Level 6

Early Years Education and Disability Studies BA (Hons)

Duration Age Group Study Start Cost Available Locations
THREE YEARS ADULT FULL TIME 18/09/2025
£8,500 per year * Southend Campus
Duration Age Group Study Start Cost Available Locations
THREE YEARS ADULT FULL TIME 18/09/2025
£8,500 per year * Southend Campus
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If you require any support with your UCAS application, please contact the HE Admissions team headmissions@southessex.ac.uk

Overview

UCAS Code: X310

Early years education is one of the most exciting and rewarding occupations. This programme will equip you for a career in Early Years education, social work or management in the special education and social care sectors. As an early years education and disability studies professional you can help to transform children’s lives and create safe, stimulating and supportive learning environments.

Why study this degree at University Centre South Essex?

  • You will undertake valuable work placements that are linked your assessments
  • No exams, assessment is observation based, essays, research projects, presentations, MCQ Exercises, Short Answer Tests and Portfolios.
  • The flexibility of the course allows you to balance other commitments. The course is taught over three days consisting of one day placement and two days theoretical training

The fundamental aim of the BSc (Hons) Early Years Education and Disability Studies programme is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to apply theory, concepts, and ideas across multiple domains of the Early Years and Disability studies sector. In doing so, this programme will provide students the opportunity to hone skills and develop a strong understanding of the current educational landscape where inclusive practice is a key component. This degree brings together Early Years and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) practice across multiple domains, acknowledging the holistic view of human development and social justice. 

The programme focuses on the four key disciplinary strands of Early Years Education, Disability Studies, research methods, and employability. The combined focus on these core strands will ensure a well-rounded understanding of core concepts and theories both within and across multiple disciplines, fostering a level of critical thinking and personal development which will provide essential transferrable skills for a multitude of employability scenarios.

It is anticipated that graduates from the BA (Hons) Early Years and Disability Studies programme would progress to a wide variety of careers spanning Mental Health and Wellbeing, Special Educational Needs Advocacy and Support, and Education sectors. Some examples may include, although might require further training:  Early Years Teacher; Special Educational Needs (SEND) Teacher; Education Consultant; Family Support Worker; Learning Mentor; Play Therapist; Subject Teachers; Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO); Community Development Worker. 

Year 01 provides core knowledge covering Early Years Education and SEND theory. Students progressing to year two are able to choose an Early Years pathway or SEND pathway, depending on their interests and career goals. Year three allows students to complete a placement module and dissertation, combined with optional modules covering further aspects of Early Years Education and / or SEND studies.

In addition, the programme will also provide an enriched learning experience through a combination of tutor support, multidisciplinary teaching, and student commitment that creates both a challenging and supportive academic environment. Modules in years 1 & 2 link and then come together in year 3 to support students with independent study.  

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 64 UCAS points from one or more of the following:

  • Access to Higher Education Diploma
  • A Levels
  • T Levels
  • BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma
  • Or equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma
  • GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C (old specification) or Grade 4 (new specification) OR a Level 2 equivalent such as Functional Skills.

This list is not exhaustive, other qualifications may be considered. Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio/showreel of work,
personal statement and reference.

Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application, personal statement and reference.

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service)

All successful applicants for this course must undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before enrolling on the course. DBS identification documents are verified by trained staff in line with DBS guidelines as part of the admissions process. If applicants decide to choose us as their place of study our DBS team will be in contact to arrange this check usually around May/June, prior to enrolment to ensure this is in place for the start of term. There will be an administration charge for this service and you will be advised of this once you apply.

Students will not be enrolled until their DBS Disclosure Certificate has been completed and issued.

Disclosure and Barring checks cannot be carried out for applicants who are not, or have never been resident in the UK. Applicants who reside, or previously have resided overseas will be required to provide a criminal record check or certificate of good conduct from their country or countries of residence prior to entry on to the course.

Exceptional Entry

Applications from mature students who do not possess the entry requirements as listed above, but who possess related professional experience or professional qualifications, are welcome to apply. You will need to demonstrate by interview, exceptional entry portfolio (this is likely to include evidence of paid or unpaid work experience) and/or written assessment that you are suitable for the course. In the first instance we suggest you contact HEAdmissions@southessex.ac.uk to discuss your application.

Course Structure

Year one modules

  • Play based Teaching and Learning
  • Professional Practice in the Workplace
  • Introduction to Neurodiversity
  • Social Construct of Human Development
  • Perspective on Children’s Development
  • Introduction to Research

Year two modules – SEND pathway

  • Social Justice and SEND Practice
  • Communication Development and SEND Practice
  • Developing and Delivering Learning Support Programmes
  • Understanding Autism and Neuro-diverse Needs in Practice
  • Research Methods and Proposal

Year two modules – Early Years Pathway

  • Social Constructs: Social Constructs of Childhood: Families, Inequality and Social Justice 
  • Transitions and the Role of the Professional 
  • Pedagogy and Early Learning 
  • Exploring Science Mathematics and Literacy 
  • Research Methods and Proposal 

Year three modules

  • Dissertation
  • Professional Practice

Pluss two from:

  • Childhood in context; Where are we Heading?
  • Psychological Perspectives on Children’s Behaviour 
  • Safeguarding and Protecting the vulnerable families 
  • Mental Wellbeing in Childhood and Adolescence

Work Placement

Work placements are necessary during every year of the course which will be evidenced through a portfolio linked to Y03 Professional Practice module.

Teaching & Learning

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops, which enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of Independent learning. You will have 13 hours of contact time per week across two days. Contact time will consist of:

  • 2-4 hour lectures/seminars
  • Tutorial and dedicated one-to-one support when necessary

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars or workshops or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue to learn independently through self-guided, independent activities. This may typically include reading journal articles, books, periodicals and preparing coursework and presentations. A range of excellent facilities, including the library and online learning resources, the Learning Resource Centre and the Forum supports your independent learning.

Assessment & Feedback

You will be assessed using a variety of methods including:

  • Essays
  • Research Projects
  • Presentations
  • MCQ Exrcises
  • Short Answer Tests
  • Portfolios

Feedback

You will receive formative feedback as part of your modules and taught sessions with your module lead. You will also receive summative comments on all formal assessments undertaken by coursework.

Course Cost

Adult, full_time: £8,500 per year

Fees are per academic year for Home/UK students.

Additional course costs can be found here

What Next...

Possible career routes include teaching in primary school, special needs schools and the post-compulsory sector. 

Progression routes into teaching include:

  • Primary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Primary PGCE)
  • Graduate Teacher Training programme (GTTP)
  • School-based Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)

This degree also prepares you for employment in a wide range of other social care or educational settings.

Students wishing to pursue further study may continue at postgraduate level or continue in vocational training.

Graduates frequently undertake postgraduate study, including a MA in Social Work. Recent graduates have taken up management positions in special needs schools, whilst another now manages a children's unit. However, the great majority undertake teacher training and continue into the Early Years Education sector.