BA (Hons) Early Years and Childhood Studies at Manchester Metropolitan University

Programme overview

The BA (Hons) Early Years and Childhood Studies course provides a rich and varied understanding of how children develop, learn, and are supported in different environments – from early years settings to families and wider communities. You’ll explore key theories in child development, behaviour, and learning, and examine the policies and practices that shape children's experiences. From the start, you'll begin tailoring your degree with specialist modules, and as you progress, you’ll increase your focus in areas that match your career goals – culminating in an independent project in your final year.

What you will study

In each year of the course, you’ll study the complex factors that affect children’s lives, challenge theories and question social norms. You’ll learn about the different elements that impact on a child’s development and the ways to positively shape and influence their future. Year 1 core: Introduction To Studying Childhoods, Sociological Perspectives, Policy And Professional Frameworks, Theories of Learning and Development. Year 2 core: Inequality and Inclusion, Early Years Educator: Knowledge And Skills, The Professional in Practice, Becoming a Researcher. Year 3 core: Graduate Futures, Contemporary Debates In Childhood, Independent Project, Sustainable Childhoods.

Career pathways

As a BA (Hons) Early Years and Childhood Studies graduate, you’ll have the opportunity to start a career in a wide range of areas working with children, young people and communities for example as a teacher, family support worker or youth and community leader. Or, you may go into creative play therapy at a local art gallery, work in a pupil referral unit helping those who struggle in formal education or even sports coaching.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GCE A levels - grades BCC or equivalent. Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM. Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum 106 UCAS Tariff points. UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall. OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM. Grade B in CACHE Diploma but for the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) we would require Grade A*. T level - We welcome applications from students undertaking T level qualifications. Eligible applicants will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of Merit as a condition of offer. IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects. Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered. A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement. AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications. Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course. GCSE grade C/4 in English Language or equivalent, e.g. Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills English. IB: IB Diploma with minimum 26 points overall or 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects. If you plan to meet the Level 2 course requirements through your IB Diploma you will need to achieve Higher Level 4 or Standard Level 5 in English. If you do not meet the entry requirements of this course, you may be eligible for the foundation year. Evidence of Level 3 study required within last 3 years. Academic reference preferable. If currently not in education, professional reference might be considered. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Child Disqualification checks required. Instructions on how to complete these checks will be provided once you hold a firm offer for this course. IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of course start date.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year (2027/28). Standard UK and Channel Islands full-time fee for 2027/28 as stated on the course page Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.ucas.com

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities