Support. Nurture. Educate.

Northumbria University's Childhood and Early Years degree is designed to help you make a difference in the lives of children. You'll gain knowledge, insight and understanding of a range of issues relating to childhood, children, young people and society.

Covering topics including child development, education, war, poverty, health, disability, the law, you'll analyse the contemporary experience of children, looking at the latest research, historical documents, children's literature and film, and a range of other sources.

This understanding will open up a range of employment opportunities and provide a foundation to go on and study further training courses including teaching, social work, children's nursing and other related professions.

Why choose a Childhood and Early Years Studies degree at Northumbria?

You will reflect upon current developments in childhood provision, policy and practice both nationally and internationally, and you'll be learning from staff who are contributing to the most important debates in the field.

When you graduate, you'll be able to relate everything you learn back to practice, and you'll have undertaken a minimum of 50 hours practical work related experience, which will support you in moving into a profession of your choice.

This course is in line with the QAA benchmarks for Early Childhood Studies as well as the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) guidance, both respected benchmarks in professions involving work with children.

• Top University - Education at Northumbria is ranked Top 20 in the UK by the Complete University Guide for 2024.
• A Research Powerhouse - Social Policy is ranked 3rd in the UK for research power in the UK out of 76 submissions. This represents a rise of 15 places compared to 2014.
• Student Rated - 100% of students studying Childhood and Early Years Studies at Northumbria believed their course challenged them to achieve their best work and felt free to express their ideas, opinions, and beliefs (NSS, 2023).

How are you supported in a Childhood and Early Years Studies degree?

You’ll learn to become self-sufficient on this course, but there is a range of support in your learning process.

Your support network starts with the staff. They’ll provide different ways of learning to inspire you and keep you progressing: from seminars to problem-solving exercises, lectures to real-world case studies.

You’ll be encouraged to think from a global perspective. A lot of the issues we’ll discuss require a global response. You’ll get a broader worldview, and can even study a portion of your course overseas. Before the start of year two you can apply for a funded position to study in Europe via an Erasmus+ exchange programme for one semester, or indeed the academic year. There are also opportunities to attend two week self-funded programme of study at Malmo University in Sweden.

What is your learning journey at Northumbria?

You’ll learn from your fellow students. There are opportunities for you to work collaboratively in teams, and you’ll be there for each other. Giving constructive criticism to your peers will help you to reflect upon your own academic and personal development.

You will also get the chance to hear from visiting speakers and specialist practitioners, to support your learning and give you perspectives from industry experts.

You will demonstrate progressively complex levels of analysis throughout the three years of the course.

How does modern technology at Northumbria support your learning?

We’ve harnessed a range of technological innovations to ensure materials for learning are always available to you, accessible via a range of devices. The University’s E-Learning Portal  gives you the information you need at your fingertips, wherever you are.

We also use video recording of material as well as discussion groups to share with fellow students and develop your own learning.

• You will submit your assignments and receive feedback online, to make it easier to develop your work and learn from your feedback.
• You will have the chance to engage with other students, staff and partners, and build your own learning community online.
• You will also visit a range of childhood and early years settings and early learning environments are also facilitated in the course of the course.

What can I do after my Childhood and Early Years Studies?

This course provides a sound foundation from which to progress professional training courses including teaching, social work, children’s nursing and other related professions.

You’ll develop workplace skills, and find out more about different professions, through observational fieldwork visits and work placements. You’ll also get the chance to engage with a range of employers, alumni and external agencies. This gives you a wide network of contacts, and ensures that you know your chosen role is right for you. In your second year, you will undertake a minimum of 50 hours practical work related experience. This will get you used to the professional environment, and develop your practical skills.

How does studying at Northumbria prepare you for the future?

The course is designed to allow you to undertake opportunities to study and work abroad during year two. You will get a global perspective on the issues facing children, which is enormously attractive to employers.

When you graduate, there are a range of careers you will be able to pursue. Social care roles, research into child development, teaching - the course is in line with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) guidance, which is the benchmark for the industry and respected in all of these professions.

If you enjoy this research element of the course, the course is great first step into a research career.

In any of these roles, you’ll leave the course with real-world experience, a deep understanding of childhood, a global perspective and network of support and contacts