Early Childhood Studies

Early childhood studies is a discipline that takes seriously the first years of human life, examining how young children develop physically, emotionally, cognitively, and socially, and asking how practitioners, families, and institutions can best support that development. The evidence from developmental psychology, neuroscience, and educational research is clear: the earliest years have a profound and lasting impact on wellbeing and outcomes across the lifespan. This makes early childhood a field of both academic richness and genuine social importance.

At Nottingham Trent, this programme offers you the experience and knowledge needed for graduate roles in education, health, and social care, and an opportunity to make a genuine and lasting difference to children's lives, families, and communities. You will study child development theory, early years pedagogy, safeguarding and inclusion, play and learning, policy frameworks, and the multidisciplinary approaches that characterise professional work with young children. The programme involves placements in early childhood settings, ensuring that your academic learning is grounded in real professional experience.

The degree runs over three years full-time, with a typical entry tariff of 120 points.

Graduates of early childhood studies programmes pursue careers as early years educators, practitioners in children's centres and nurseries, family support workers, child protection officers, play specialists, and professionals in local authority children's services. Many also move into management roles in early years settings or pursue further qualifications in social work, teaching, or educational psychology. Postgraduate study in early childhood education, child development, or social work is a natural next step for those who want to deepen their expertise or access particular graduate roles.