Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year

Early childhood studies is a discipline that takes seriously the first years of human life as the most formative period of development. It draws on developmental psychology, sociology, education, and social policy to develop a critically informed understanding of childhood and of the professional practices that support young children and their families. It matters because the evidence base on early development is overwhelming: what happens in the earliest years has lasting effects on health, wellbeing, and life chances, making the quality of provision for young children one of the most important investments any society can make.

At the University of Derby this four-year full-time programme includes a foundation year, providing you with the academic preparation needed to engage fully with degree-level content. The main degree develops your understanding of child development, play, attachment, safeguarding, family support, early years policy, and inclusive practice, giving you both the theoretical grounding and the practical awareness to work in early childhood settings with confidence and integrity. The degree includes a year abroad, broadening your perspective on how different countries and cultures approach early years provision and child welfare.

The typical entry tariff of 88 points reflects the access-oriented design of the foundation year route.

You will develop reflective practice, critical thinking, research skills, and the ethical awareness that work with young children demands. The degree prepares you for a variety of professional roles in the early years sector and beyond.

Graduates pursue careers in early years education and childcare, family support, children's social care, children's services policy, play work, and voluntary sector organisations working with young children and families. The degree also provides a strong foundation for professional routes into teaching, social work, or health visiting, and for postgraduate study in early childhood, education, or social work.