Early Childhood Studies (Hons) University of Portsmouth

Overview

On your Early Childhood Studies (Hons) course from University of Portsmouth , you’ll discover how a child develops physically, emotionally and mentally. And with plenty of opportunities to work with children, you’ll practice how to make a positive difference for them. You can customise your degree and develop specialist skills that are valued in a variety of professions.

Key facts

• Learn different ways to measure children’s development from birth to age 8, which you can apply in all kinds of careers
• Choose to do a different work placement in every year of study – from local schools, to other organisations that put young children first
• Develop new skills by working with children in our own play and sensory rooms, and in outdoor environments such as forests and beaches
• Look at how children are affected by society and politics, and discover what psychology and philosophy teach us about early years
• Have the option to work towards achieving Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies (GPC) alongside your degree
• Be taught by experts and hear from guest speakers, with unique insights into childhood and education based on their lived experience
• Help tackle inequality by taking part in local initiatives that make a difference to children and families

• Gain transferable skills in psychology, sociology, teaching and learning, leadership and management, and creative thinking

Careers and opportunities

You’ll graduate with rewarding career options, including working with children, families and communities in a variety of professional roles.

This BA Early Childhood Studies degree offers a broad range of skills in professional practice in education, enterprise and leadership, supporting children's development, working with families, fostering wellbeing, therapeutic practice, and more.

You could also take your studies further on a postgraduate course, such as MA Education Studies or MSc Educational Leadership and Management.

What jobs can you do with an early childhood studies degree?

Our graduates work in a range of educational roles and settings:

• early years teaching – with Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)
• primary teaching – with a PGCE or SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training) leading to QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)
• pedagogical leadership in early childhood
• early years provision and setting management
• forest school leadership and training
• freelance education and private tutoring
• special educational and disability needs

Our graduates also pursue a variety of careers related to health and wellbeing:

• health and wellbeing promotion
• family support
• professional nannying
• therapeutic play – with further training
• play work

Our graduates also become consultants and researchers into early years issues.