Show/Hide navigation
University of Reading University of Reading
Mobile search categories
mask
CHOOSE A SUBJECT
2025/26
2026/27

BA Children's Development and Learning

  • UCAS code
    XX32
  • A level offer
  • Year of entry
    2026/27 See 2025/26 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time: 1 Year

Study BA Children's Development and Learning and develop your skills in the children’s workforce with a vocational degree that relates directly to your work.

This course is a work-based route to a broad degree in education that enables students to progress to teacher training (such as EYTS or QTS). The majority of your assignments will be based around the tasks you complete as part of your job, enabling you to apply your skills directly to the workplace.

This course enables you to convert a Foundation Degree in Children's Development and Learning (or equivalent) to a full BA undergraduate degree. You do not need to have taken your initial degree through the University of Reading's partner colleges. This course is aimed at education practitioners who are working with children in an educational setting for at least 2.5 days per week.

This vocational degree is a work-based course, and the majority of your assignments will be based around the tasks you complete as part of your job. This enables you to apply your newly learned skills directly to the workplace.

All lessons are interactive and underpinned by theoretical information and research. You will cover a range of topics including child development, reflective leadership, and policy/legislation concerning children. You will also complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice.

In the National Student Survey 2024, 96% of our students said the course has developed the knowledge and skills they think they will need for their future (National Student Survey 2024, 95.73% of responders from the Institute of Education).

For more information, please visit the Institute of Education website. 

New UK/Republic of Ireland students:

TBC. The fee for 2025/26 was £8,145** per year. per year

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law. per year

**Students progressing from a Foundation programme

This fee does not apply to students progressing directly from the Foundation Degree in Children’s Development and Learning programme, who will pay £4,625 until 2026/27. per year

 

New international students: Not applicable

* UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government's guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

This course will provide you with a range of skills that will enable you to further your career as a professional working with children. It aims to equip you with the knowledge needed to effectively support them, monitor their development and achievements, and respond to changing circumstances. Our graduates go on to work in a diverse range of roles and settings including: working in SEND settings, working with children with English as an Additional Language, behavioural support, pastoral support, childcare, nurseries, primary teaching, health and social work or policy and charities. 

Upon completion of the course you will be well-placed to go on to further training for a range of careers within education or health and social care. Many of our graduates go on to complete one of our PGCE Early Years or Primary teaching courses or choose to study for a Masters in Education.