Childhood Practice

Childhood practice is the professional discipline concerned with the care, education, and development of children from birth through early childhood and into the primary years. In Scotland, the field has a well-defined professional framework built around the Standard for Childhood Practice, which sets out the knowledge, skills, and values expected of degree-level practitioners and leaders in early years and childcare settings. This part-time degree at the University of Strathclyde is explicitly designed to match that standard, developing the professionals and future leaders that the sector needs.

Work-based learning is a central and major feature of this programme, which means your studies are directly and continuously connected to your professional practice. You will develop your understanding of child development, curriculum theory, inclusive practice, leadership, and the policy context for early childhood services in Scotland, while also deepening your capacity to reflect critically on your own practice and to lead others in doing the same. The part-time format is particularly suited to those who are already working in the sector and want to develop their qualifications without leaving their current roles, and Strathclyde's programme is structured to accommodate that reality.

Graduating with this qualification gives you the credentials to take on leadership and management roles in early years settings, nurseries, childcare centres, and integrated children's services across Scotland. The Standard for Childhood Practice is the benchmark for senior practice and leadership positions in the Scottish sector, and this degree is specifically designed to meet it. Graduates also move into roles in children's services management, training and development, inspection and regulation, and policy.

Some graduates pursue postgraduate study in early childhood education, social work, or educational leadership, and a smaller number move into research or academic teaching in early years.