BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies Bachelor's degree at Middlesex University
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies at Middlesex University. You'll develop the knowledge and skills needed to work towards Qualified Teacher Status, combining specialist options with an independent project and professional development tailored to early childhood settings.
About this course
Study early childhood studies at Middlesex. Build expertise in child development and primary education with routes that help you work towards QTS. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at Middlesex University, based in Hendon Campus. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For Social sciences graduates from this provider, 70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Sociology & Social Sciences, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Stronger evidence Published sample: 1,465. Cohort 2021-22. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 70% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 4 modules
- Professional Expectations and Responsibilities: Working with Babies and Young Children – Placement 1Compulsory
Module details
This module gives you the opportunity to prepare and plan for work placement, learning about expectations and responsibilities of the professional working with babies and young children in practice. You will be introduced to the skills and knowledge necessary for successful work placement and supported to enrich your professional and academic progression with critical reflection on your experiences. You will learn the core responsibilities and the expectations of the reflective, professional pra
- Children and Families in a Social ContextCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module encourages you to consider how the historical, social, and global context of the child within the family, the community and wider social influences impact on young children's childhoods, identity and learning. Through the module, you will explore different concepts and perspectives of childhoods across history and cultures leading to evaluation of their impact on pedagogy. You are encouraged to critically discuss, debate and explore key issues regarding contextualised childhoods, and
- Infant Health and Well-BeingCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module extends your knowledge and understanding of a range of factors contributing to infant mental and physical health and well-being during pregnancy, birth and early development. It also examines theories of attachment and consider cross-cultural practices aimed at promoting attachment relationships. Furthermore, it evaluates the impact of multi-agency early intervention strategies in supporting families to meet the health and wellbeing needs of babies.
- Early Childhood DevelopmentCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module aims to present a holistic and culturally sensitive approach to childhood and child development including an overview of the stages of development in the prime areas. Factors influencing child growth and development will be analysed and a broad knowledge of some key theoretical perspectives in child development will be gained (including new constructivist theorists and post developmental theorists). A range of methods, techniques and ethical considerations involved in using child obs
Year 2 5 modules
- Introduction to Research MethodsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
The driving force behind this module is the idea that knowledge and skills of social research are today of fundamental importance in virtually all professions, but especially within the fields of education and early childhood. Therefore, the module encourages and trains students to go beyond simply learning research skills and to engage with research critically and reflectively in their daily lives.
- Ethical Research in Early ChildhoodCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module enables you to prepare a research proposal underpinned by a thorough consideration of ethical implications, particularly when researching with children. Skills developed throughout this module prepare for Year 3 and beyond: the preparation of an ethically sound research proposal is underpinned by transferable knowledge and skills to apply in future impactful practice and research leadership. Practitioner research is at the forefront of Early Years developments in practice and policy
- Insights into Play and PedagogyCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module gives you an understanding of the value of play for children's development, learning and wellbeing between the ages of 0-8 years. It supports you as you explore the pedagogic role of the adult in children's play. You will be able to take a sociocultural approach in your understanding of play, exploring the importance of cultural factors influencing how and why children play. Following from this, it introduces you to principles of inclusive play and how this can be supported by adults
- Pedagogical Practice to Enable Learning and Relationships - Placement 2Compulsory30 credits
Module details
This module enables you to use your placement experience to explore what sustainable pedagogical practice is, how it looks and feels, and how it impacts on learning, well-being and the rights and voices of babies and young children. Central to this module is placement reflections, self-assessment, dialogues and observation of (i) planning and assessment towards inclusive and anti-discriminatory practice (ii) children-adults communication (iii) educational sustainable development (ESD). This modu
- Sociological Perspectives on Early Childhood: Equality Rights and InclusionCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module enables you to explore and evaluate a range of sociological perspectives around early childhood. Central to the module are debates about equality and inclusion. The module applies these ideas around equality and inclusion and theoretical perspectives of the sociology of childhood and education to contemporary UK legislation, policy and contemporary issues in childcare and education. You will engage in critical reflection on professional approaches to the delivery of equality and incl
Year 3 4 modules
- Independent Graduate Practitioner Research ProjectCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module supports you to develop and apply the skills of practitioner research and particularly action research, needed to demonstrate leadership in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings. Through the module, you will explore how ethical research plays a fundamental role in shaping the changes that leaders choose to make to ECEC practice, as well as in monitoring and evaluating the impact of changes that leaders make. You will apply their understanding in research that employs var
- Leading Practice in Early Years: Placement 3Compulsory30 credits
Module details
This module develops your knowledge and understanding of professionalism within the early years. It aims to develop the critical skills required to reflect and evaluate your personal and professional development and further develop your critical thinking skills, emotional literacy, communication and interpersonal skills and collaboration skills. You will be required to reflect on your developing transferable/ employability skills and graduate attributes essential for your own graduate identity a
- Creativity and the Arts in EducationOptional30 credits
Module details
This module engages you with the value of the creativity and the arts in the learning and wellbeing of children and adults. Through the module, you will explore what creativity is and how it flourishes through the arts in formal and informal educational processes. You will consider the role of creativity and the arts in various educational philosophies and approaches, and through this, will critically examine the place of creativity and the arts in current mainstream education.
- Special Educational Needs, Disability and InclusionOptional30 credits
Module details
This module provides you with an understanding of the historical evolution of policy and practice relating to special educational needs, disability and inclusion. You will build knowledge of th
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course builds expertise in child development and primary education. You'll usually begin with foundational work in sociology, social problems and research methods, how societies understand inequality and how to study social questions through interviews, surveys and ethical practice. In your second year, you'll move into social theory and applied research analysis, alongside specialist study in childhood, with routes available towards QTS. By your final year, you'll typically progress to focused options such as research methods, gender and identity, or social work routes, alongside research-led seminars on contemporary issues and your own dissertation project.
Who it's for
This course suits you if you're drawn to understanding how children learn and develop, and want to combine professional practice with academic rigour. You might already work in early years or education, or be considering a move into the sector. You'll thrive if you're reflective about your practice, comfortable with both theoretical reading and hands-on work in schools or nurseries, and motivated by the prospect of making a tangible difference in young children's lives. The part-time structure allows you to balance study with work or other commitments.
Careers & job market
Across Sociology and Social Sciences degrees nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after completing their course. Among working graduates in the field, 55% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National earnings data shows graduates starting at £23,000–£30,000 15 months after graduation, rising to £24,650–£34,800 after five years. This degree supports progression toward Qualified Teacher Status, opening pathways into teaching and early childhood education roles.
University & format
This BA (Hons) is studied part-time at Middlesex University, a university founded in 1973 located at the Hendon Campus in London. Taught in English, the course leads to a nationally recognised bachelor's degree. Middlesex is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Middlesex University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Sociology & Social Sciences graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £24,500 – £35,000 | 1465 |
| 3 years after | £24,000 | £14,500 – £26,500 | 20 |
| 5 years after | £29,500 | £22,000 – £36,000 | 15 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 1,465. Cohort 2021-22.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sociology & social sciences · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Sociology & Social Sciences nationally
National figures for Sociology & Social Sciences graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 1,465. Cohort 2021-22. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Sociology & Social Sciences courses at the same study level.
Compared with 751 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
Job market & outlook
How Sociology & Social Sciences graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Sociology & Social Sciences graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Local authorities
- Charities & NGOs
- Research organisations
- Government & universities
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Sociology & Social Sciences graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.8 out of 10: NSS 87% · in work or study 70%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Middlesex University
Social sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Hendon Campus
1,980 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Sociology & Social Sciences right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Middlesex University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,200 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Middlesex University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Middlesex University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Middlesex University
Sociology & Social Sciences at other universities
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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