Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

This programme covers the core areas of early childhood theory and professional practice. You will study child development, observation and assessment, play-based learning, safeguarding and child protection, inclusion and special educational needs, family and community contexts, and the policy and legislative frameworks that shape early years services.

• Foundations of Child Development: stages of development from birth to five, attachment theory, and the impact of health and wellbeing on learning.
• Observation, Assessment and Planning: methods for observing children, assessing progress, and planning inclusive play and learning experiences.
• Play and Curriculum in the Early Years: theoretical approaches to play, curriculum models, and practitioner-led learning environments.
• Inclusion and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities): inclusive practice, working with families and multi-agency teams, and adapting provision to meet diverse needs.
• Safeguarding, Ethics and Professional Practice: child protection, ethical decision-making, professional responsibilities and reflective practice.
• Research Methods and a Final Project: introductions to qualitative and quantitative research methods with an independent final-year project or dissertation linked to practice.
• Work-based Learning: substantial placement modules across different early years settings to develop practical skills and professional networks. Options may include a work-placement year or shorter block placements within the academic terms.

Entry requirements

Entry is designed to be accessible to applicants from both academic and vocational backgrounds. The programme typically considers A-levels, BTEC or other Level 3 qualifications, Access to Higher Education diplomas, and relevant experience working with children. Admissions also welcome mature applicants with prior work experience in childcare or related sectors.

• A good level 3 qualification (A-levels, BTEC National Diploma or equivalent) or an Access to Higher Education diploma in a relevant subject area.
• GCSEs including English and mathematics at a pass level or equivalent; specific grade requirements may be requested for some applicants.
• Practical experience working with children is highly desirable and can strengthen an application; some applicants are admitted based on relevant employment or voluntary work.
• International students will need to meet English language requirements (for example, an overall IELTS score commonly used as a benchmark) or provide an equivalent qualification.
• All applicants are assessed through their personal statement and references; some applicants may be invited for interview or to provide evidence of recent practice in early years settings.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a wide range of roles in the early years and related sectors. Typical entry-level job roles include nursery practitioner, early years key worker, childminder, teaching assistant in early years settings, and family support worker. With experience and additional qualifications, graduates progress to roles such as room leader, early years manager, SEND coordinator, or specialist support worker.

• Progression to qualified teacher status (PGCE/PGDE) or further professional training in social work, speech and language support, or public health pathways.
• Opportunities in policy, advocacy and research roles in children’s services, charities and local government.
• Self-employment options, including setting up or managing early years provision or consultancy in early years practice and inclusion.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University places a strong emphasis on employability and applied learning. The Early Childhood Studies course combines academic study with sustained placements in real-world settings, supported by tutors with professional experience in early years.

• Strong links with local nurseries, schools and children’s services that support high-quality placement opportunities and professional networking.
• A focus on reflective practice and career development, with resources and support from the university’s employability and careers teams to help you gain practitioner qualifications and work-based evidence.
• Multidisciplinary teaching that draws on contemporary research and sector developments, preparing graduates to meet current policy expectations and practice standards in the early years.
• Flexible pathway options, including opportunities to take a placement year or modules that support progression to postgraduate study and professional routes such as teaching or social work.