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An image to illustrate the BA (Honours) Early Childhood
Interested in making a difference in young children’s lives? This Early Childhood degree focuses on children from birth to seven years, ideal if you work with young children or want to learn more about their experiences. You’ll explore early childhood through national and international perspectives, focusing on children’s voices, play, creativity and participation. Drawing on theory and research, you’ll examine how children develop and learn within families, communities and early years settings. You’ll also consider early childhood in diverse social, cultural and multi-disciplinary contexts, building critical insight for further study or professional work in early childhood care and education.
We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Early Childhood (W50), which has the same structure as the first two-thirds of this degree. Similarly, our Certificate of Higher Education in Early Childhood (T26) corresponds to the first third.
Please note that in England, this course does not provide Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), nor does it meet the 'Full and Relevant' criteria of the Department for Education. In Scotland, this qualification is not equivalent to childhood practice qualifications and is not suitable for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a support worker, practitioner, lead practitioner, or manager.
This early years degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
Our modular study approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that fits around your life. Whether you prefer a fast track or want to work at a slower rate, you can tailor your study plan to suit your needs.
You’ll develop an understanding of early childhood from a range of perspectives. Drawing on theory and research, you’ll examine how children grow, develop and learn. You’ll complete this stage with a specific focus on young children’s play and creativity within the context of the family and early childhood settings.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Exploring perspectives on young children's lives and learning (E109)60Oct
Young children's play and creativity (E110)60Oct

You’ll begin Stage 2 by examining critical issues in early childhood, with a focus on listening to children and reflecting on practice. You'll then choose from a range of options that broaden your perspective into areas such as development, education, youth, and wellbeing.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Listening to young children: critical reflections (E229)60Oct
You’ll choose one from:
Child development: birth to adolescence (E225)60Oct
Developing subject knowledge for the primary years (E209)60Oct
Exploring childhood and youth (E232)60Oct
Supporting children and young people's wellbeing (KE207)60Oct

In Stage 3, you’ll explore how childhood, youth, parenting, and families are shaped by society, engaging with issues such as inequality, diversity, and wellbeing. You’ll then complete your honours degree with a final module introducing research methods and analytical techniques relating to children and young people.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Young lives, parenting and families (KE322)60Oct
Contemporary research with children and young people (E320)60Oct

You can complete this degree in as little as three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s 120 credits per year. To complete in three years, you’ll study two 60-credit modules at the same time.
Don't worry if your circumstances change. You don’t have to stick to a full-time study pace. You can change the pace of your learning each year depending on what's right for you.

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
You'll study the following:
Exploring perspectives on young children's lives and learning (E109)60Oct
Young children's play and creativity (E110)60Oct
Stage 2 | Year 2
You’ll study the following:
Listening to young children: critical reflections (E229)60Oct
You’ll choose one from:
Child development: birth to adolescence (E225)60Oct
Developing subject knowledge for the primary years (E209)60Oct
Exploring childhood and youth (E232)60Oct
Supporting children and young people's wellbeing (KE207)60Oct
Stage 3 | Year 3
You'll study the following:
Young lives, parenting and families (KE322)60Oct
Contemporary research with children and young people (E320)60Oct

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That's one 60-credit module each year.

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
Exploring perspectives on young children's lives and learning (E109)60Oct
Stage 1 | Year 2
You'll study the following:
Young children's play and creativity (E110)60Oct
Stage 2 | Year 3
You’ll study the following:
Listening to young children: critical reflections (E229)60Oct
Stage 2 | Year 4
You’ll choose one from:
Child development: birth to adolescence (E225)60Oct
Developing subject knowledge for the primary years (E209)60Oct
Exploring childhood and youth (E232)60Oct
Supporting children and young people's wellbeing (KE207)60Oct
Stage 3 | Year 5
You'll study the following:
Young lives, parenting and families (KE322)60Oct
Stage 3 | Year 6
You’ll complete your degree with:
Contemporary research with children and young people (E320)60Oct

By studying this degree, you’ll:
You’ll be supported by personal tutors, multimedia study materials, online tutorials, and regular feedback.
You’ll be awarded a BA (Honours) Early Childhood upon successful completion.
Your honours classification (first, upper second, lower second or third class honours) will depend on the grades you gain at Stages 2 and 3. 
You'll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You can achieve this degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 10 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.
You can complete this degree in three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.
You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
You do not need to be working with young children in order to study this qualification. However, to enhance your learning in core practice-focused modules, it is strongly recommended that students gain direct experience with young children (birth to 7 years). Students not working with young children (employed or in a voluntary capacity) will need to negotiate opportunities to gain such practical experience.
It is your responsibility and that of your employer - not the OU’s - to ensure the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (or equivalent if not working in England) required for the setting and country in which you’re working or volunteering is obtained and that you meet the ‘fit person’ criteria for work with young children. If you are in any doubt about your eligibility, or to find out more, contact the relevant agency in your country.
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
It’s not just university study that can be considered; you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications, such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

6 years
£4,088*
A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying one 60-credit module per year for 6 years.
£24,528*
Our qualifications cost less than equivalent-level qualifications offered at campus-based universities.
Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£29,370
£29,370
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£24,528
£24,528
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£4,842
£4,842
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£19,580
£19,580
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£16,352
£16,352
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£3,228
£3,228
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£9,790
£9,790
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£8,176
£8,176
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£1,614
£1,614
Qualification
Qualification
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
£29,370
£29,370
£24,528
£24,528
£4,842
£4,842
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
£19,580
£19,580
£16,352
£16,352
£3,228
£3,228
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
£9,790
£9,790
£8,176
£8,176
£1,614
£1,614
*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 26/27 academic year.
**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.
Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, you'll need:
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to a fee limit, as set out in the University's Fee Rules.

Over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Tuition Fee Loan, meaning they pay nothing upfront.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.
If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.
You may be eligible for:
This degree is designed to contribute to the development of a highly skilled and effective workforce and to integrated coherent services for young children and their families. In addition to specialist knowledge and understanding of early childhood, it emphasises independent thinking, develops analytical and communication skills and will help you become a clear and confident writer – all attributes that are highly valued by employers. Gaining practice experience during your studies is also likely to enhance career prospects.
You will acquire a broad set of employability skills, including:
This degree is consistent with the latest QAA subject benchmark statement for Early Childhood Studies and has been designed for existing early years practitioners (normally with a Level 3 early years qualification) or those interested in finding out more about young children's learning and development. You should be aware this is a practice-focused, not practice-based, qualification with no elements of observed and assessed practice, and as such, it is not considered full and relevant for the purpose of counting in staff:child ratios within an early years setting. However, it is an excellent foundation for entry to a range of careers working with and for young children and their families. It is also suitable for those wanting to move into careers in teaching, health or social work.
Please note:
In England, this course does not provide Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). GCSE passes at Grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths are normally required for post-graduate study and for teaching a GCSE Grade 4 (C) pass in Science is also a requirement.
In Scotland, this qualification does not lead to Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registration. However, if you've already achieved SSSC registration through related qualifications, such as HNC Childhood Practice, you might be able to transfer credit to this qualification.
Further information about Early Childhood qualifications can be found:
The BA (Honours) Early Childhood may be helpful if you’re interested in further training for Early Years Initial Teacher Training (Early Years Teacher Status – Birth to 5) or postgraduate qualifications in primary teaching with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). However, we cannot guarantee automatic progression to initial teacher education (ITE). Check with your local ITE training provider about their entry policy. For up-to-date information see the Department for Education website in England; the Teach in Scotland website in Scotland; the Department of Education in Northern Ireland; and the Teacher Training & Education in Wales website. More information can also be found about routes to entering teaching by downloading our Becoming a teacher booklet.
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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