Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

This programme begins with a foundation year that builds knowledge and academic skills required for undergraduate study, covering topics such as child development, communication skills, study skills, and an introduction to professional practice. In the subsequent honours years you will study core subjects in early childhood including child development from conception to age 8; inclusive practice and special educational needs; play and pedagogy; safeguarding and child protection; family and community contexts for learning; research methods; and professional ethics and policy.

Modules typically combine lectures, seminars and workshops with assessed assignments and practical tasks. A key feature is substantial placement experience in early years settings — nurseries, preschools, children’s centres and primary schools — where you will apply theory to practice and build a professional portfolio. You will also complete modules in research methods and undertake a dissertation or major project in the final year, allowing you to investigate an area of interest such as curriculum practice, assessment, or inclusive pedagogy.

• Foundation year: academic skills for HE, introduction to childhood studies, basic professional practice
• Year 1–3 core themes: child development; play and learning; safeguarding; inclusive practice; family and community engagement
• Practice-based learning: supervised placements across a range of early years settings
• Research project or dissertation in final year
• Optional modules: topics can include outdoor learning, leadership in early years, or international perspectives on childhood

Entry requirements

Applicants to the programme with foundation typically need a combination of Level 3 qualifications (for example BTEC, CACHE, or A-levels) or equivalent international qualifications; GCSEs including English and Maths at grade C/4 or above (or international equivalents) are usually required. Mature applicants and those with relevant work experience in childcare or voluntary work are encouraged to apply and may be considered through a contextual offer route.

Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of working with young children and a commitment to professional practice; this is often evidenced through a personal statement and references. All students entering professional placements must meet DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and health clearance requirements as part of suitability checks for working with children.

Career prospects

Graduates of Early Childhood Studies move into a wide range of roles across the children’s workforce. Typical positions include early years practitioner, nursery manager, family support worker, playworker, early years advisory roles and teaching assistant posts in primary settings. With further study or a postgraduate professional qualification (for example a PGCE or Early Years Initial Teacher Training), graduates can progress to qualified teacher roles or specialist leadership and policy positions.

The programme also provides a foundation for careers in early years research, policy, inspection and advocacy, as well as routes into health, social care and community education roles that work with children and families.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes combines a practical, professionally-oriented curriculum with strong links to local early years providers, ensuring you gain substantial hands-on experience through placements. The Faculty’s staff have research and professional experience in early childhood and are committed to practice-based teaching, mentoring and employability support.

Students benefit from small-group teaching, access to specialist resources and learning facilities, and a university careers and placement service that helps identify opportunities in the city-region and beyond. Studying in Oxford provides access to a wide range of community and educational settings, enabling diverse placement experiences and strong partnerships with local children’s services.

The foundation year makes the degree accessible to applicants who need additional academic preparation while retaining clear progression into the honours-level programme and onward professional development or postgraduate study.