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Check eligibility →BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (with Foundation Year) Bachelor's degree at Teesside University
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (with Foundation Year) at Teesside University. The Foundation Year component is designed to prepare you thoroughly, whether your prior qualifications fall short of standard entry or you're returning to study after time away.
About this course
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (with Foundation Year) is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at Teesside University, based in Teesside University Main Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Education and teaching graduates from this provider, typical earnings around £29,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Education & Teaching, 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)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 75% (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.
Foundation year 4 modules
- Discovering the Social Sciences, Humanities and LawCore40 credits
Module details
You are introduced to the historical and contemporary development of social science disciplines, exploring examples of theoretical challenges and ways in which research is practically applied in society. Gain an understanding of both similarities and differences between disciplines, and how interdisciplinary research is fostered through collaboration. Explore academic standards, ethical guidelines and research protocols, personal development, and both study and transferable skills relevant to yo
- Investigating Society and Culture: The Case of CrimeCore20 credits
Module details
Taking a multidisciplinary approach, explore crime through history, politics, English and creative writing, criminology, sociology, psychology and education to investigate the problems within society and culture.
- Your Foundation Year ProjectCore20 credits
Module details
Identify and explore an area of interest related to your area of study through small-scale research using secondary data or desk-based research. You analyse an appropriate area of focus for your project using academic support.
- Your Toolkit for University SuccessCore40 credits
Module details
You develop your personal and academic skills to help prepare you for searching and retrieving information, evaluating different types of evidence, critical thinking and reading skills, note-taking and summarising evidence, presentation skills, groupwork, digital literacy and employability.
Year 1 4 modules
- Education and the StateCore20 credits
Module details
Discover the key moments in the history of British education that have shaped current education policy, practice and curriculum. Through a historical approach, you consider education changes through a wider moral, social and political context.
- Services for Families and ChildrenCore20 credits
Module details
You learn about the range of law and policy services to support children and their families to understand how they work together in a multiagency way to meet childrens' needs. You support a range of children's services within voluntary, private and public sectors in teams that work together to supply these services.
- Skills for EducationCore40 credits
Module details
You consider the importance of research to understand and approach problems in educational settings. And you look at aspects of academic reading, writing and referencing, preparing you for future practice. Critically evaluate research findings to further develop your study and professional skills for academic practice and future employment.
- The Developing Child and Young PersonCore40 credits
Module details
It's essential to understand child development from birth through to maturity when you work in an educational environment. Consider the construction of childhood, considering society's influences, and discussions relating to childhood at a national and international level. Examine the relationship of human development to changing conceptions of childhood and how these have evolved over time. Using a range of theoretical perspectives, develop your knowledge of patterns in human development - whic
Year 2 4 modules
- Diversity in Education: Reality or Rhetoric?Core40 credits
Module details
Develop an understanding of diversity in society and examine some of the ways in which education systems respond to it. Explore how social inequalities such as class, gender, race and disability can be challenged or reinforced by educational law, systems and teaching.
- Future Directions in EducationCore20 credits
Module details
Understand your strengths and areas for development, and develop graduate skills including effective communication, interview techniques, work etiquette, and professional presentation. Explore graduate employment pathways and issues, opportunities, reflective practice, and experiential learning with our Student Futures team, external professionals and our alumni.
- Safeguarding and WellbeingCore20 credits
Module details
Enhance your knowledge and understanding of the importance of safeguarding policies and procedures for children. Consider the importance of promoting health and wellbeing throughout childhood. Examine how professionals meet children's needs and maintain their rights through current and contemporary safeguarding aspects.
- Supporting Children's Learning and DevelopmentCore40 credits
Module details
You explore educational methods to support the learning and development of babies and young children, from birth through to primary school. You build your understanding of child development to examine the importance of play, acquiring and developing language, and interactions between children and practitioners for children's learning.
Final year 4 modules
- Education, Identity and SocietyCore20 credits
Module details
Explore and critically consider education in relation to the reproduction of social inequalities and the formation of identity. Utilise theory and current research to develop your understanding of the structuring influence of post-war education policy, exploring it in relation to social class, ethnicity, sexuality and gender. Focus on the extent to which, across these factors, education and schooling are characterised by differences, divisions and inequalities which reflect wider issues in socie
- Enhancing Children's Learning and DevelopmentCore20 credits
Module details
Enhance your understanding of pedagogy in childhood, drawing on and synthesising your learning in previous years to deepen your understanding of how to support children's learning and development. You critically engage with the implementation of educational frameworks and explore the wider context of educational policy and practice. You consider pedagogical approaches for different groups of children.
- Research ProjectCore60 credits
Module details
Develop your independent research skills on a topic of personal interest that relates to your course. Define your research focus and create a plan, carry out real-time research. and write up the process and results in a final report.
- Supporting Vulnerable Children and FamiliesOptional20 credits
Module details
Develop your knowledge and understanding of vulnerability in early childhood, and how agencies should work together to support and safeguard children. Take a critical approach to the concept of vulnerability, considering the role of families, parenting and early intervention, and the role of professionals and ethical issues.
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 combines a Foundation Year with a full honours degree in Early Childhood Studies, giving you four years to develop expertise in child development, teaching and educational practice. You'll typically begin with foundations in how children learn and how schools are organised, moving through child development across infancy and adolescence. Early school placements let you observe and teach from Year 1 onwards. As you progress, you'll study curriculum design, pedagogy, and inclusion, particularly supporting learners with special educational needs and disabilities. In later years, you'll take sustained classroom placements with increasing responsibility and choose specialist options such as primary teaching, early years, SEND & inclusion, education policy, or QTS routes. You'll complete a final placement and project before graduation.
Who it's for
You're drawn to understanding children and how they grow, intellectually curious about child development theory but equally committed to practical work with young people. You're patient, observant, and genuinely interested in how families and settings shape early learning. You may have taken A-levels or an equivalent qualification, or you may be coming back to education after other experiences; either way, you're ready to study full-time and develop the knowledge and professionalism the sector requires. This course suits people who want to move into early childhood education, nursery leadership, or related professional roles.
Careers & job market
Across Education & Teaching nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months. Seven in ten working graduates move into highly skilled positions or continue their studies. National earnings data for early-career Education & Teaching graduates show starting salaries in the region of £22,000–£30,000, rising to £21,250–£30,000 after five years. These figures reflect the range of roles graduates enter; many pursue further professional qualifications or management positions in schools and early years services.
University & format
This four-year full-time degree is taught at Teesside University, a university located on the Main Campus. Instruction is in English. The qualification is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)). Teesside University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body whose degrees are nationally recognised. The university received a Gold award 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.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 81% |
| an Access course | 10% |
| another higher-education qualification | 9% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
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 (code X311). 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 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. 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
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Teesside 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
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
undergraduates
Check eligibility →National funding for this subject
- Teacher-training bursaries: Postgraduate bursaries and scholarships are available for selected shortage subjects. Official guidance
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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 Education & Teaching 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 | £29,500 | £24,000 – £30,000 | 7835 |
| 3 years after | £18,500 | £14,000 – £24,000 | 170 |
| 5 years after | £23,000 | £16,500 – £28,500 | 190 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 7,835. Cohort 2021-22.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in education & teaching · 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 Education & Teaching nationally
National figures for Education & Teaching 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.
continued or completed
continued into the next year or completed their qualification
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 7,835. 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 Education & Teaching courses at the same study level.
Compared with 515 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
Job market & outlook
How Education & Teaching 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 Education & Teaching 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
- Schools & academy trusts
- Local authorities
- Education charities
- Tutoring providers
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Education & Teaching graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. 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
Most graduates were in work or further study, with a median salary of £29,500. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.1 out of 10: NSS 86.4% · continued 75%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Teesside University
Education and teaching across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Teesside University Main Campus
2,900 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 Education & Teaching right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Teesside University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Teesside University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. 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 Teesside 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 Teesside University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Teesside University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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