Early Years Studies

Early years studies examines one of the most consequential phases of human development, the period from birth to age eight when children make the most rapid cognitive, emotional, social, and physical progress of their lives. Understanding what happens in these early years, and how environments and relationships shape long-term outcomes, is essential for anyone working with young children or shaping the policies and settings that support them.

At the University of Bedfordshire, this two-year full-time degree gives you a rigorous grounding in child development theory alongside the practical knowledge needed to work in early years settings. You will study how children learn and develop, exploring the role of play, attachment, language acquisition, and the social contexts that either support or hinder healthy development. The curriculum engages with the frameworks, legislation, and professional practice that govern early years provision in England, and you will develop your understanding of inclusion, equality, and the role of the family and community in children's early experiences.

You will also examine how research informs practice, building habits of critical thinking that are important for any professional working with children.

The degree develops your ability to observe, analyse, and respond to children's needs thoughtfully and ethically. You will consider the perspectives of children themselves, learning to recognise and respect their agency, and you will develop communication skills suited to working with families, colleagues, and other professionals in multidisciplinary teams. These capacities are central to effective early years practice.

Graduates from early years studies go on to careers across the full range of early childhood settings, including nurseries, children's centres, reception classes, and family support services. The degree also prepares you for roles in early years leadership and management, local authority advisory work, and policy roles concerned with children and families. For those who wish to qualify as an Early Years Teacher or move into primary school teaching, this degree provides relevant groundwork for postgraduate routes into qualified teacher status.

Further study in childhood studies, education, social work, or related fields is also a well-trodden path.