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BA (Hons) Childhood Studies with Primary Education

UCAS CODE: X311 (Full-time) or X314 (Foundation Year)
TARIFF: 104 - 128 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)
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  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: Three or Four Years
  • Start Date: September 2025

Want to work with children? If you want to improve the lives of young people a childhood studies degree is your way of breaking into a new career in primary years education, childhood development, teaching or advocacy. 

Gain access to work placements, one to one tutor support and new insights from lecturers with professional experience. BNU supports a wide range of people from different academic backgrounds into the profession they love. 

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No. 1 in the UK for Student Satisfaction*
*Positivity ranking amongst registered students (NSS 2024)
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No. 1 Students' Union in the UK*
*Based on responses from registered students (NSS 2024)
Coming to BNU has given me the opportunity to study in a focussed and supportive environment. On the open days I felt really welcomed and the course lecturers were keen to support me to achieve my career goal, this has been reflected during my time here.
Morwenna Bone
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Why study BA (Hons) Childhood Studies with Primary Education?

Diverse range of career options within childcare and working with young people, this can be in education, research, and health and social care. Our degree can help you land a dream role wherever you choose to go. Develop deep insight and knowledge you need to become a valued and trusted support for the children and families you work with. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and work with front-line professionals who can help you feel confident and prepared for whatever path you choose beyond graduation.

On successful completion of our degree, you will have been able to combine theory-based learning with practice and understand what it means to be a professional. Our lecturers are experts and have rich experiences to share that will make your learning come to life. They're all former practitioners themselves meaning they can tell you all about the realities of working with children in different settings. What you learn in the classroom will always be linked to real-life practice.

In addition to our professional backgrounds, we also pride ourselves on our friendly and approachable teaching team, who make you feel included and valued as a student. We feel it’s important to not only teach you the theory but give you examples of how the theory can meet the needs of practice. With a team of professional lecturers who are dedicated to teaching, you will be able to find the support you need at BNU in order to reach your goals or explore your strengths.

Education in the early years is about sharing engaging, worthwhile experiences with children, linked to their interests and what they already know, thus building on their fascination and wonder at the world around them.
Wendy Scott, OBE
I decided to study at BNU due to the amount of placement time you get on my course, and how it is woven into the curriculum. The teaching team are extremely understanding and supportive, and often make themselves available if needed. There is an openness within the classroom, which allows you to ask questions no matter how big or small without fear of judgement or looking silly.
Annika Maidment

Our specialisms

Buckinghamshire New University gives you the opportunity to choose your specialism for your future career after your experience of the core curriculum in year one. Rather than having to make your big decision before you join us, we offer you the flexibility to choose the course which leads to your chosen speciality. You can choose between studying BA (Hons) Childhood Studies with Primary Education or BA (Hons) Childhood Studies with Early Years, after your first year, with no change to your application. 

If you are doing a foundation year this is a 4 year course. The foundation year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate programme. This is available if you didn't meet the entry requirements. 

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The quality of teaching is fantastic. The variety of teaching styles allows us students to get a range of skills and find ways we prefer to learn. Due to the slightly smaller scale of the university, you feel like you belong to more of a community. With BNU, there is something for everyone.
Morgan Wall

What facilities can I use?

Whilst studying with us you will also use our Apps anywhere web service, which provides access to many of the software applications you use for learning and studying. Apps Anywhere can be used from your own device or from a University owned PC or laptop, from any location.

Our library is packed with all the information you need for your assessments and there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study.

What will I study?

This course is ideal for you if you are considering a career in an early years related field. We will focus on important skills in the early years sector such as pedagogy, play development, wellbeing and child development in early years.

We’ll also focus on things like presentation skills and communication both with colleagues and, crucially, with the children and families you support.

This course enables you to follow your interests and career aims and is designed to prepare you to become confident and reflective professionals within the Early Years and Primary workforce. 

Our course aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of how children learn and develop from a range of perspectives, including play and school-based learning, sustainability, emotional wellbeing, safeguarding and the child’s place within family and society. 

We also give you an insight into the importance of inter-professional working and provide the opportunity to develop key employability and transferable skills valued by today’s employers which will give you an edge in a competitive jobs market. 

How will I be taught and assessed?

We assess your work in several different ways to reflect the different learning styles our students have, some of which are listed below:

  • essays and reports  
  • poster presentation or children’s books with explanatory rationale  
  • PowerPoint presentations with explanatory rationale or reflective commentary  
  • collage (a series of images used to illustrate the benefits of play)  
  • images (a series of sequential images to illustrate an aspect of childhood)  
  • reflective commentaries.  
  • observations of practice 
  • projects and exhibitions 
  • micro-teaching sessions  
  • training materials 
  • professional discussion 
  • portfolio of evidence
All staff have gone above and beyond to ensure that I am supported in every module by providing tutorials, guest speakers and workshops. Also, staff appear to want the best for the students so are available by email in between lectures which I have found really helpful, so you do not have to wait for support until the next lecture.
Morwenna Bone
Morwenna Bone

BA (Hons) Childhood Studies Programme Specification

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 104 - 128 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.

Please note, a typical offer requires GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Those with no previous study, work experience, or who do not meet the specified entry requirements, including demonstrating the necessary knowledge and understanding, are welcome to apply for the 3-year BA (Hons) degree, however may be offered the four-year programme which includes a Foundation Year.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

Core Modules
Learn the key principles of human behaviour and how they relate to other fields of study and practice. Discover more about the cognitive and social aspects of human behaviour such as how we perceive, remember and think, what motivates us, and how we interact with others. You will also develop your academic writing skills for research.
Discover how research drives the fundamentals of science degrees. You will explore the fascinating world of research and its different types, such as: Quantitative and qualitative research, Primary and secondary research, Experimental and observational research. You will also learn how to apply research methods in your studies.
Dive into the core principles and theories that form the foundation of education, sport, psychology, criminology, health and social sciences. This module will enable you to identify the principles of human science across different disciplines and apply them as you progress to your chosen pathway.
ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ the theoretical underpinnings of communication. We equip you with the skills to navigate various communication scenarios. You will develop an understanding of effective communication techniques, the influence of context, and the nuances of verbal and non-verbal cues. You’ll be better able to present your ideas to others.
Make the connections between multiple subjects within human and social science with this module. You will explore the theories at the intersection of human sciences. This will provide you with a platform to examine how different theories shape our understanding and contribute to the complexities of shared human experience.
Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, testing your problem-solving abilities. The module will see you taking part in industry focused studies in a group project. By the end of this module, you will learn how to think on your toes, lead and innovate to get the knowledge you learned from your degree into practice.
Core Modules
Credits
This module aims to provide you with an introduction to childhood studies, working in the early childhood and primary education sector. You will extend your knowledge of the wide range of issues surrounding children and childhood, including the sociology and social constructs of childhood and an introduction to how children learn through play.
This module supports the transition to higher education, providing you with the foundations for personal and professional development through academic study. It also serves as an introduction to reflective practice through your engagement with a variety of theoretical perspectives.
This module will engage you in preparation for placement and employment and introduce relevant professional standards (graduate competencies). It will provide you with the opportunity to prepare for an individually negotiated work placement linked to your chosen area of occupational interest.
This module covers a variety of complex issues relating to child protection. Situated within the context of safeguarding, learners will explore the concept of child protection, what constitutes abuse and encompassing children’s rights. We will explore the practitioners’ role and responsibilities within the safeguarding process.
This module aims to develop your understanding of how children develop in a holistic way, from conception to the age of eight, by examining dominant and competing theories, principles and concepts with recognition of the complex relationship between the environment and the child as an active agent in your own development.
This module will provide you with the opportunity to experience an individually negotiated work placement linked to a chosen area of occupational interest within early years or primary education sector. We will reflect on ethical principles and practice, through placement learning experiences to develop employability skills.
Core Modules
Credits
This module provides extensive opportunities for learning which is integrated with the workplace, particularly professional practice in Early Years settings and Primary Schools. Within this module your will consider statutory guidance, theories and common practice (case studies).
You will consider the philosophies and issues surrounding inclusion in its widest context. The module will explore the challenges of social and educational inclusion including promoting the rights, voice and advocacy of children and/or adults in an educational context.
The aim of the module is to provide you with an introduction to research methods and the skills necessary for planning and conducting research and enquiry within your field of study, discipline or profession. The course provides a foundation for further learning in specific research methods and will provide a basis for independent study.
This module provides you with an understanding of values that underpin the delivery of the STEM subjects in the Primary National Curriculum. Learners will develop an understanding of curriculum expectations and strengthen their subject content pedagogy. This module provides extensive opportunities for learning, which is integrated in the workplace.
Core personal and professional skills such as observation, reflective practice, ethics, and applying learning to practice through recognising professional responsibilities will be further developed and enhanced. We also explore the education sector providing opportunities for you to discover potential future employment.
Optional Modules
Credits
This module aims to introduce you to research into grief and loss, developing your understanding of children’s needs following bereavement or significant loss such as parental separation, migration, war and conflict, pet loss or loss of friendships. The module will explore socio cultural beliefs, common misconceptions that children are too young to...

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This module aims to develop your understanding of the National Curriculum guidance from England and a range of other countries. Your will develop a thorough understanding of the National Curriculum from a range of perspectives, analysing the underlying concepts and principles of UK and international curricula.
This module provides you with an understanding of the context and values that underpin the delivery of outdoor learning in the National Curriculum. Your will be encouraged to assess the potential benefits with outdoor learning experiences and understand the opportunities for personal, social and physical skills development.
Core Modules
Credits
This module will encourage debate on current and critical issues surrounding primary education policy and practice. Knowledge from other modules and critical reflection gives you the opportunity to reflect, share and debate what constitutes good practice when leading pedagogy.
This module is designed to build on current knowledge of research, allowing you to explore a topic of interest. Presentations and discussions will enhance knowledge of research including action research and evidence-based practice.
This module will develop learners’ skills and knowledge of contemporary leadership and management. It will examine the environment in which organisations function and the culture and professional standards and how these are adapted within the organisation. Learners will challenge assumptions and think in new and innovative ways.
Optional Modules
Credits
This module will explore children’s literature from a broad range of genres, including fairy tales, picture books and poetry. Consideration of a range of diverse and challenging topics will be examined to encourage theoretical analysis of individual authors.
This module will extend your knowledge of the psycho-social needs of children and families in current society. You will be introduced to issues such as attachment; the effects of separation; and the importance of developing resilience, self-regulation and good parenting to aid the development of healthy lifestyles at a young age.
This module is designed to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the concept of sustainability and the interdependence of natural, social, economic and political systems at local, national and global levels providing you with an increased awareness of how sustainability is situated in the context of educational environments.
Changes to the way teaching happens can often feel driven by technology as opposed to pedagogical choice. This module provides a basis for you to consider the use of technology in placement or practice to enhance learning and teaching. You will explore the processes underpinning successful teaching and learning using technology.

What are the tuition fees

Home
  • Home Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £5,760 *
  • Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 per year *
International
  • Overseas/International Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 *
  • Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 per year *

Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes. 

Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.   

Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.   

Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.   

We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU. 

The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our Enquiries team by calling 0330 123 2023 or emailing advice@bnu.ac.uk.

What are my career prospects? 

Once you’ve graduated with your degree in Early Childhood and Primary Education Studies, you’ll be well qualified to think about several different careers.

You could consider completing teacher training via School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), Early Years Initial Teacher Training, or even a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). You can also choose to study one of our postgraduate course like  here at BNU.

If teaching isn’t your thing, how about progressing into a position in social work, special needs, play therapy, charities and international development work. 

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