Early Childhood Studies with Foundation

Early childhood studies is concerned with how children from birth to around eight years develop, learn, and thrive, and with the social, cultural, and policy contexts that shape their lives. It draws on developmental psychology, sociology, education theory, and health and wellbeing research to understand what children need and how the adults and institutions around them can best support their growth. Understanding early childhood matters enormously: the experiences and relationships children have in their earliest years have profound effects on their long-term health, learning, and social development.

At the University of Plymouth, this four-year full-time programme with an integrated foundation year begins with a year that introduces core academic and organisational skills required to succeed at university, building confidence and independence as students transition to university-level work. You will then advance through the early childhood studies curriculum, studying child development, early years pedagogy, safeguarding, family support, play, language, and the legal and policy frameworks that govern children's services. A year abroad is built into the programme, giving you the opportunity to experience early childhood education and care in a different national context.

Entry typically requires around 72 UCAS tariff points.

Graduates work in early years education and childcare, family support services, health visiting, children's social care, educational welfare, and policy roles in local government and the third sector. Many continue to postgraduate study or professional qualifications in early years education, social work, or educational psychology.