Why you should study Early Childhood Studies at University of Staffordshire

Unlike others, our Early Childhood Studies course meets Department for Education ‘full and relevant’ criteria, supporting progression into early years roles where practitioners can be included in staff-to-child ratios. It’s designed to give you the practical knowledge and confidence needed for real early years settings.

Across the course and your placements, you’ll develop Graduate Practitioner Competencies, gaining hands-on experience alongside professionals working with babies and young children. We’ll support you in building confidence, understanding professional roles, and identifying the career pathway that’s right for you.

We work closely with organisations such as Thrive at Five and the National Literacy Trust to offer meaningful placement experiences, giving you insight into real-world challenges and best practice in early childhood settings.

In Years 2 and 3, you can tailor your studies through specialist pathways in:

• Supporting children with SEND
• Supporting children’s mental health

These pathways allow you to focus on areas that align with your career goals.

You’ll also benefit from access to our own nature reserve and forest school, which we actively use in teaching - helping you explore outdoor learning, child development and wellbeing in inspiring environments.

If you have any questions or want to talk through your options, our team is here to help you make the right choice – email our Early Childhood Studies course leader, amanda.tayler@staffs.ac.uk