CU Coventry | Coventry University - Early Childhood Development and Learning BA (Hons)

CU Coventry | Coventry University

Early Childhood Development and Learning BA (Hons)

Working with children on educational and personal development can be an extremely rewarding career. Focusing on ages 0 to 8, this course aims to produce graduates who can contribute to early years provision.

Success in this field demands creativity, empathy, logic and a great deal of knowledge alongside the ability to draw upon life experiences. As no two days are the same in this industry, this course focuses on policies, processes, best practices and practical learning to help you understand the key fundamentals of child development2.

  • Opportunities to engage with students at other international universities and industry experts through initiatives like our Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project.
  • Conduct critical research with our highly-experienced staff.
  • Opportunity to take part in invaluable practical placements2,5 (if taking the Graduate Practitioner route.
  • Additional option to work towards obtaining Graduate Practitioner status in early childhood settings*
  • Undertake an investigation into a topic relating to early childhood enabling you to make informed recommendations for future policy, research and practice.
  • You are encouraged to draw on your own personal experience and make links between your study at university, your personal experience and your professional practice in the field of early childhood.

Entry Requirements

HNC64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

Career Prospects

This skill is valued by employers and vital for a career working with children in education or other contexts. Reflective statements may also be submitted alongside a presentation to ensure that academic writing continues to be a focus throughout the course. All assessment will be designed to enhance student development, both personal, professional and academic, through the application of skills and the synthesis of theory and practice.

Opportunities to progress in your career during and beyond the course, with your study with us opening up a number of avenues for future career development in areas such as:

  • Teaching in early years and primary schools, educational leadership and management
  • Working in services relating to Inclusion and SEND, safeguarding
  • Children’s mental health, speech and language therapy, play therapy
  • Family support worker, social work
  • Early childhood education and care research, publication
  • Further studies in Early Childhood at postgraduate level

Course Details

  • With a child-centred approach, this year is designed to introduce the key concepts and principles within childhood development and learning. Setting the framework for both academic and professional skills, you will gain an understanding of factors that impact upon learning and development from both individual needs to environmental influences for children between the ages of 0 to 8 years. Within the first year you will be introduced to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), alongside a number of other international curricula.

Students who successfully complete year one are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Early Childhood Development and Learning.

  • As the course progresses, you will continue to build on knowledge gained in year one to solidify core principles. Critical appraisal of childhood perception is introduced, alongside evaluations of diversity in development methods. You will analyse the role of statutory guidance for early years practice and legislation. Finally, you delve into the global sphere, interacting with students from international universities to understand global methods (subject to availability). This research is then used to compare different countries’ early years policies with the UK educational system. Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Early Childhood Development and Learning.
  • In year three, you explore cultural diversification and management as well as delving into international perspectives of children. You’ll examine family structures and different environments, analysing and understanding diverse ethnic backgrounds and educational differences. You will be trained at an executive level, learning the skills required to manage a nursery, including key components such as the recruitment of staff and the Management of Special Needs and Disabilities (SEND) requirements. By successfully completing year three you will be awarded a BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Development and Learning.

Year One

Collaborative and Supportive Relationships in Early Years Setting
Promoting Children’s Health, Wellbeing and Safety
The Child, the Family and the Community
Learning and Development Through Play

Year Two

Early Years Pedagogy and Practice
Theoretical Perspectives on Child Development
Sustainability in the Early Years
Researching and Assessing Children and Families

Final Year

International Perspectives of Childhood
Effective Leadership and Management of an Early Years Environment
Inclusion, Equality and Diversity
Research Project

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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