BA (Hons) Childhood Studies with Primary Education
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: Three or Four Years
- Start Date: September 2026
If you're passionate about shaping the future of children, the BA (Hons) Childhood Studies with Primary Education offers a comprehensive pathway into understanding childhood development from a holistic perspective. This course combines the study of child psychology, education theory, and practical primary education strategies, making it ideal for anyone eager to work in education, child welfare, or community services.
Gain access to expert teaching, tailored support, practical placement opportunities, and in-depth, relevant theory.
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
Unlock a wide range of rewarding career opportunities in childcare and work with young people across sectors like education, research, health, and social care. Whether you see yourself in the classroom, supporting families, or shaping policy, our degree equips you with the knowledge and insight to make a lasting impact. You’ll gain the skills and confidence to become a trusted and valued professional in any setting.
As well as this you’ll also connect with experts and practitioners throughout your studies, giving you real-world experience and a strong foundation for wherever your career takes you after graduation. You could also go on to further study, such as 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 PGCert Practice Education here at BNU.
From day one, you’ll explore evidence-based approaches to childhood development and education, while consistently connecting what you learn in the classroom to real-life settings, such as through placement opportunities.
Our lecturers, many of whom are former practitioners, bring a wealth of professional experience, offering valuable insights into what it truly means to work with children and families. Their stories, case studies, and hands-on guidance will help bring academic concepts to life, giving you a clear understanding of the practical realities of the field. By the time you graduate, you’ll not only understand the theory, you’ll know how to apply it with confidence as a future professional.
We place your wellbeing and development at the heart of our programme - equipping you with the support and guidance needed to grow into a confident, capable professional.
Some days may be demanding, which makes having a supportive environment essential. At BNU, we foster a close-knit, encouraging community where you can turn to both your peers and our dedicated teaching staff for support and reassurance through shared and individual challenges.
We take pride in truly getting to know our students. Throughout your course, you’ll benefit from personalised, one-to-one support from your tutors and the wider academic team.
We also understand that everyone learns differently. If you encounter difficulties at any point, we offer flexible learning approaches tailored to your individual needs - ensuring you stay on track and feel supported every step of the way.
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
What will I study?
This course is ideal for anyone considering a career in the early years or primary education sector. It offers a strong focus on essential areas such as pedagogy, play and learning development, child wellbeing, and early childhood development, all of which are fundamental to working effectively with young children.
In addition to subject knowledge, you'll also build vital professional skills, including effective communication, presentation techniques, and strategies for engaging with both colleagues and, most importantly, the children and families you support.
You’ll develop a deep understanding of how children learn and grow, exploring key themes such as sustainability, emotional wellbeing, safeguarding, and the child’s role within family, community, and society.
This degree provides the knowledge to work effectively with children in a variety of settings, not just in classrooms but also in social services, community outreach, and youth work. You’ll gain insight into how children learn, develop, and interact with their environments, making this course perfect for those who want to support children in meaningful ways, whether that’s through teaching, social care, or research.
The course also emphasises the importance of inter-professional collaboration and equips you with key transferable skills valued across a range of careers. Even though it doesn’t lead to a formal teaching qualification, the course offers a solid foundation for further study, such as a PGCE, or can take you into a rewarding career in childhood services, educational psychology, or youth advocacy. If you're passionate about supporting children’s growth and well-being, this course gives you the skills, knowledge, and flexibility to make a real difference.
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
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
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.
What are the tuition fees
Home
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Home Foundation Year, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £5,760 *
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Home, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £9,790 per year *
International
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Overseas/International Foundation Year, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £15,910 *
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Overseas/International, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £15,910 per year *
Please note all of the 2026/27 fees stated are subject to parliamentary procedure. Tuition fees are expected to increase each academic year in line with the maximum permitted value set by the Government for that academic year. The expected rise for Home undergraduate students (including those on a foundation year course), may impact both new and continuing students.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees cover most course costs, but you may need to budget for additional expenses. These can include specialist equipment, project materials, professional memberships, field trips or placements, as well as everyday student costs like printing, books and stationery.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our enquiries team by completing this form.
What are my career prospects?
Upon graduating with a degree in Early Childhood and Primary Education Studies, you’ll be well-equipped to explore a variety of career paths.
If you wish to pursue teaching, you might consider routes such as School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), Early Years Initial Teacher Training, or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Alternatively, you could further your expertise through one of our postgraduate programs, such as the PGCert Practice Education offered here at BNU.
If teaching isn’t your preferred path, there are many other rewarding opportunities available, including careers in social work, special educational needs, play therapy, charitable organisations, or international development.
Course leader
