Expand+How much will it cost in the Republic of Ireland?
We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spre...

Hide-How much will it cost in the Republic of Ireland?
We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spread the cost.

Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis – you won't have to pay for the whole of your qualification up front.

A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. Added together, they give you the total cost.

Most OU students study part time at a rate of 60 credits a year.

Our current fee for 60 credits is £3,228*.

Our current fee for 120 credits, which is equivalent to a year's full-time study, is £6,456*.

At current prices, the total cost of your qualification would be £6,456*.
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*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2023. Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees.

Additional costs
Study costs
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

Expand+Entry requirements
You must have an accepted qualification in an accepted relevant subject.

You must be an experienced early years (0–7 years) practitioner.

If ineligible for this top-up route, you may apply to transfer credits from your pre...

Hide-Entry requirements
You must have an accepted qualification in an accepted relevant subject.

You must be an experienced early years (0–7 years) practitioner.

If ineligible for this top-up route, you may apply to transfer credits from your previous study towards our BA (Hons) Early Childhood (Q89) or BA (Hons) Education Studies (Primary) (Q94).

Accepted qualifications1

Diploma of Higher Education
Foundation degree
Higher National Diploma

1You must have been awarded your qualification within the last five years.

Accepted subjects2

Early Childhood
Early Childhood Learning and Development
Early Childhood Studies
Early Years

2Holders of qualifications in related subjects may be eligible, but please note they must carry 240 credits. Contact us at FELS-EY-General@open.ac.uk for advice.

Download an application form. The application deadline to start in October 2022 is 19 August 2022. We can’t accept, and will not consider, applications received after this date.

Holders of the Foundation Degree in Early Years or Diploma of Higher Education in Childhood Practice from the OU don’t need to complete the application form. Email the Partnerships Team on partnerships-enquiries@open.ac.uk to register.

Expand+You can gain our Top-up BA (Hons) Early Childhood in one or two years. If you’re an experienced early years practitioner, this top-up route lets you count previous study in a relevant subject towards our Top-up BA (Hons) Early Childhood. You’ll n...

Hide-You can gain our Top-up BA (Hons) Early Childhood in one or two years. If you’re an experienced early years practitioner, this top-up route lets you count previous study in a relevant subject towards our Top-up BA (Hons) Early Childhood. You’ll need to have a Foundation degree, Higher National Diploma or Diploma of Higher Education in Early Years/ Early Childhood. Building on your prior study and experience, you’ll advance your professional development by completing two additional modules. They’ll cover working with children, and research with children and young people. This means you can achieve your degree in less time, while also gaining an excellent foundation for a career working with young children.

Key features of the course

Offers a fast-track route to gaining our BA (Honours) Early Childhood

Encourages critical understanding and reflection on contemporary issues and debates in early childhood

Prepares you for further research, study, enquiry and practice

Expand+Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding.
Cognitive skills.
Practical and professional skills.
Key skills.

The level and depth of your learning grad...

Hide-Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding.
Cognitive skills.
Practical and professional skills.
Key skills.

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Expand+Skills for career development
This degree is designed to contribute to the development of a highly skilled and effective workforce and to integrated coherent services for children. In addition to specialist knowledge and understanding of early child...

Hide-Skills for career development
This degree is designed to contribute to the development of a highly skilled and effective workforce and to integrated coherent services for children. In addition to specialist knowledge and understanding of early childhood, it emphasises independent thinking, develops analytical and communication skills and will help you become a clear and confident writer – all attributes that are highly valued by employers.

You will acquire a broad set of employability skills, including:

analysing, critically evaluating and effectively communicating information to others

competence in team and project work, supporting and/or supervising others

organising, synthesising and questioning opinions and arguments
evaluating the appropriateness of different approaches to problem-solving

managing and organising time, resources and information to support decision-making

reflecting on your own learning and performance and taking steps to improve it

using ICT effectively and being able to interpret data.

Career relevance
This BA (Hons) Early Childhood is an excellent foundation for entry to a range of careers working with and for young children and their families. If you are already in employment the degree may enable you to access a management role. The degree is also suitable for those wanting to move into careers in teaching, health or social work. Please note that GCSE passes at Grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths are normally required for post-graduate study and for teaching a GCSE Grade 4 (C) pass in Science is also a requirement.

The BA (Hons) Early Childhood may be helpful if you’re interested in further training for Early Years Initial Teacher Training (Early Years Teacher Status - Birth to 5) or post graduate qualifications in primary teaching with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). However, we cannot guarantee automatic progression to initial teacher education (ITE). Check with your local ITE training provider about their entry policy. For up-to-date information see the Department for Education website in England; the Teach in Scotland website in Scotland; and the Teacher Training & Education in Wales website. More information can also be found about routes to entering teaching by downloading our Becoming a teacher booklet.

Other careers
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.