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Early Years courses

Are you passionate about shaping the lives of children and young people? Whether you’re already working in the field or want to deepen your understanding of child development and experiences, our early years courses will help you achieve your goals. Discover how an Open University qualification empowers you to make a real impact.

Group of young children taking part in a classroom activity

Early YearsDegrees 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Stage 3120 credits
Total of 360 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 6 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 3 years


Early YearsDiplomas 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Total of 240 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 4 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 2 years


Early YearsCertificates 

Stage 1120 credits
Total of 120 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 2 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 1 year

Why study Early Years with The Open University?

Our early years courses combine practical knowledge with real-world relevance, equipping you to truly make a difference in this field. You'll study courses designed and created by our School of Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport, featuring a ground-breaking curriculum, inspiring and engaging teaching methods, and research that looks to influence practices, policies, and debate – both nationally and internationally.

When you study an early years qualification with us, you’ll:

  • Gain professionally and vocationally relevant skills that apply across a variety of roles and contexts.
  • Build the knowledge and experience needed to enable you to make a difference in this vital field.
  • Study with a university that pioneers social justice and has 50 years of expertise in delivering life-changing education.
  • Fit your studies around your work and other commitments with our flexible learning options.

Careers in Early Years

An early years qualification opens the door to a range of exciting and impactful careers. Whether you want to progress in your current role or start a new journey, our courses equip you with the tools to succeed in areas such as childcare, counselling, early years work, youth and community work, and local, national and international policy development.

Potential career paths include:

  • Early years practice and education
  • Welfare, childhood and family support
  • Teaching, health and social work
  • Play work

Looking for something other than a qualification?

The majority of our modules can be studied by themselves, on a stand-alone basis. If you later choose to work towards a qualification, you may be able to count your study towards it.

See our full list of Early Years modules

All Early Years courses

Browse all the Early Years courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.

See our full list of Early Years courses

Interested in postgraduate study?

We also offer a range of postgraduate Early Years courses.

See our full list of postgraduate Early Years courses