The Early Childhood Studies programme is based on the concept of ‘Educare’. It aims to investigate and advance a multi-professional approach to early childhood education and care services in Northern Ireland and beyond. The programme has been designed by professionals across the sector to meet the training needs of current and future practitioners. The programme provides a broad understanding of how young children think, learn and develop. The programme covers three core themes - Understanding the Child, The Child in the Learning Context and The Child in the Family and Community' - taking account of the latest developments within the field of early childhood and reflecting the multi-professional and multidisciplinary nature of contemporary early childhood services.
How will I study?
In addition to lectures, tutorials, workshops and individual/group projects, a substantial part of the teaching and learning process is based around your professional work-based placements. During your studies, you will be expected to maintain access to young children (between 0 and 8 years) in a structured setting through employment or negotiated access. It is advised that this should be for a period of no less than 7 – 10 hours per week.
Who will be teaching me?
The part-time BA Early Childhood Studies course is offered at Stranmillis University College and South West College in Omagh. You will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of internationally recognised, research-led and experienced practitioners.
How will I be assessed?
A variety of assessment methods are used, including critically reflective essays, individual and group projects and presentations, written examinations, assessment on placement, and a final project.
The modules below illustrate the current curriculum available on the BA Early Childhood Studies degree. However, modules are subject to change.
Year 1
- Foundations in Social and Developmental Learning
- Childhood in Society
- Child Development
- Children’s Health and Wellbeing
Year 2
- Children’s Learning Intentions
- Management, Leadership & Professionalism
- Early Years Curriculum (3-8 Years)
Year 3
- Partnership with Children & Families
- Children in the Early Years Environment
- Research Methods
plus two from the following options:
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Curiosity, Creativity and the Child
- Fundamental Movement
- or
- Students undertaking Erasmus+ will take the following: European Mobility for Students of ECS (Incorporating Early Years Curriculum (3-8 Years), Management, Leadership & Professionalism & Professional Experience 2)
Stage 4
- International Perspectives
- Undertaking a Small-Scale Project
plus three from the following options:
- Developing Professionalism
- Advanced Social & Developmental Learning
- Playful Learning and Teaching in Practice
- Advanced Understanding of Diversity & Inclusion
- Safeguarding Young Children
- Early Years Intervention
Programme Specification
For full programme specification click here
Please click on the link below to register your interest in applying for the part-time BA Early Childhood Studies course. The online application form will be available from mid December 2024.
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/2025-part-time-ECS-app-request/
The final date to request an application form is Wednesday 26th February. The deadline for submitting completed applications is Monday 3rd of March.
Entry Requirements
A level
BBB
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDD – Not all BTEC Extended Diplomas are considered, please check with Academic Registry.
Access Course
Successful completion with an overall grade of 65%.
CACHE Extended Diploma
Grade B – Childcare, Learning and Development
Irish Leaving Certificate
H3H3H3H3H4H4 to include English and Mathematics.
The Admissions Process
Application for the BA Early Childhood Studies part-time degree should be made directly to the University College. The course will be open to applications from mid December.
Step 1 – Review of Academic Profile
All applicants must have a minimum C grade in GCSE English and Mathematics. If an applicant is attempting to achieve the GCSE subject requirements in the year of application, this must be clearly demonstrated in your application.
Level 2 Essential Skills Numeracy and Applications of Number is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Mathematics.
Level 2 Essential Skills Communication is acceptable in lieu of GCSE English.
An unsuccessful decision will be processed against an application that does not meet the GCSE requirements.
Applicants who have already completed A-levels (or equivalent Level 3 qualifications) but do not precisely meet or fall slightly below the entry requirements, may still be shortlisted for interview, but will not initially receive an offer. Such applicants may be reconsidered in August, assuming the required interview score has been achieved and depending upon availability of places.
Step 2 – Review of Application
All applicants who meet the initial academic criteria will have their application reviewed by a member of staff in Academic Registry.
A personal desire and motivation for working with young children must be evident in your application. You will be required to demonstrate your commitment to working with young children by providing examples of working with children in a structured environment, such as nursery, primary school, youth clubs etc. An unsuccessful decision will be processed for any applicant who does not demonstrate this evidence in their application.
Step 3 – Group Interview
Applicants who pass the first two steps of the process will be invited to take part in a group interview. Applicants will be notified of their interview date at least one week beforehand. You will also be provided with the presentation topic at this time.
BA Early Childhood Studies part-time group interviews will take place in May. The interviews will be conducted by a panel of two academic staff from Stranmillis University College. All entrants to the part-time degree must be able to demonstrate that they can gain access to young children in a structured setting either through employment or negotiated access. It is advised that this should be for a period of no less than 7 -10 hours per week.
Step 4 – Offers
Offers are made on the basis of ranked interview scores, verification of qualifications and the ability to obtain structured work experience with young children. Applicants will be notified by August of the decision on their application via email or post.
All offers are subject to a satisfactory Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check, which applicants will be asked to complete prior to commencing study.
Please note that applications for deferred entry will not be considered.
Please email registry@stran.ac.uk if you require further information on entry requirements or the admissions process.
Enhancing employability is a key part of the student experience. The transferable skills developed on the course, together with extensive hands-on professional placement, work experience and study abroad opportunities, ensure that our graduates are highly sought after. The most recent Graduate Outcome survey results report that 97% of our graduates are in employment or further study fifteen months after graduation.
CAREERS
The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree provides the essential knowledge and experience for those working with young children in a variety of establishments and contexts, including:
Early Years Organisations
Nursery and Primary Schools
Centres Associated With The Early Years Organisation
Toy and Book Libraries
Creches
Parent and Toddler Groups
Childcare And Family Centres
A Level 6 qualification, this degree exceeds the requirements for leadership and management qualifications under the terms of the Minimum Standards For Child Minding And Daycare (DHSSPS, 2012). A number of graduates have pursued further study at both Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s level in the fields of Early Childhood Studies, Social Work and Play Therapy. Others have taken up employment through, for example, the Government funded “Sure Start” initiative.
DEGREE ENHANCEMENT
Our Degree Enhancement programme is designed to further help you to stand out from the crowd. The programme provides a range of opportunities to enhance your skillset through optional short courses, awards and volunteering opportunities in areas relevant to your chosen career path.
Tuition Fees
The fees below are dependent on the ‘residency’ status of each student as determined by their Local Education Authority.
| 2024 - 25 Tuition Fees BA Early Childhood Studies | NI/GB/ROI | NI/GB/ROI Total Cost | EU Other*/International | EU Other*/International Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 - 3 | 4 modules (20 CATS points per standard module) | £1,260 (£315 per module) | 4 modules (20 CATS points per standard module) | £13,867 (£3,467 per module) |
| Year 4 | 4 modules plus dissertation | £1,890 | 4 modules plus dissertation | £20,800 |
*EU Other – Students from the EU (excluding the Republic of Ireland), other EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members.
All fees are normally subject to an annual inflationary increase.
For further information on fees and payments, please click here.
Additional Course Costs
All Students
There may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from the Library. However, if students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the Library, prices per text typically range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
All completed Part Time Early Childhood Studies applications require a payment of a £5 administration fee. This is a non-refundable fee that must be paid by students applying directly to the University College in order to process an application.
Early Childhood Studies (ECS)
It is a requirement that applicants who are accepted onto the programme undergo an Enhanced AccessNI Check at the beginning of first and third years. The current cost of an Enhanced AccessNI Check is £33.
All ECS students undertake compulsory periods of work placement each year as part of the programme and should be aware that they will have to fund any associated travel and living costs. In final year, there may be costs associated with transport and materials for your dissertation research project and additional costs for printing and binding. Students undertaking an Erasmus+ or international study abroad option as part of the programme should be aware that, although grants are available, students may have to fund or supplement travel and living costs.
Bursaries and Financial Support
Stranmillis offers a number of bursaries and can provide financial support to students who meet certain criteria. For further information on available support, please click here.
The Stranmillis motto is Docendo Discimus: ‘Through teaching we learn’. Our aim is to deliver the highest quality teaching and learning environment to enable you to achieve your full academic potential and develop as an outstanding workplace practitioner. Innovative thinking, pushing boundaries and creating new and better solutions to professional challenges and global issues within the field of early childhood education and care are central to the course.
A Blended Approach
Our teaching staff have a passion: a desire to inspire you to learn, to question and to innovate. We know that doesn’t happen in the lecture theatre alone. Your teaching and learning experience is enriched through a blended learning approach of lectures, workshops, tutorials, group and individual projects and self-directed study.
Work-based Placements
An extensive programme of relevant work-based experience is a core element of the course. All entrants to the BA Early Childhood Studies (part-time) degree must be able to demonstrate that they can gain access to young children in a structured setting, either through employment or negotiated access. It is advised that this should be for a period of no less than 7-10 hours per week.
Study Abroad
In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our 30+ partner institutions through our Erasmus+ programme – a learning experience that our students find hugely enriching academically as well as personally: experiencing and sharing cultures; improving language skills; and acquiring new perspectives on teaching and learning.
Programme Specification
For full programme specification click here
The Early Childhood Studies programme is based on the concept of ‘Educare’. It aims to investigate and advance a multi-professional approach to early childhood education and care services in Northern Ireland and beyond. The programme has been designed by professionals across the sector to meet the training needs of current and future practitioners. The programme provides a broad understanding of how young children think, learn and develop. The programme covers three core themes - Understanding the Child, The Child in the Learning Context and The Child in the Family and Community' - taking account of the latest developments within the field of early childhood and reflecting the multi-professional and multidisciplinary nature of contemporary early childhood services.
How will I study?
In addition to lectures, tutorials, workshops and individual/group projects, a substantial part of the teaching and learning process is based around your professional work-based placements. During your studies, you will be expected to maintain access to young children (between 0 and 8 years) in a structured setting through employment or negotiated access. It is advised that this should be for a period of no less than 7 – 10 hours per week.
Who will be teaching me?
The part-time BA Early Childhood Studies course is offered at Stranmillis University College and South West College in Omagh. You will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of internationally recognised, research-led and experienced practitioners.
How will I be assessed?
A variety of assessment methods are used, including critically reflective essays, individual and group projects and presentations, written examinations, assessment on placement, and a final project.
The modules below illustrate the current curriculum available on the BA Early Childhood Studies degree. However, modules are subject to change.
Year 1
- Foundations in Social and Developmental Learning
- Childhood in Society
- Child Development
- Children’s Health and Wellbeing
Year 2
- Children’s Learning Intentions
- Management, Leadership & Professionalism
- Early Years Curriculum (3-8 Years)
Year 3
- Partnership with Children & Families
- Children in the Early Years Environment
- Research Methods
plus two from the following options:
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Curiosity, Creativity and the Child
- Fundamental Movement
- or
- Students undertaking Erasmus+ will take the following: European Mobility for Students of ECS (Incorporating Early Years Curriculum (3-8 Years), Management, Leadership & Professionalism & Professional Experience 2)
Stage 4
- International Perspectives
- Undertaking a Small-Scale Project
plus three from the following options:
- Developing Professionalism
- Advanced Social & Developmental Learning
- Playful Learning and Teaching in Practice
- Advanced Understanding of Diversity & Inclusion
- Safeguarding Young Children
- Early Years Intervention
Programme Specification
For full programme specification click here
Please click on the link below to register your interest in applying for the part-time BA Early Childhood Studies course. The online application form will be available from mid December 2024.
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/2025-part-time-ECS-app-request/
The final date to request an application form is Wednesday 26th February. The deadline for submitting completed applications is Monday 3rd of March.
Entry Requirements
A level
BBB
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDD – Not all BTEC Extended Diplomas are considered, please check with Academic Registry.
Access Course
Successful completion with an overall grade of 65%.
CACHE Extended Diploma
Grade B – Childcare, Learning and Development
Irish Leaving Certificate
H3H3H3H3H4H4 to include English and Mathematics.
The Admissions Process
Application for the BA Early Childhood Studies part-time degree should be made directly to the University College. The course will be open to applications from mid December.
Step 1 – Review of Academic Profile
All applicants must have a minimum C grade in GCSE English and Mathematics. If an applicant is attempting to achieve the GCSE subject requirements in the year of application, this must be clearly demonstrated in your application.
Level 2 Essential Skills Numeracy and Applications of Number is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Mathematics.
Level 2 Essential Skills Communication is acceptable in lieu of GCSE English.
An unsuccessful decision will be processed against an application that does not meet the GCSE requirements.
Applicants who have already completed A-levels (or equivalent Level 3 qualifications) but do not precisely meet or fall slightly below the entry requirements, may still be shortlisted for interview, but will not initially receive an offer. Such applicants may be reconsidered in August, assuming the required interview score has been achieved and depending upon availability of places.
Step 2 – Review of Application
All applicants who meet the initial academic criteria will have their application reviewed by a member of staff in Academic Registry.
A personal desire and motivation for working with young children must be evident in your application. You will be required to demonstrate your commitment to working with young children by providing examples of working with children in a structured environment, such as nursery, primary school, youth clubs etc. An unsuccessful decision will be processed for any applicant who does not demonstrate this evidence in their application.
Step 3 – Group Interview
Applicants who pass the first two steps of the process will be invited to take part in a group interview. Applicants will be notified of their interview date at least one week beforehand. You will also be provided with the presentation topic at this time.
BA Early Childhood Studies part-time group interviews will take place in May. The interviews will be conducted by a panel of two academic staff from Stranmillis University College. All entrants to the part-time degree must be able to demonstrate that they can gain access to young children in a structured setting either through employment or negotiated access. It is advised that this should be for a period of no less than 7 -10 hours per week.
Step 4 – Offers
Offers are made on the basis of ranked interview scores, verification of qualifications and the ability to obtain structured work experience with young children. Applicants will be notified by August of the decision on their application via email or post.
All offers are subject to a satisfactory Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check, which applicants will be asked to complete prior to commencing study.
Please note that applications for deferred entry will not be considered.
Please email registry@stran.ac.uk if you require further information on entry requirements or the admissions process.
Enhancing employability is a key part of the student experience. The transferable skills developed on the course, together with extensive hands-on professional placement, work experience and study abroad opportunities, ensure that our graduates are highly sought after. The most recent Graduate Outcome survey results report that 97% of our graduates are in employment or further study fifteen months after graduation.
CAREERS
The BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree provides the essential knowledge and experience for those working with young children in a variety of establishments and contexts, including:
Early Years Organisations
Nursery and Primary Schools
Centres Associated With The Early Years Organisation
Toy and Book Libraries
Creches
Parent and Toddler Groups
Childcare And Family Centres
A Level 6 qualification, this degree exceeds the requirements for leadership and management qualifications under the terms of the Minimum Standards For Child Minding And Daycare (DHSSPS, 2012). A number of graduates have pursued further study at both Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s level in the fields of Early Childhood Studies, Social Work and Play Therapy. Others have taken up employment through, for example, the Government funded “Sure Start” initiative.
DEGREE ENHANCEMENT
Our Degree Enhancement programme is designed to further help you to stand out from the crowd. The programme provides a range of opportunities to enhance your skillset through optional short courses, awards and volunteering opportunities in areas relevant to your chosen career path.
Tuition Fees
The fees below are dependent on the ‘residency’ status of each student as determined by their Local Education Authority.
| 2024 - 25 Tuition Fees BA Early Childhood Studies | NI/GB/ROI | NI/GB/ROI Total Cost | EU Other*/International | EU Other*/International Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 - 3 | 4 modules (20 CATS points per standard module) | £1,260 (£315 per module) | 4 modules (20 CATS points per standard module) | £13,867 (£3,467 per module) |
| Year 4 | 4 modules plus dissertation | £1,890 | 4 modules plus dissertation | £20,800 |
*EU Other – Students from the EU (excluding the Republic of Ireland), other EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members.
All fees are normally subject to an annual inflationary increase.
For further information on fees and payments, please click here.
Additional Course Costs
All Students
There may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from the Library. However, if students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the Library, prices per text typically range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
All completed Part Time Early Childhood Studies applications require a payment of a £5 administration fee. This is a non-refundable fee that must be paid by students applying directly to the University College in order to process an application.
Early Childhood Studies (ECS)
It is a requirement that applicants who are accepted onto the programme undergo an Enhanced AccessNI Check at the beginning of first and third years. The current cost of an Enhanced AccessNI Check is £33.
All ECS students undertake compulsory periods of work placement each year as part of the programme and should be aware that they will have to fund any associated travel and living costs. In final year, there may be costs associated with transport and materials for your dissertation research project and additional costs for printing and binding. Students undertaking an Erasmus+ or international study abroad option as part of the programme should be aware that, although grants are available, students may have to fund or supplement travel and living costs.
Bursaries and Financial Support
Stranmillis offers a number of bursaries and can provide financial support to students who meet certain criteria. For further information on available support, please click here.
The Stranmillis motto is Docendo Discimus: ‘Through teaching we learn’. Our aim is to deliver the highest quality teaching and learning environment to enable you to achieve your full academic potential and develop as an outstanding workplace practitioner. Innovative thinking, pushing boundaries and creating new and better solutions to professional challenges and global issues within the field of early childhood education and care are central to the course.
A Blended Approach
Our teaching staff have a passion: a desire to inspire you to learn, to question and to innovate. We know that doesn’t happen in the lecture theatre alone. Your teaching and learning experience is enriched through a blended learning approach of lectures, workshops, tutorials, group and individual projects and self-directed study.
Work-based Placements
An extensive programme of relevant work-based experience is a core element of the course. All entrants to the BA Early Childhood Studies (part-time) degree must be able to demonstrate that they can gain access to young children in a structured setting, either through employment or negotiated access. It is advised that this should be for a period of no less than 7-10 hours per week.
Study Abroad
In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our 30+ partner institutions through our Erasmus+ programme – a learning experience that our students find hugely enriching academically as well as personally: experiencing and sharing cultures; improving language skills; and acquiring new perspectives on teaching and learning.
Programme Specification
For full programme specification click here