Undergraduate BA (Hons)

Early Years

Gain the expertise and experience to help give young children the best start in life. You could go on to a specialist career in education, health or social work.

Early Years

Course Overview

  • UCAS code


    X310
  • Institution code


    L27
  • Main location


    Headingley Campus Beckett Park
  • Attendance


    Full-Time
  • Duration


    3 Years
  • Start date


    18 Sep 2023

This course will develop your knowledge and skills. On graduating, you’ll be an effective professional ready to work with children and their families across the early years sector. 

As part of this course, you’ll: 

  • Gain a deep understanding of children’s holistic development from 0-5 years old
  • Combine a thorough academic grounding with practical experience
  • Learn how to support a child’s learning, help to shape their identity and give them the best possible start in life
  • Explore a variety of current issues relating to early years policy, practice and research
  • Understand the safeguarding and ethical aspects surrounding working with children and their families

Study support
Our tutors are committed to helping you grow. We’ll provide you with access to the latest research in teaching, learning and educational leadership. 

Guest lectures
You’ll hear from a range of guest speakers, each giving their own perspectives on current educational issues. Previous events have covered topics such as teaching, employability and leadership roles within the early years sector. 

Hands-on experience
Every year, you’ll engage with a placement in a private or mainstream early years setting. Working with young children and experienced early years professionals will give you the opportunity to observe and learn. This will enable you to develop and reflect on your own pedagogy and practice.

Further qualifications
You’ll take part in Forest School training. This will take place in the local woodland and learner discovery centre on the university grounds at Headingley campus. Successful completion will lead to professional accreditation of a Forest School award working at level 1. Additionally, you’ll participate in a Paediatric First Aid course, which will lead to a Paediatric First Aid certificate.
 
Teaching & Learning 
To ensure that our assessments more accurately reflect working in the early years sector, we will assess you in your modules using a variety of innovative approaches. Rather than any formal examinations, the assessment methods include:

  • Individual and group presentations
  • Professional dialogue sessions
  • Essays
  • Creating your own story sack
  • Developing your electronic portfolio 

Throughout your course, you’ll explore current issues within the early years. In your final year, you’ll report on the completion of a sector-based project.

Why study Early Years at Leeds Beckett University...

  1. Placement opportunities - that offer experience of the working environment
  2. Professionally experienced teaching team - who will share their expertise
  3. Guest lectures delivered by professionals - giving you an insight into the early years industry
  4. Strong and meaningful partnerships - with schools and community organisations
  5. Distinctive and creative programme - that responds to the changes taking place in society

BA (Hons) Early Years - Student view Student Heather Simpson talks about her experience studying at Leeds Beckett University