Do you want to work with young children? Do you want to make a difference to the lives of children, families and communities? If the answer is yes, a career as an early years professional could be for you. You may also have the opportunity to to take the Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) pathway in Year Two and Year Three of the course and become an Early Years Teacher.
Why choose this course?
- 97% of our education and teacher training graduates are employed or engaged in further study six months after graduating (DLHE full-time undergraduate leavers 2016-17).
- We are supported by over 600 partnerships with local schools, colleges and organisations, ensuring our courses meet the demands of the competitive graduate market.
- The Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) pathway is available to study in Year Two and Three for students who meet the entry criteria. Successful completion of this pathway will equip you as early years teaching professionals with the breadth of knowledge, skills and understanding to work with young children up to five years. You'll be able to demonstrate that you have met the Teacher Standards (Early Years).
- Many of our students choose to take a placement overseas. Recent placements have been available with a cricket project in Namibia, an international school in Brunei, an orphanage in Mombasa and an English language project in Thailand.
- If you complete your undergraduate degree, you are guaranteed an interview for a PGCE Primary teacher training course at NTU during your final undergraduate year (terms and conditions apply)
You will benefit from:
- Specialist modules developing your transferable and employability skills
- You'll gain vital work experience and put your knowledge into practice through blocked periods of placement in each year of the course.
- You'll be equipped to work with children aged 0 to 5 in early years settings.
- Excellent facilities and experienced and enthusiastic tutors.
What you'll study
This three-year course will equip you with the necessary expertise to become a successful early years professional, focusing on young children aged 0-5 years. You will become a research-informed and reflective practitioner, as well as an expert in the policy and practice in the early years and the care and education of young children.
You will also study leadership and multi-agency working in the early years phase and undertake a piece of practitioner research.
Responding to the Early Years Workforce Strategy, we have built this degree qualification to meet the Early Years Educator criteria required for those wanting to become Early Years Educators. In addition, the course will also provide the opportunity for students to achieve Early Years Teacher Status, for those students who are wishing to specialise as leading educators, with children aged birth to five. Achieving either or both of these awards will increase the employability for successful graduates. It also creates opportunity for further study in Higher Education.
EYITT (Early Years Initial Teacher Training)
The EYITT pathway is available to study in Year Two and Three for students who meet the entry criteria. Successful completion of this pathway will equip you as an early years teaching professional with the breadth of knowledge, skills and understanding to work with young children up to five years. You'll be able to demonstrate that you have met the Teacher Standards (Early Years).
Placements
You'll gain vital work experience and put your knowledge into practice through blocked periods of placement in each year of the course. These take place in a range of settings including the private, voluntary and independent sector, as well as schools, giving you experience across the whole 0-5 age range.
Your future
This course will equip you to work with children aged 0-5 in early years settings. If you take the EYITT pathway, you will be awarded Early Years Teacher status. With this award, you will be a recognised specialist in early child development and be equipped to lead high quality practice in early years settings. This award is different to the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS*).
It is perfect for those who wish to specialise in work with young children, and see improvement in policy and practice within the sector.
*the title of this award is subject to change due to an ongoing government consultation.
Masters credits
A unique key feature of the BA (Hons) Early Years degree is that it has been designed to develop and challenge academic skills for those students who are considering pursuing postgraduate study. There is an opportunity to achieve 40 Masters credits, by opting to submit the final year assignment ‘Leading Early Years Pedagogy and Practice’ at Masters level.
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Year One
The Developing Early Years Professional
You will explore what it means to be a professional working in the early years sector and look at the professional attributes which you will develop through the course.
The Developing Young Child at Play
You will be introduced to key areas of early child development, which will include cognitive, social, emotional and physical, speech language, and communication development along with neurological development.
Introduction to Planning
You will explore the observation, assessment and planning cycle using a variety of observational techniques and assessment methods. It will support your understanding of formative and summative assessment, tracking children progress to plan their next steps and shape young children’s learning opportunities.
Working Safely in Partnership
You will gain knowledge in the current legislation, policies and procedures that promote children rights and keep them safe from harm.
The Child in Society
You will begin to develop an understanding of factors that shape current legislation and policy, influencing the concept of childhood. You will explore children’s rights and their effect on the pedagogy of play, examining local, national and global perspectives of childhood.
The Emerging Professional Early Years Practitioner
The aims of this module is to encourage you to think about possible approaches to higher learning and develop your skills for efficient and effective study and support.
Early Years Introduction to Placement
This module is delivered over three terms and allows you to gather a portfolio of evidence to show how you have developed your professional skills to become Early Years Educator.
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Year Two
Effective and Reflective Spaces to Play and Learn
Explore research methodologies and ethical practices that seek to involve the voice of the child through participatory methods, taking account of SEND and inclusive practice.
Inclusive Practice
You will develop an understanding of how to work with a range of children with differing needs and potential barriers to learning and development.
Planning for Progress in the Enabling Environment
This module will support you to effectively deliver the Early Years Framework, facilitate babies and young children’s progress and development through effective planned experiences.
Working with Parents and Partners
You’ll explore the importance of effective communication with parents and / or carers and developing professional skills and knowledge in order to engage and positively interact with parents and / or carers.
Early Years Initial teacher Training Early Years Professional standards
During Year Two and Year Three, you’ll gather evidence within a portfolio to be assessed against the Teachers' Standards (Early Years).
Enhancing your Professional Standards
During Year Two and Year Three, you’ll gather evidence within a portfolio to be assessed against the Early Years Educator Criteria.
The Reflective Early Years Practitioner
The aims of this module are support your development of academic and professional skills. It will focus on your professional work-base practice and your professional development.
Developing Early Childhood practitioner competences (optional)
The aims of this module develop your competences against Early Childhood Graduate Competences.
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Year Three
Researching and Reflecting on Early Years Practice
You’ll consider epistemological and methodological approaches, ethical issues within research, explore a field of literature related to your own research question, and understand how to interpret, reflect and analyse on literature and data.
The Beginnings of Literacy and Mathematics: Laying the Foundations for Children’s Development in Mathematics and English
You will learn to critically explore approaches to the teaching of early literacy and mathematics.
Leading Early Years Pedagogy and Practice
You will critically study, and apply, a range of leadership and management skills, using relevant academic literature and practice experiences. This module will enable you to reflect on your professional practice when leading early years practice and pedagogy.
Forest Schools
You will experience a range of open-ended activities outdoors, reflecting on the Forest Schools ethos, as well as national and international perspectives.
Being a professional and reflective early years practitioner
The aims of this module is designed to support your further academic and early years professional practice skills. It explores your graduate skills as an Early Years practitioner.
The competent Early Childhood professional
The aims of this module develop your competences against Early Childhood Graduate Competences.
Further information on what you'll study
Guaranteed interview scheme: teacher-training
One of the benefits of the course is the broad knowledge and experience you will gain. This experience may lead you to consider teaching, even if you have not considered this as a career before. If you complete your degree, you are guaranteed an interview for a PGCE Primary teacher-training course at NTU during your third undergraduate year (subject to places being available).
Terms and conditions apply:
- Applications will be withdrawn and not be progressed to interview stage once all places are filled on relevant courses
- Interviews are subject to you meeting the essential entry criteria for the PGCE course at the time of application, such as GCSE requirements, degree grade
- An interview does not guarantee an offer to study on the course.
How you’re taught
We've introduced flexible and innovative ways of learning, teaching and assessment to develop your study skills and understanding of the integration of theory and policy to practice. You'll take part in lectures, seminar discussions, tutorials and placements in ways that promote interaction.
Assessment methods
- Year 1 coursework (100%)
- Year 2 coursework (100%)
- Year 3 coursework (100%)
Contact hours
A full-time student on average can expect to spend 1200 hours a year learning which will typically be broken down as follows:
- Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (21%), independent study (42%) and placements (37%)
- Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (22%), independent study (43%) and placements (35%)
- Year 3 lectures/seminars/workshops (19%), independent study (59%) and placements (22%)
Careers and employability
Your career development
The following illustrates possible careers areas you could enter using your early years subject knowledge.
| Jobs directly related to early years | Jobs where early years would be useful |
|---|---|
|
Early years practitioner Nursery practitioner Children’s centre practitioner Classroom assistant Nursery Manager Learning support assistant Family support practitioner Non QTS Primary school teacher – particularly those including early years strands |
Behaviour mentor Events coordinator Management trainee Museum education officer |
Education graduates generally enter jobs working directly with children or young people, in a support capacity. Other roles in an educational setting, but with less direct contact with children or young people, include administration roles in education. There are posts available in other public sector organisations, such as local government, the health service and the civil service.
Links with industry
We involve industry experts in our courses in a number of ways.
- We consult with employers when we design and update our courses.
- We ensure you are prepared to meet the demands of the workplace by continually checking the currency and validity of our courses with employers.
- You will have the opportunity to have a work placement (if not already in paid or voluntary employment).
- Employers may input directly into your course through guest lectures, projects, and other work-related activities.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- A-levels – BCC; or
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM; or CACHE
- 104 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications; and
- GCSEs – English and Maths grade 4.
We also consider equivalent qualifications and combinations.
Other requirements
You will also need to complete:
- an enhanced level Disclosure and Barring Service check; and
- a Prohibition Order check; and
- a satisfactory health declaration if you wish to progress to PGCE Early Years Initial Teach Training
EYITT Pathway requirements at Year Two:
- GCSE Science grade C / 4 or equivalent qualification
- an interview.
Other qualifications and experience
We consider equivalent qualifications and combinations, please see UCAS course search for details and use our calculator to help you work out how many UCAS points your qualifications relate to.
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Contextual offers
As well as assessing your application and qualifications, we use contextual data and information to make offers for this course. Depending on your circumstances, we may make you an offer up to two grades below the standard entry criteria. Find out how we assess your application.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions and Enquiries Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
What are we looking for?
- A-levels – BCC; or
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM; or CACHE
- 104 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications; and
- GCSEs – English and Maths grade 4; and
- GSCE Science grade 4 will be required by Year 2 if you want to specialise in the Early Years Teacher route.
We also consider equivalent qualifications and combinations.
Other requirements
You will also need to complete:
- an enhanced level Disclosure and Barring Service check; and
- a Prohibition Order check;
- a satisfactory health declaration if you wish to progress to PGCE Early Years Initial Teach Training
- a satisfactory placement suitability check.
EYITT Pathway requirements at Year Two:
- GCSE Science grade C / 4 or equivalent qualification
- an interview.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from schools, colleges and universities all over the world for entry onto our UG and PG degrees. If you’re not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements please visit our international qualifications page.
Foundation courses
If you need to do a foundation course to meet our course requirements please visit Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC). If you’re already studying in the UK at a school or college and would like to know if we can accept your qualification please visit our foundation courses page.
English language entry requirements
If English is not your first language you need to show us that your language skills are strong enough for intensive academic study. We usually ask for an IELTS test and we accept some alternative English language tests.
- For a list of our language requirements please visit our English language page.
- If you need to do a pre-sessional English language course to meet the English requirements please visit our pre-sessional English course page.
Help and support
If you have any questions about your qualifications or about making an application to the University please contact our International Team for advice.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
Diversity of our students
We are committed to promoting a diverse and representative body of education and teacher trainees. We welcome applications from under-represented groups, such as male applicants, applicants from BME communities, mature applicants and those with disabilities.
All applicants welcome
We welcome applications from prospective students with a range of qualifications and experience, and all are assessed on an individual basis. Mature applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria can still be considered providing they have relevant experience to compliment any qualifications. All applicants will need to apply through UCAS.
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
You can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year. If you are applying to more than one UK university you must apply through UCAS.
Apply as early as you can so that you have time to prepare for your studies. If you need a visa to study here you need to plan this into your application.
- For a step-by-step guide on making an application to the University please visit our how to apply page.
- For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page.
- For advice on how to write a good personal statement please visit our personal statement page.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Good luck with your application!
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students may have the opportunity to progress to higher levels of Forest School training. If so, they will be expected to pay any additional training and accreditation fees.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on telephone +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
We offer prestigious scholarships to new international students holding offers to study at the University.
- For more information on these and other opportunities for funding please visit our international scholarships page.
- For information on how to pay your fees to the University please visit our international fee payment page.