UCAS code
LX53Mode of Study
Full-time, Full-time sandwich with work placementDuration
3 years full-time, 4 years sandwich with work placementStart date
September 2023, September 2024Still looking to start studying in September 2023? Visit our Clearing Hub to find out how.
Overview
If you want to help children have the best start in life, there are questions you need to explore. For example: how is their wellbeing affected by factors like digital technologies, race, culture and globalisation? On this course, you'll look for answers across a child's crucial first 8 years.
On your BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree, you’ll discover how a child develops physically, emotionally and mentally. And with plenty of opportunities to work with children, you’ll practice how to make a positive difference for them. You can customise your degree and develop specialist skills that are valued in a variety of professions.
Course highlights
- Learn different ways to measure children’s development from birth to age 8, which you can apply in all kinds of careers
- Choose to do a different work placement in every year of study – from local schools, to other organisations that put young children first
- Develop new skills by working with children in our own play and sensory rooms, and in outdoor environments such as forests and beaches
- Look at how children are affected by society and politics, and discover what psychology and philosophy teach us about early years
- Have the option to work towards achieving Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies (GPC) alongside your degree
- Be taught by experts and hear from guest speakers, with unique insights into childhood and education based on their lived experience
- Help tackle inequality by taking part in local initiatives that make a difference to children and families
- Gain transferable skills in psychology, sociology, teaching and learning, leadership and management, and creative thinking
Recognised by:
The course meets the Level 3 (Early Years Educator or equivalent) requirements and also incorporates the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies.
Options to customise your degree
After you start this course, you can choose to modify the qualification you graduate with. Depending on your interests and ambitions, there’s a range of options available.
If you’re especially fascinated by the minds of young children, you can follow an optional pathway through this degree by choosing specific modules in psychology. You’ll graduate with the award BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Psychology.
If you choose certain assessed practice in each year of study, you can achieve the professional accreditation of 'Graduate Practitioner' for Early Years Practice. This is recognised by the Department for Education and highly regarded by employers because it demonstrates you have developed important professional skills.
You'll graduate with the award BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner).
Entry requirements
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBC
- UCAS points – 112–128 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T levels – Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
- International Baccalaureate – 25
You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
Selection process
- Applicants must complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application before starting their professional placement working with children and young people.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBC
- UCAS points – 112-128 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels – Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
- International Baccalaureate – 25–26
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
Selection process
Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before starting their professional placement working with children and young people.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Your facilities
Play room
Explore childhood experiences and approaches to working with parents and families, using equipment found in nurseries, pre-schools and reception classes.
Sensory room
Use a variety of materials for babies and children to explore sensory stimulation, sensory integration, and therapeutic approaches to play, social work and family partnerships.
Family suite
Simulate family interactions and explore intervention strategies, and use our Therapeutic Play suite.
I went on to study for my PGCE and my degree equipped me for this really well. I was lucky enough to go on to land a job teaching Year One in an amazing school!
Careers and opportunities
You’ll graduate with rewarding career options, including working with children, families and communities in a variety of professional roles.
This BA Early Childhood Studies degree offers a broad range of skills in professional practice in education, enterprise and leadership, supporting children's development, working with families, fostering wellbeing, therapeutic practice, and more.
You could also take your studies further on a postgraduate course, such as MA Education Studies or MSc Educational Leadership and Management.
What jobs can you do with an early childhood studies degree?
Our graduates work in a range of educational roles and settings:
- early years teaching – with Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)
- primary teaching – with a PGCE or SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training) leading to QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)
- pedagogical leadership in early childhood
- early years provision and setting management
- forest school leadership and training
- freelance education and private tutoring
- special educational and disability needs
Our graduates also pursue a variety of careers related to health and wellbeing:
- health and wellbeing promotion
- family support
- professional nannying
- therapeutic play – with further training
- play work
Our graduates also become consultants and researchers into early years issues.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Early Childhood Studies - Ellen Braddick : Portsmouth Graduate Stories
Ellen Braddick graduated with an Early Childhood Studies degree from the University of Portsmouth. She's now a Teaching Assistant. Find out what Ellen's role entails and how she’s applying the skills she learnt during her time at Portsmouth.
Ellen: I'm originally from Cardiff. In Cardiff, it's really busy, it's really crowded. You have a bit of the sea and a bit of the sunshine, but in Portsmouth, it's just beautiful. You're a step away from the beach. It's just so much sunnier around here. So I came down to Portsmouth to study Early Childhood Studies, and there were lots of modules that I found really intriguing.
One of my favourite modules was we looked into how playing affects children's development, how they socialise, and it was just a really great insight to see how early childhood is important. I also did a placement. I was working with really young children, which I hadn't worked with before, and it allowed me to gain a real insight into what kind of ages I'd like to work with, and I think having the placement reassured me that this is something that I definitely want to do.
It really helped me a lot to get to the place I am now. I'm really passionate because it is such a rewarding job and that makes me passionate to become the best teacher or role model. They need that support, some children might not have that at home and you're that person that is there every single day helping them through their struggles, their difficulties, their highs and lows.
It's such a pleasurable, enjoyable experience. I'm motivated to do better every single day. I'm learning the same as the children that are around me. I'm working so hard every day to be the best person I can be and the best teacher I can be for those children. It definitely drives me to help these children and to help other children in the future as well.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity where you get to meet loads of people in the exact same position as you. You're all in it together and you're all supporting one another, and I think just give it a go. Just try your hardest and you could surprise yourself like me.
Placement year (optional)
After your second year of study, you can choose to do a paid placement year. This lets you put your new skills to work while developing valuable links with employers.
It’s fantastic for your CV and will really help you stand out when applying for jobs after graduation.
With mentoring and support throughout your placement, you’ll have our support to get the most from the experience.
Previous placement destinations have included:
- family support hubs and children's centres
- remote learning support for children and families
- outdoor-based early years settings, such as forest schools
A global survey of 1000 business leaders by the Harvard Business Review [...] found that the skills most in-demand by employers are those in which Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts graduates specialise – from communication, problem solving and creativity, to research and analysis.
What you'll study on this BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies course
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
Modules
Core modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Design a viable group research project
- Evaluate different research methods and paradigms
- Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods and approaches to research
- Assess a range of qualitative research methods for use in research with children and young people in the social sciences
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Describe key elements of how children and adolescents develop from a theoretical perspective
- Explain how different stages of the growth and development processes are influenced by each other
- Recognise how external and internal influences (nature, nurture) impact and contribute to the development of self concept in an individual
- Discuss examples of social, emotional and cognitive development in children
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Gain knowledge and understanding of key issues related to the health and well being of young children.
- Analyse the ways health impacts on the lives of young children and families.
- Describe and effectively communicate the inequalities children and families may encounter in enabling the health and wellbeing of young children.
- Meet knowledge components of Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Describe perspectives of early childhood education.
- Examine the principles and practices of working in partnership with carers as children's first educators.
- Identify an effective environment for children’s learning and development in the curriculum, ensuring account is taken of stage of development, individual needs and circumstances of children.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Appreciate what different disciplines offer for understanding childhoods
- Discuss issues pertaining to inclusivity
- Engage in reflection about the topics under discussion
- Identify key concepts in relation to the study of childhood
- Engage in reflection on continuing personal, professional, and academic, development
Core modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically assess the use and validity of different theoretical perspectives in understanding and interpreting specific perspectives on children and young people.
- Examine outcomes of processes of globalisation for children and young people by analysing specific cases.
- Apply knowledge and understanding of theories of globalisation to relevant cases in the UK and abroad to appraise outcomes for children and young people.
- Construct and present reasoned analyses of aspects of modern life and processes of globalisation.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Discuss and reflect upon a range of perspectives related to play for children aged from birth to 12 years of age.
- Compare and contrast types and forms of children's play.
- Explore meanings of play in social and educational contexts.
- Evaluate experiences that enrich the play and learning of children.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Demonstrate skills required for providing learning experiences, environments and opportunities appropriate to the age, stage and needs of individuals and groups.
- Examine theoretical concepts around professional practice and how they are applied in the workplace.
- Utilise the concepts of reflection to articulate personal and professional development goals.
- Critically evaluate your learning and experience and relate this to your future career goals.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Assess quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and be able to understand which of these to deploy in a research study.
- Reflect on the main issues around debates of the strengths and limitations of research with children and young people.
- Analyse research with children and young people.
- Identify and develop a topic appropriate for in-depth study and consider issues related to ethical and data protection issues.
Optional modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Analyse the power of language and illustration in children's stories and picture books.
- Identify and examine the social and moral issues raised in different types of texts.
- Compare and contrast the literature published for children and young people.
- Interpret selected literature through a variety of media.
- Creatively apply a variety of theoretical frames to analyse children's literature.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Use a social psychology perspective to explore the nuances of children's social development.
- Take responsibility for your own learning with minimum direction, in independent and group learning.
- Apply a detailed knowledge of formative social influences in children's lives.
- Critically analyse the forces and dilemmas which influence how children relate to the world around them.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Discuss the key features of various learning theories/models.
- Examine how external influences impact and contribute to the development of learning in individuals.
- Consider how the theories of learning could be applied in an educational context.
- Demonstrate insight into your own approaches to learning.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Engage with contemporary debates regarding colonialism, decolonisation and its legacies in Europe and Africa.
- Critically analyse primary and secondary sources.
- Present a reasoned argument in written form, using appropriate terminology.
What you'll do
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Communicate clearly and effectively about social problems and their consequences.
- Evaluate strategies for addressing forms of inequality and/or sustainability and obstacles to their implementation.
- Demonstrate the ability to be an effective team player able to support others.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Discuss the ways in which theories of gender and race intersect with other social identities such as class, age, and religion.
- Critically assess the use of different theoretical perspectives in understanding and interpreting specific discourses related to children and young people in education.
- Compare and contrast different positions in relation to children and young people’s lives and identities.
- Identify and analyse gender and race inequalities that exist in today’s educational institutions.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Recognise the varying disciplinary perspectives on the concept of security within a criminological framework.
-
Critically discuss the drivers of societal risk and insecurity.
-
Recognise the nature and impact of economic and political developments.
-
Explain and assess the many forms of threat to the security of states, corporations and individuals.
-
Identify and assess responses to security threats at the global, national, local, corporate and individual levels.
-
Locate, interpret, question and summarise information from a number of different sources.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Assess key theories in intercultural communication research.
- Collect data/information and analyse it from an intercultural perspective.
- Research a certain aspect of culture and communication.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Develop an understanding of the big issues and contemporary debates in education and teaching.
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Apply the fundamental concepts of teaching and learning theory to the planning and evaluation of a lesson plan.
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Understand the importance of safeguarding children.
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Reflect on current developments in teaching and learning.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Critically discuss key marketing concepts.
-
Retrieve and analyse appropriate real world marketing information.
-
Apply theories of marketing to real world contexts.
-
Distinguish between different forms of communication within the marketing context.
What you'll learn
The learning objectives of this module are to be confirmed.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key sources, concepts, ideas, substantive analyses, and contemporary relevance.
-
Demonstrate ability to compare and contrast analytical approaches to the study and explanation of themes and issues explored on the module.
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Communicate understanding and knowledge of complex ideas, concepts and themes and issues explored on the module clearly, effectively, and creatively.
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Work effectively, both independently and as a member of a group, to research, prepare and deliver a report.
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Produce an organised, well-structured and concise answer to an essay question demonstrating critical engagement with relevant texts and analyses.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Critically and reflectively engage with literature exploring nationalism from various disciplines.
- Analyse current political and economic debates surrounding immigration.
- Evaluate how global inequalities relate to nationalist social and political structures and ideologies.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how the issues discussed are relevant at micro and macro levels globally.
- Understand and critically question how nationalism and national identities are often taken for granted in Western societies, and how this relates to contemporary global power relations.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Examine current issues relative to traditional (i.e. print and/or broadcast) media.
- Empirically analyse media texts in terms of ideological representation.
- Identify and justify the selection of appropriate media texts and appropriate analytical frameworks in the formulation of a short empirical research project.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Know and recognize the varying disciplinary perspectives on the concept of the principles of economic crime investigation within criminological, legal, and economic frameworks
- Become familiar with the main types of organisations involved in investigating economic crime including SFO, NCA and FCA etc.
- Identify the different modes of investigative techniques employed in investigating economic crime
- Analyse information on the investigation techniques employed in real economic crime cases
- Gather, retrieve, and analyse information from a variety of sources
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Reflect on their learning and experience to date and use this as a basis to plan and organise suitable work experience(s) that will enable the development of their professional profile.
-
Propose a programme of learning that enables the development and demonstration of specified professional skills.
-
Critically evaluate their learning and experience and relate this to their future career goals.
-
Communicate the outcomes of their experience, through the effective use of reflective practice.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Discuss conceptual and thematic aspects of the literature.
- Reflect on the ways that subjectivity is formulated at specific periods and is related to place and/or gender.
- Recognise the materiality and historicity of philosophical and theoretical concepts.
- Comprehend the significance of perception for the subject and in narrative voice.
- Define and critically assess key terms and concepts for theoretically-informed literary analysis.
- Demonstrate critically-informed close reading skills and contextualised literary analysis.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Formulate a plan to synthesise academic sources and relevant evidence.
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Critically review the key theoretical and empirical debates about the sociology of education.
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Interrogate ideas about the sociology of education from a range of relevant sources.
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Assess the relationship between education and other facets of contemporary society.
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Evaluate the current state of knowledge of education from a sociological perspective.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Analyse the mechanisms employed in the pursuit of truth, justice and reparation for human rights abuses in selected countries.
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Analyse the effectiveness of transitional justice mechanisms in selected countries.
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Analyse how political, social, cultural, and legal factors facilitate or hinder transitional justice in selected countries.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically engage with key theories and concepts in the field of personal life.
- Evaluate methodological approaches to researching personal life.
- Explore in detail an identified area of interest.
- Demonstrate learning through oral and written communication.
- Critically reflect on the learning undertaken.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Analyse the different types of wildlife crime and summarise environmental factors
- Recognise and examine the importance of environmental justice and sustainability
- Locate, access and engage with information pertinent to environmental justice and wildlife crime
- Interpret and assess new and existing knowledge
- Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and identify further opportunities within the subject area
Optional modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically reflect on the competencies required within a placement environment.
- Identify and evaluate the learning experience and the relevance of this learning to future careers and professional development, identifying areas for improvement or further training.
- Self-evaluate their success in meeting the objectives identified in the learning agreement.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
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Manage and complete tasks in a study relevant to their course, with an appropriate level of skill, initiative, independence and performance.
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Critically reflect on the formal learning experience and student ambassadorial role for the University, and consider the relevance of this learning to future study and/or employability and personal development.
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Critically assess how activities relate to disciplinary knowledge and practice covered on the student's undergraduate course within the global context.
Core modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop a critical and well informed approach to how best to lead, manage and deliver equitable services for children and families in their work place.
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the wider philosophical and theoretical principles that underpin leading and managing practice in their field.
- Evaluate the notion of professionalism when working with children and their families and use critical reflection to explore professional identity.
- Develop knowledge and understanding of how to apply leadership and management theory to real world situations to provide equitable and outstanding services for children and families.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Design a viable dissertation.
- Make use of a range of current research or equivalent advanced scholarship in the relevant field.
- Deploy established and relevant techniques of analysis and enquiry within an ethical framework to a specific and focussed area relevant to children and young people.
- Critically evaluate assumptions, arguments and data (which may be incomplete) in order to form a judgement, frame further questions and identify potential solutions.
- Manage and reflect upon own learning and communicate in writing to a specified audience relevant to either the academic or workplace community.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Synthesize a robust, creative, imaginative and well informed approach to supporting children, birth to five in becoming confident, capable learners.
- Evaluate essential factors that influence young children's development.
- Critically evaluate the role of the adult in facilitating young children's progress by applying an understanding of the role of theoretical frameworks.
- Explain the role of the adult in facilitating young children's progress by applying an in depth understanding of the role of the environment.
Optional modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Analyse the complexities of challenging behaviour in children and young people.
- Critically assess possible causes of challenging behaviour.
- Critically review strategies and processes used for managing behaviour across the 0-19 age range.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically consider the lived experience of families in need.
- Analyse relevant theory in relation to family experience.
- Critically apply knowledge of the context of policy and practice so as to extend understanding of the issues families face, and the social context they experience.
- Demonstrate confidence in considering complex problems within society.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically discuss knowledge of relevant theories, philosophies and concepts about outdoor education
- Develop a critical awareness of the role of risk in decision making and learning
- Critically apply theories of adventure learning
- Critically reflect on the child’s and the practitioner’s experience of outdoor education
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Develop a critical understanding of the big issues and contemporary debates in education and teaching.
- Analyse and apply the fundamental concepts of teaching and learning theory to the planning and evaluation of a lesson plan.
- Understand the importance of safeguarding children.
- Critically reflect on current developments in teaching and learning.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Examine different concepts and models in relation to mental health issues in children.
- Reflect on the different sources and risk factors (pathological, social) that play a role in the diagnosis of mental health issues, and critically analyse how they interact.
- Critically analyse abnormal and disturbing behaviour as context-embedded and normatively defined problems.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Reflect on their learning and experience to date and use this as a basis to plan and organise suitable work experience(s) that will enable the development of their professional profile.
- Propose a programme of learning that enables the development and demonstration of specified professional skills.
- Critically evaluate their learning and experience and relate this to their future career goals.
- Communicate the outcomes of their experience, through the effective use of reflective practice.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically review specific child and education based practice approaches based in psychological theory.
- Articulate a critical evaluation of the role of ethical practice when working with children, young people and families.
- Evaluate psychological theory alongside the lived experience of children, young people and families.
- Examine professional approaches in the context of psychological and educational discourse.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Debate how disadvantage in social, health, learning and economic contexts intersect in the lives of children and families.
- Explore the ways in which professionals talk with children, parents, and colleagues about Safeguarding issues.
- Identify and critically analyse the legal perspectives in working with families where children, young people or young adults might be at risk.
- Critically engage with approaches to identifying, managing and responding to risk in Universal Safeguarding.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically review the rationale and theory for current care system policies and practice on children and families.
- Evaluate the theories related to issues of trauma and resilience developed by children in vulnerable circumstances.
- Critically explore data related to looking after children and how it informs policy and practice.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Aside from my academic growth, my studies have helped me form my ethos to carry forward into practice, and given me a fuller understanding of the ways in which I can be an advocate for early years education. All of the lecturers are passionate about their fields, and as a result inspired me to reach goals I would have never thought possible. I enjoyed my time so much I'm coming back next year to continue my studies!
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- authentic and impactful real-world reflective learning with applied practice
- group-based activities
- seminars
- tutorials
- individual and group presentations
- poster presentations
- project work
- lectures
You'll also have opportunities to apply what you learn with children in outdoor environments, such as forests and beaches.
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
Teaching staff profiles
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course:
Mr Alex Sabine
How you're assessed
Assessment methods include:
- essays, reports and reflective accounts
- individual and group presentations
- individual and group project work, including the opportunity to work towards a major project in liaison with a local employer
- an online portfolio
- developing a simple Wordpress or Google Sites website
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark. You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Early Childhood Studies degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars and workshops for about 10 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting your learning
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- Academic writing
- Note taking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Referencing
- Working in groups
- Revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (2023 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)
Tuition fees (2024 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £18,100 a year (subject to annual increase)
You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the University of Portsmouth.
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Costs breakdown
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in September 2023, please apply through Clearing.
Got your results? Apply online now
Alternatively, call our Clearing Hotline on +44 (0)23 9284 8074 or visit our Clearing Hub to chat with us online.
Our Clearing Hotline is open:
- 9am–5pm Monday to Thursday
- 9am–4pm Fridays
- 8am–8pm Thursday 17 August (A Level/T level results day)
- 8am–7pm Friday 18 August
- 10am–3pm Saturday 19 August
Waiting for your results?
Visit our Clearing Hub for the latest information and to request a results day call back.
International students
We welcome Clearing applications from international students and you can apply in exactly the same way as UK students do.
Applying for year 2 or 3
If you've already completed part of this course with us or another university and would like to apply for the second or third year, please apply here.
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – LX53
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.