University of Portsmouth United Kingdom

Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies at the University of Portsmouth is your pathway to understanding and positively influencing the crucial early years of a child's life. This undergraduate degree is designed for those passionate about child development, education, and care, equipping you with essential knowledge of childhoods from birth to age eight. You will explore key aspects such as child and youth development, health and wellbeing, and the diverse perspectives on early childhood education, preparing you to make a significant impact in a field that shapes future generations.

You will study this programme full-time on campus over three years, engaging with a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. Through modules like 'Professional Practice in Early Childhood Education and Care' and opportunities for professional experience, you will develop hands-on skills. The syllabus includes exploring play, global childhoods, and research with children, culminating in a dissertation or major project. You will graduate with a strong foundation in safeguarding, child psychology, and sociology, ready for careers in early years settings, social care, or further study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Studies provides a comprehensive exploration of child development, education, and wellbeing. Across three years, students will engage with foundational concepts such as understanding childhoods, child and youth development, and health and wellbeing, alongside perspectives on early childhood education. The curriculum also incorporates research methodologies, professional practice, and a range of optional modules allowing for specialization in areas like children's literature, global childhoods, or professional experience.

1 Year 1

Becoming a researcher
Child and youth development
Health and wellbeing of the child and young person
Perspectives of early childhood education
Understanding childhoods

2 Year 2

Just playing?
Professional practice in early childhood education and care
Global childhoods
Research with children and young people

3 Optional modules

Children's literature
Gender, race and education
Introduction to teaching
Children's social minds
Development of learning
Professional experience
Empire and its afterlives in Britain, Europe and Africa
Engaged citizenship in humanities and social sciences
Global security
Intercultural perspectives on communication
Marketing and communication
Modernity and globalisation
Nationalism and migration: chaos, crisis and the everyday
News, discourse and media
Principles of economic crime investigation
Puritans to postmodernists: American literature
Transitional justice and human rights
Wildlife crime: threats and response

4 Year 3

Promoting confident, capable learners
Aspiring leaders and managers

5 Optional modules

Dissertation (childhood studies)
Major project
Behaviour matters
Introduction to teaching
Psychology in practice
Going outside: pedagogies for outdoor learning
Professional experience
Supporting children and young people's mental health
Therapeutic play principles and practices
Working with looked after children

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,195.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,195.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,195.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 72,586.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 912.00 - USD 2,400.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Portsmouth Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesAdult & Continuing EducationClinical & Medical ServicesCorporate Training & DevelopmentEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEducation Policy & AdministrationEducational Support ServicesHome Health & Long‑Term CareNursing & Allied HealthSecondary & High School Education

Top Employers Hiring for this course

NHS

NHS Grampian

Nuffield Health

University of Portsmouth

Why Study Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) at University of Portsmouth

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Portsmouth in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) at University of Portsmouth

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed, but part-time students cannot work.

What English language score do I need for this course?

You need to meet specific English test requirements: TOEFL overall score of 91, IELTS overall score of 6.0, or PTE overall score of 61. Each test has minimum score requirements in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Possible job titles include Early Years Educator, Childcare Supervisor, Family Support Worker, or Therapeutic Play Practitioner.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course explores child wellbeing, focusing on the impact of digital technologies and cultural factors. You'll learn about physical, emotional, and mental development during crucial early years, while gaining practical experience working with children.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) program starts in September each year. Make sure to apply before the deadline to secure your place.
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