhood and social care is a combination that brings together in-depth study of young children's development, learning and rights with a broader understanding of the social care systems and structures that support children and families in difficulty. Early childhood education examines how children from birth to eight develop cognitively, emotionally and socially, and how adults can support that development through sensitive and knowledgeable interaction. Social care extends this to the professional context in which many children and families live, examining poverty, inequality, safeguarding, family support and the organisations that intervene when children are at risk.

At Liverpool Hope University, this four-year full-time degree includes a foundation year and incorporates sandwich, year abroad and work placement opportunities, making it a richly practical and internationally informed programme.

You will study child development theories from Piaget and Vygotsky to contemporary attachment-informed approaches, alongside sociology, policy analysis, ethics and the legal frameworks that govern work with children and families. The social care component develops your understanding of risk, vulnerability, resilience and the systems and professional practices that seek to protect children and support families. Placement experience is central to the degree, and the sandwich and placement elements give you sustained time in real early childhood and social care settings.

A typical entry tariff of around 104 points is expected.

Graduates pursue careers in early years education and care, social work, family support, children's services, community development, health visiting and voluntary sector roles working with children and families. The degree provides a foundation for postgraduate training in social work, early childhood education, educational psychology or public health. The combination of early childhood knowledge and social care understanding is valued wherever professionals need to support the development of young children within the complex social contexts that shape their lives.