BA Early Childhood Studies top-up online

Awarding university and fee

This degree is awarded by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). The fee is all-inclusive.

About the Early Childhood Studies top-up

Course structure

You study 120 credits at Level 6. Graduate Competencies runs across the year and includes a 30-day placement. The university may update modules from year to year.

Entry requirements

You need a Foundation Degree, HND or other recognised Level 5 qualification (240 credits) in early years or early childhood, experience working with young children, a police or DBS check, and IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. Not there yet? See the full UK bachelor's pathway and talk to our advisers about the right Level 5 route.

Careers after an Early Childhood Studies degree

Other top-up degrees

What is an Early Childhood Studies top-up?

A top-up degree is the final year (Level 6, 120 credits) of a UK bachelor's degree with honours. If you already hold a Level 5 qualification in early years, you do not need to start a three-year degree from the beginning. You join the final year and graduate with a full BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner) in about 12 months.

Early childhood covers children from birth to eight years. The degree sits at Level 6 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework, the same level as any honours degree in the UK, and it is awarded by Anglia Ruskin University.

The 30-day placement

The Graduate Competencies module checks your practical skills against professional standards. You complete 30 days in an early years setting for children aged 0 to 8, such as a nursery, kindergarten, pre-school or the early years of a school. If you already work in one, the placement can be part of your job, so you do not need to stop working.

Who is this top-up for?

• Kindergarten and nursery teachers who want a full bachelor's degree.
• Early years assistants and room leaders aiming for a management role.
• Teaching assistants in the early years of school.
• Anyone in Turkey, Syria, the Gulf or elsewhere who works with young children and wants a UK degree without moving to the UK.

How to apply in four steps

1. Send your documents: your Level 5 certificate and transcript, CV showing your work with children, passport copy and, if you have one, an English test result (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
2. Check your eligibility: we review your qualification and experience and confirm whether you meet the entry requirements.
3. Receive your offer: the university reviews your application and issues the offer.
4. Pay and start: pay the all-inclusive fee and begin studying online in September.

Frequently asked questions